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Welcome to the memorial page for

Donald G Beattie

April 4, 1943 ~ May 13, 2017 (age 74) 74 Years Old
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Message from Carly Pomeroy
July 18, 2017 5:24 PM

Uncle Don was one of the most generous and caring people I know. I'll always appreciate his mission to enjoy life and share what he enjoyed with others. I'm glad to see that there are so many people who loved him and were lucky enough to get to know him.
Message from Diane Gershenson
July 15, 2017 10:25 PM

I first met Don through Michelle. The first thing I noticed was his beautiful smile. Wow! Later it was his energy, positive attitude and willingness to help out wherever needed.
I remember after my father died Michelle made a big pot of soup. There was a knock at our door. Don and Brad stood smiling with their hands full of soup and food.
I remember Don and Michelle came over for lunch one afternoon. Don wasn't able to eat much but he was a trooper. They stayed longer than I am sure they planned. Throughout, we shared laughter, memories and even a dance.
Don and I both worked for Eastern but didn't know one another. Nevertheless, on our last visit we spoke of our love of Eastern and the wonderful memories we had. I wanted the reminiscing to go on and on. It couldn't.
Part of Don's legacy is a brilliant smile and mind, good manners, a helpful attitude, love of life, and, (says my husband,) a great golf swing.
Another part of his legacy is his love and caring for Michelle and Brad.
We will miss Don.
Message from allen ice
July 15, 2017 11:35 AM

I will miss don"s smile. Ive known don for over 30 years. We all enjoyed playing golf together with don. I will miss him.
Message from Rene Barth
July 10, 2017 10:40 PM

I met done through Michelle about eight five years ago. Don was instantly very kind and selflessly helpful! Loved his soft warm smile, and his love for his wife and son . Such a delight to meet such kind people in life. He will be missed
Message from Richard Farmer
July 10, 2017 8:48 AM

I knew Don for 30 + years. We played golf for many of those years. It was always Don that would get the group together, bring the beer, set up the teams and make it a fun day. Those were some of our best times together. We all miss you.
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A candle was lit by LEE & MYRA KINNEBREW on July 8, 2017 10:02 PM
OUR FRIEND FOR LIFE!!!!!! DON WAS TRULY "OUR" FRIEND, HE HAS BEEN A PART OF BOTH OUR LIVES FOR WELL OVER FIFTY YEARS. FRIEND CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO COVER OUR LIFE LONG EXPERIENCES WITH DON. DON MAKES SMILES EACH AND EVERYDAY WE SAY HIS NAME!!!!! FROM CLIMBING TOWERS ON THE LSU LEVEE, PARTS FLYING OUT OF THE 49 FORD, BLACK JACK DANIELS, GOLF BALL SHOWERS, ATO'S, CREST TOOTHPASTE, WEDDINGS, WOODEN PROPELLERS, ROCK'S FREE COFFEE REFILLS, THE PASTIME, FRATERNITY BROTHERS,PILOTS (DON WAS A REAL PILOT HE KNEW THE REASON AIRPLANES FLY), THE PET SQUIRREL, USAF PILOT TRAINING, AIRLINE PILOTS AND LOVE!!!! DON LOVED LIFE AND HE ALWAYS SHOWED THE REST OF US JUST HOW DAMN LUCKY WE WERE TO BE ALIVE, BY SHARING THAT ETERNAL DON BEATTIE SMILE!!!!!!! HE WILL BE MISSED BUT WE HOPE THAT HE WILL CONTINUE TO LIVE ON THROUGH OUR SMILES AS WE SHARE AND REMEMBER OUR "DON BEATTIE STORIES" WITH THE UTMOST FONDNESS AND LOVE FOR OUR DEAR LIFE LONG FRIEND, DON BEATTIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lee & Myra Kinnebrew
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A candle was lit by LEE & MYRA KINNEBREW on July 8, 2017 9:22 PM
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A candle was lit by Norma and Scott Hawthorn on July 7, 2017 10:40 AM
One of the greatest compliments one can say about another is that he or she does the right thing when no-one is looking. Don epitomized that statement. Some years ago, when my mother's health was rapidly failing, Don was in NYC on business. Unbeknownst to me or my fellow family members - and without any request on our part - Don, on a day when he could have enjoyed all that NYC has to offer, found a way using a variety of public transportation to make the 60 mile trek from NYC to my mother's hospital room in Trenton NJ. Once there, Don spent several hours visiting with my mother - both cheering her up and encouraging her to fight the good fight. My mother was extremely touched by Don's kindness which provided her much comfort during the final days of her life. Until Michelle told us about what Don had done, Don, himself, never even mentioned the visit he made to my mother because in his mind it was just the right thing to do. But that was Don, quietly doing the right thing when nobody was watching. Scott

