Friday, February 14, 2020
From birth Donald was an energy to be reckoned with. Right from when he started to walk he was curious and exploring his surroundings while smiling or chuckling. Did he get into mischief? The fact that both he and Robin were nicknamed Wild and Wooly probably says it all. I have many memories of his childhood, and thru-out his life – too many to share. There is a couple that I feel are significant.
His tolerance for pain was very high and was a worry for Mum and Dad as they didn’t know when he was hurt. One episode was when sitting at the table eating ice-cream it was oozing out of a hole in his cheek. He had no recollection of pain but apparently was the result of some hanky panky between him and Robin. One day us kids went on a church group picnic on the banks of one of the rivers in our area. While messing around in the river my girlfriend got caught in a deep hole so I jumped in to save her. She got out but I was swept away. Fortunately I was swept up where my feet hit gravel so was OK but there was Donald, grabbing at me and helping me up the bank. He was about 6 at the time and claimed he had saved my life. I wasn’t going to disillusion him on his heroics so we went with that.
Donald has always been there for me thru-out life. My many travels would not have occurred if not for him encouraging (insisting) I join him. His sense of humor and positive outlook made being in his company a real pleasure. Quick to laugh and fill silences with song, which I loved, and lightened any mood. He was passionate about so many things but first and foremost, was his commitment to family and friends. He would phone often with updates and to check on my well being. Those calls always “made my day” and most times left me feeling in good spirits. At other times just left me wishing I lived closer. I will miss those calls and uplifting chats.
My thoughts are with Kay, Dane, Andrea, their spouses, and the grandchildren during this sad time. Donald, I was blessed with having you for a brother and you will always be with me – a part of my soul.
