Don S Final arrangements

[achris]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

I hope Don liked coffee....

Thank you Rick and Rainie, that was beautiful.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

Mods, again - just absolutely outstanding work. Rick and Rainie, thanks you for going those extra steps (beautiful Stinson, BTW).

Rarely does one see such an outstanding act of kindness. Let alone from a group of people who's connection is a rather anonymous one. I'm grateful to have been around to see such a beautiful and kind gesture.

I'm sure Don would have been very moved ? though, he'd have absolutely no idea how to tell anyone that he was moved

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

A wonderful send off in a fitting vintage aircraft. Thank you Rick and Rainie. Definitely RRR!

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

Being a pilot and aircraft mechanic, I'm very impressed with the old Stinson. Old iboats member, old plane. Sounds good! It's just sad he was an active member here now he's ashes. Death is so final.

I just watched the video. Hearing that engine throttle back out over that water made my stomach tighten. Glad it was intentional.

 

[gverb1219]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

.............absolutely beautiful send off to a very special person. Don is back to the ocean, where all life started. I never spoke to Don, but did get a little taste of his personality and friendly sarcasm from all his post answers and replies.

........after reading this part .........

.....Don wasn't a flyer but he was USAF...... Good enough for me!

I can't help but seeing Don's face (the wizard face icon) bantering with Rick as he brought Don up to the cockpit window and opened it. I imagine it going something like this...........

Thanks for the plane ride Rick. What a beautiful view from up here. You know, I never really liked flying much but your piloting skills are to be commended........such a smooth ride. laneas Rick moves Don to the side window) WOW, we're really high up here.....very cool. Hey Rick, your window is a bit opened.............Rick............why you opening the window..........hey, we're gettin a little close to the opening there pal.....:concern:..........Rick what are you doing......RICK......BRING ME BACK INSIDE.....:yell:...........hey, why don't you land this thing and take me for a boat ride instead............Rick, Rick, Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiick...........:scared:.................YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAA........eace:.

Fair Winds and Following Seas Don....................

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

^^^ ^^^ I figured his conversation w/ Rick would be more like:

Couldn't have popped for a Chock Full -O- Nuts can?

Nice tribute & video HT, and I don't think there could have been any more perfect conditions for his send off.

 

[BradC-iboats]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

All of us at iboats are so pleased with how the arrangements worked out. A special thanks to Rick and Rainie and everyone who contributed and made this possible. The iboats Forums will never be the same without Don, but we will forever be grateful for the tremendous influence he made and the countless boaters he helped.

 

[wilksCraft]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

nicely done iboats....was just reading some of Don S's responses to old threads earlier today...didn't have the pleasure of knowing him but awesome tribute....RIP Don.

 

[chriscraft254]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

Well done I-boats team and friends. The oceans of the world are the most peaceful and beautiful place on earth to some and I am sure that Don S saw it this way. He will be remembered here by many long after he is gone by many that never really had the pleasure of even meeting him.

Again, well done I-boats team for taking care of Don S in his final voyage. Don S, Point that bow into the seas and hit the throttle buddy, gods speed!.....

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

Nice touch, Rick, with pix and video. You put as all right there for the burial at sea. Kudos! :thumb:

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

Thanks guys!

Yesterday was a fairly long day!

But both of us after about 300 miles in that "old" [1947] Stinson, felt quite a sense of accomplishment!
I have owned and been flying that particular airplane for 32 years! .......and It's STILL fun!

 

[bassman284]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

Words fail me. Thanks Rick & Rainie

 

[rbh]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

WOW!!!
I am also at a loss for words, for those that participated in making this happen, Thank You.

It is acts of kindness like this that puts this site above all others.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

I keep this by my desk. RIP, Don.


CROSSING THE BAR.


Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,


But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.


Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;


For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

Alfred Tennyson

 

[treedancer]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

I could hear Don barking at us, "all you needed to do was handle this back in July and there would be no hassle now. Why'd you go and make it so difficult?" And I'd say, "yeah, I guess you're right." And he'd say "well yeahhhh" in his drawn out way with a little chuckle added in to soften it. Miss you, Don. Godspeed.

Edit: I so wish I had a recording of his voice. I really miss talking to him, and I'd love to share it with those who never had a chance to actually talk with him. Picture his avatar with a Santa Clause voice and chuckle, and you'd pretty much have the Don I knew on the phone. I almost wish we hadn't found the picture. The wizard in his avatar was the Don I knew in my mind's eye.

Dang I forgot who found the pic Speak up.

Thanks QC,HT,and the mod team.WELL DONE.:thumb:

 

[ricohman]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

Extremely touching.
Having just buried my own father a couple weeks back, it really choked me up to read all this.
What a great place iboats is.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

Beautiful! Not a cloud in the sky and fair seas for miles. I'll take that any day of the week. We should all be so lucky to have such decent and dedicated friends. May the Old Oracle rest in peace.

Along with many other things in life, I'm particularly grateful for my iboats family this year. Good health and happiness to all on T-Day and beyond.

 

[64osby]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

Bravo to the moderation team, iboats host, some members closest to Don and HT and crew.

Operation Oracle back to the Sea is amazing and heart warming.


Rest in Peace Don.

 

[dypcdiver]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

The simple "thank you" that I gave to Don now seems inadequate, when I realise what and how much he gave to the members here.

 

[adamjr]

Re: Don S Final arrangements

I've been away for months and had no idea. Thanks to those that made the arrangements and to the great people that carried it out in such a beautiful and fitting sendoff. Never in my life have I met someone so giving of both his valuable time and knowledge as Don. He will be truly missed by anyone that ever communicated with him.