Shortly after we moved into the neighborhood, I was in Publix when I heard children screaming and crying. As I rounded the corner I saw Don pushing a shopping cart with two small very unhappy boys. It was Bradley and another neighbor Griffin. And there was Don, as calm as could be, just doing his shopping. He was not one bit fazed by the scene they were making. I always admired him for that.
Don and I loved The Reader’s Digest. Of course, being frugal, Don waited for me to finish my copy before giving it to him. It made no sense for each of us to have a subscription. Now every month when the magazine arrives, I will think of Don. And of course, it is impossible to watch golf without thinking of him too.
Don was more than just a neighbor, he was a friend. I will miss him. Norma
Message from Nick Roselli
July 6, 2017 12:32 PM

Don was a family man, a great friend, great cook and all around fun person to be around. He would never hesitate to put others before himself. His love for his family is without measure. He will be greatly missed.
Message from Robbie Peskind
July 6, 2017 11:19 AM

Don Beattie was like a second father to me and the Beattie house was like my second home.

Brad and I were connected at the hip from 8th grade when we met, until present day. I don't remember the last time I rang the doorbell or even knocked when I would arrive at the Beattie's. Every time I would walk through the front door, I was always greeted with, "Is that my other son?!" I would take a seat on the couch and Don was ready to catch up about EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING. I was always happy to announce my golf handicap was getting lower and we always had plans to get out and play.

Don, Brad, my father David and I would spend a number of Father's Days together, playing golf, watching the U.S. Open and having a lot of laughs...those are the days I will always remember.

It has been almost two full months since you passed and it is a very odd feeling to think you are not around the house, music blaring, cleaning golf balls and getting ready for your next activity.

Your spirit was infectious and your love of life was obvious. I can only hope that I can bottle your energy and use a fraction of it in my everyday life.

I know Brad will make you and Michelle proud and I will miss you very much.

Love,

Your 2nd Son
Robbie
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A candle was lit by Robbie and Dani Peskind on July 6, 2017 11:18 AM
Message from Margie McSherry
July 5, 2017 9:59 AM

Don was married to my husband's cousin Michelle. He was an extremely interesting character. He was at our home last summer. I could have listed to his stories all day. He shared about his time in the service, flying, his family. Simply put, Don clearly had a love of life and people. When others spoke he listened wide eyed---a rare quality. Don is missed, not only by me but surely by everyone Don ever came in contact with.
Message from Michelle, his wife
July 5, 2017 9:51 AM

Don;s cousin, Susan, suggested that I tell the story of how Don and I met. It was part of my eulogy:

You all know how our romance ended, but you do not know how it began. When I was 17, my friends and I went to see a gypsy in Coney Island. The gypsy told me I would marry later in life to a man, who was exactly eight years older than I am, with blue eyes. She said I would travel all around the world.

In 1977, I transferred from my job at IBM in New York to an IBM job in Miami. I hated the cold weather and lived for the summers. Every night, I would go swimming in the pool for hours. I decided I would not say, “hello,” to anyone. I did not like anyone knocking on my door.

Then one fateful night in July of 1977, I was swimming in the pool with my head down. I heard this voice say, “Hey, my name is Don Beattie. What is your name?” I looked up to see the most handsome guy I have ever seen in my entire life, besides John F. Kennedy, Jr. He was standing under a palm tree and the lights from the tree lite up his teeth so they matched his white shorts and white shirt perfectly, contrasting so beautifully against his olive complexion.

He joined me in the pool. He told me he was a “Flight Engineer” for Eastern. I thought he fixed planes. I had no idea he was a pilot. I had never even met a pilot in my life. The conversation was going very well until he told me, “I prefer girls with nice asses.” Now, mind you, he did not say “big asses,” he said, “nice asses.” That is when I decided not to get out of the pool. Before I knew it, it was 2:00 AM and I had to work the next day. Finally, he got out of the pool first. My hands were so shriveled up.

He called me the next week and asked me out on a Wednesday night. I said, “I go to school at night.” He said, “Well, what about Thursday?” I told him that I went to school every night, which was a lie. I figured I was getting one shot at this guy and I was not going to blow it. He thought I was not interested in him. I would see him around in his pilot uniform with the most beautiful flight attendants. For six months, I worked my buns off. I was jogging at night and jumping rope in the morning. I lost 15 pounds. If I do say so myself, I was looking good!

I went to the pool one day in a bikini and high heels. His friend said to him, “Wow, that girl has some shape.” We started dating and he was constantly reminding me, “I am a pilot. I do not want to get married. I want you to date other men.” I would say, “I understand you completely. Who would ever want to get married?” Then I proceeded to plant items in my apartment, which made me look like the “Bachelorette of the Year.” He would get so jealous.

My Scottish mother, who had an expression for everything, used to say, “No boy can ever match wits with a girl.” She is so right. I wanted to say, “You’re screwed. The gypsy told me ten years ago that I was marrying a guy exactly eight years older than I am with blue eyes. Sorry, but you “fit the bill.”
Message from Brad Beattie
July 5, 2017 9:44 AM

My son posted this on his FB page. As we are not FB friends, I copied and pasted it.
On Saturday, we celebrated the life of my father, Don Beattie. My dad fought an incredibly courageous battle with pancreatic cancer and lived well beyond his original prognosis. His optimism and perseverance in the face of this aggressive disease is a testament to his character.
My dad was an incredibly interesting person. He traveled the world and was knowledgeable on a wide array of topics. He was a medevac helicopter pilot in Vietnam and flew jetliners for various commercial enterprises during his career. He was passionate about food, golf and his family. When he was well, he was the most active person I ever met. He would knock out chores like a machine, walk 18 holes and then go to the gym, all in the same day. Even in his retirement, he would say that there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Above all things, my dad was a good man. There is no task that he wouldn’t drop to help someone in need. He was an amazing husband, son and father. He did so many nice things for his dad and mother-in-law, in their old age, that nobody could keep count. He lived an exemplary life and was honest in everything he did. He was a person who did good deeds, because it made him happy.
Pancreatic Cancer is one of the most painful diseases to endure. My dad’s absence of pain during his illness was a true miracle. He never cursed God for his illness, but instead, counted his blessings. I saw God in his smile, which defied all human logic. I heard God’s voice when he offered me forgiveness for some of the things that I had done to him, before I got sober.
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to spend so much time with my dad and that I was able to turn my life around, in time for him to see it. I did not think I could get through this stretch of the journey without numbing myself, but in truth, I have never felt such strength as I have for the last few weeks. When I look back at my life, this will be a time when I can see that God carried me.
Saturday was a beautiful tribute to my father, who lived an amazing life. We were touched and overwhelmed by the support that we received from so many friends and family. We felt an abundance of love poured over us. It was truly amazing to witness. We are so sincerely thankful for the friends we have, who we consider to be family. We know that he had a smile on his face, as he watched from above.
It says in Isaiah 55:8-9: “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways” – “As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” I will never fully understand why things happen the way they do. I find comfort in my faith that one day, it will all make sense and in knowing that the sun never sets in Heaven.
Message from Gladys Vega
July 5, 2017 9:42 AM

Michelle & I became friends while we worked at Office Depot for many years. I met Don through his loving wife. Don was a loving son. Un creditable father and loving husband. When you have these qualities as a human you become the best in all you are. Don & I became very good friends and The Beattie family became my own family. I miss him very dearly but I know the Lord was waiting for him with his arms wide open & now he is in no suffering. RIP my dear Donny Boy you will be miss by everyone that loved you.🙏
Message from Larry Kenney
July 4, 2017 8:16 PM

I met Don in 1972 when our career path's merged. We had just moved to Miami to begin our airline careers after serving our time in the Air Force. From the beginning, Don was always the life of the party. Not just the life of the party, but the planner, host and caterer too. Our common interests in skiing and golf formed our friendship, but what really strengthened it was Don's demeanor. He was always upbeat and positive, never complaining. It was relaxing to be in his company. I greatly miss him.
Message from Michelle
June 27, 2017 11:32 PM

Donnie Boy-
I miss you so much. I keep thinking you are going to walk through the door. My whole life still revolves around you. I just cannot let go. I just did not think you would ever leave me. Brad and I are so sad. We talk about you always. Brad and your cat are such a comfort to me. .You would be so proud of Brad. I promise to keep your memory alive for the rest of my life. I love you. You were one of a kind.
Your wife, Michelle
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A candle was lit by Michelle Beattie on June 26, 2017 11:37 PM
Message from Rob Barbosa & family
June 26, 2017 6:33 AM

We knew Don while we lived in South Florida, great companion, a gentleman, and great cook!

Always good stories and conversations!

Message from Elizabeth Halvorsen
June 26, 2017 5:59 AM

Don had a zest for life, a beautiful smile and loved others. He displayed optimism and courage even under the most difficult circumstances. It was an honor to know him, and a pleasure to be in his company. May God keep you in his tender care tomorrow, as today.
Message from Kimberly English
June 25, 2017 9:19 PM

My first meeting with Don was when
He came to our house to drop Bradley off at our house in Delray. Now coming from Boca to our place in Delray. You would think he would have second thoughts leaving him but he was confident happy and thought the best !
Which it was although different from
Boca standards!!! I loved him and Michelle fro
The get go. Never fake. Always genuine. !
Real people. Not pretentious!! He was a wonderful person who will be truly truly
missed.
Message from Michele Rozeen
June 25, 2017 8:29 PM

My condolences again to you, Michelle and Bradley. Don was a very special person,, and made quite an impression on me. May the Lord bless you and keep you both. Don is now seated at the Right Hand of the Father in Heaven. He is watching over you both and will ways be in your hearts. Just as you will always be in his heart.

May Don's memory always be for a blessing.

Much Love

Michele Rozeen 💜
Message from Debbie Benevento
June 25, 2017 5:54 PM

I have only had the pleasure of being in Don's company a few times and they were all during his fight against cancer. He was an inspiration with an ever positive attitude, a strong desire to not miss out on any fun, and interesting and enlightening stories about his life. He was a genuine great guy and will be missed by all who knew him.
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A candle was lit by Debbie Benevento on June 25, 2017 5:50 PM
Message from Mary Tomchay
June 25, 2017 2:02 PM

I met Don in the '70s at Kendall House. He had movie star good looks from the first time I saw him until the day he died. You cannot picture him without a big, beautiful smile. Marrying Michelle had to have been one of the smartest decisions of his life. She made his life exciting and fun and no one could have taken more loving care of him. Brad has the best of both genes and to me is a clone of his sweet father. RIP, Love Mary
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A candle was lit by Kim Bloechinger on June 25, 2017 1:57 PM
Message from Kim Bloechinger
June 25, 2017 1:55 PM

Don was a man's man..,, there are not many around these days...a gentlemen and shared
In others good fortune as it were his own ...
He loved our kids ... and got a kick out of
Our kids having kids...
I think of Don and see his huge smile...
Our last conversation he was so filled with
Admiration for his son Brad...
He was so grateful to have Michele and Brad
Taking such good care of him... He was the one that felt blessed.....
Message from ELEANOR CONDENZIO
June 25, 2017 12:22 AM

I had the pleasure of meeting Don on a few occasions. He was very charming, handsome, and a wonderful host. He seemed to love company and loved to tell stories especially about flying. I'm sad for Michelle and Bradley because they miss their beloved husband and father. The happy times they shared will always keep his memory alive.
Message from Ron Honig
June 23, 2017 10:26 PM

I knew Don for several years at Centurion. Always a smile on his face and never once saw him angry. A good pilot and a good man. I once gave Don a bottle of a insanely hot sauce that my Thai wife deemed too hot to put on food. Don liked it! Rest in peace Don.
Message from Denise Yopp
June 23, 2017 9:03 PM

Oh my, I don't know where to start. Don was one of the few most handsome man I have ever seen. When he walked by through the apartment complex we lived in in the 70's everyone's head turned. He was tall, strong, friendly, kind gentle, and did I mention handsome?? Don was always eager to help anyone and everyone. He was always running around doing something, a bundle of energy. There aren't many people like he was. He always had a positive thing to say to everyone, an optimist. He had a full life taking advantage of every opportunity. He will be greatly missed.
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A candle was lit by denise yopp on June 23, 2017 8:54 PM
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A candle was lit by Sonia Gioia on June 23, 2017 6:56 PM
Message from Sonia Gioia
June 23, 2017 6:56 PM

Not only did I lose a friend but also a good neighbor. I had the please of being Don's friend for the last 30 years. He was always on the go, always had a smile or a wave for you. When he had time he would stop to chat and his conversations were always very interesting. I miss you Don very much...............when we meet again my dear friend.. Michelle and Bradley were always here for you.
Message from Donna
June 23, 2017 5:12 PM

Words will never express the sadness I feel. I have known Don and Michelle for many years. Don always had a smile and a twinkle in his eyes. I was able to talk to him a few months before he died, Don said he wasn't afraid only sad to leave Michelle and Bradley. He also told me if it wasn't for Michelle he wouldn't have gotten as much time as he did, Don was quick to say Michelle was a great caretaker wife and mother. We all miss Don but I will always cherish our last talk and our years of friendship..
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A candle was lit by Sarah Dillard on June 23, 2017 5:00 PM
Message from Jerry McSherry
June 23, 2017 2:51 PM

Kind, knowledgeable, considerate and very personable is how I'll always remember Don....Sometime back in the eighties while at my Aunt Mae's house, Don was replacing the kitchen switch, and making other repairs around the house... For some reason, this just stayed with me....See u when the Lord returns, Donny boy...
Message from Steve Stong
June 23, 2017 2:37 PM

Don what a special person and what a remarkable life! We played a lot of golf together. He was a student of the game always working on the next secret move. I always smile when I think about his unique performance in the First Annual Drunkfeast invitation Golf Tournament. We also went on an annual ski trip with some other retired airline pilots. He was always so much fun to be around. We will miss you Don.
Message from Linda Boswell
June 23, 2017 1:34 PM

Donald and his family have been my dear friends for nearly two decades now. I will always remember his beautiful disposition, smile and positive attitude about life! He was given the gift of wisdom, since his wife and son, family, parents, and friends were so important to him and dearly loved by him. His accomplishments were many, but recognizing his Creator, being a loving husband, father, son, and friend to so many were indeed among his greatest accomplishments. He will be dearly missed!
Message from Maurice
June 23, 2017 12:22 PM

Don was a wonderful, fun loving guy and a good friend. I will miss him dearly.
Message from Jean Davidson
June 23, 2017 12:06 PM

I first met Don in 1961. Even at that time, he was considerate, persistent and passionate in pursuing his desires.and dreams. This seemed to remain true for his entire life making his passing even more difficult for those who knew and loved him. To Michelle and Brad, my deepest sympathy for your loss and prayers for the days ahead. Sincerely, Jean Davidson
Message from Susan Gravino
June 23, 2017 11:44 AM

I never had the pleasure of meeting Don, but I know Michelle and I know how devoted she was to him and their family. Her expressions of love were touching and sincere. I believe that our loved ones who depart are never too far away and I hope the family takes comfort in knowing Don is at peace and watching over you always.
Message from Andrew
June 23, 2017 11:15 AM

I only met Don once a few weeks before he passed. He had such determination to fight and go on even in the face of adversity.

He was a gentleman, an intellect, and a great conversationalist. I so looked forward to discussing planes and flying. Sadly we wont be able to.

Our condolences to Michelle and Brad.

Andrew & Danit De Maio
Message from JORGE A BARCO
June 23, 2017 11:10 AM

To Don's family, he was a great pilot and great to work with. Had a good sense of humour and was enjoyable to be around. I have only fond memories of flying with him at Challenge Air Cargo. By the way, he sure always looked a load younger than he was. He had found the secret fountain of youth somewhere. Best regards to all of you, I'm sure he will be missed. Jorge Barco
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A candle was lit by JORGE BARCO on June 23, 2017 11:06 AM
Message from Russell Blythe
June 23, 2017 10:53 AM

Knowing Don was too short but on the occasions we spoke, laughed and share memories from our lives it was an honor. Michelle and l have too things in common...We have both lost a loved one to this terrible condition. Don showed his Bravery as did my Sister in 2001, she was 45...So may we Praise Don for his Fight to prolong his life for Michelle and Bradley...
Message from Kevin O'Leary
June 23, 2017 10:30 AM

My Dad (Joe O'Leary) loved talking with Don and spending time with him and his family. There are many times that Don welcomed Dad into their home. When I let Joe know that Don was sick he was very concerned and was keeping Don in his prayers. It was also so kind of Don and Michele to attend our wedding in NC 33 years ago. I will never forget that day. Rest In Peace Don, you will not be forgotten.
Kevin O'Leary
Message from Michelle
June 23, 2017 10:26 AM

My dearest Donnie Boy -
I vow to keep your memory alive for as long as I live. You will not be forgotten. Bradley and I miss you so much. Until we meet again, all my love always.
Your wife, Michelle
Message from Florence Harty
June 23, 2017 10:12 AM

I worked at Brad's preschool and Don would always have the biggest smile when picking up or dropping off his son. That smile could light up a room. He always made everyone feel like a friend. He could lift your mood with a simple greeting. He was real. He left behind a beautiful family and a world better off for having him be a part of it for too short of a time. Fair skies and following seas, captain!
Message from Marissa
June 10, 2017 8:38 AM

My deepest sympathies to the family of Mr Beattie. May the words at 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 be of comfort always
Message from Bud Robbins
May 19, 2017 8:36 AM

While I'm did not personally know Don, please know that we are all diminished when we lose one of our own. He must have been a great guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Bud Robbins
Vice President
Retired Eastern Pilot's Association
Message from Pacific Northwest
May 18, 2017 9:46 PM

I flew with Don for many years at EAL. When layoffs started, he lost his seat up front. Undaunted, he immediately started flight training and became a Flight Attendant. It was fun because it was educational to him, learning life on the other side of that door. He was great as a F/A, always happy to help, smiling that smile. I enjoyed knowing him and working with him as a pilot and as a F/A. RIP Don. Go see your dad.
Alexa
Message from Mary Tomchay
June 25, 2017 1:47 PM

Wow. That shows so much character. Mary Tomchay.
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A candle was lit by Rick and Rosie (McSherry) Zeron on May 18, 2017 9:19 PM
Message from Bob and Brenda Fuhrman
May 18, 2017 6:42 PM

Don was and will always be a very special friend to me. We were young men together and this will never change even if time imposes its right of passage. Flying, Golf, A Good Laugh, Friends, and Our Families this is what will always matter in our friendship. My sincere condolences to Michelle and Brad.
Bob Fuhrman
Expression of Sympathy

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A Tradition and Splendor was ordered on May 18, 2017

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A candle was lit by Cheryl Lewis on May 16, 2017 5:48 PM
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A candle was lit by Jerry Ward on May 16, 2017 4:02 PM
Message from Jerry Ward
May 16, 2017 4:00 PM

I was a Delta pilot and one of Don's skiing buddies. I liked Don a lot, always fun to be with. He will be missed.
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