Somber news for iboats forums members.

[colonel_sanders]

We are saddened to announce that we have recently learned one of our iboats forum Moderators, and more so our friend, GA_Boater passed away the first week of March, 2022 of natural causes. The man behind the @GA_Boater handle is Don Wilson; and like so many of our friends who have sailed on ahead, Don is an irreplaceable member of our community.

On the forums, Don’s regular posts, sharp no-nonsense style, and fun gags were readily seen. What is less known is how much work he put in behind the scenes on technical issues. He did an immeasurable amount of work for us all, sorting out quite a bit of technical detail. A little gruff, and “old-guy-ish” at times (Don was still using a flip-phone which he took a considerable amount of ribbing over), anyone would enjoy getting to know the real Don: an honest-to-goodness rocket scientist. Amazingly smart, and quickly able to think about things from an angle you weren’t expecting, he always held your interest and provided real help when needed. Don is a US Veteran having served with the US Air Force until 1968 as a flight simulator specialist.

We apologize for how long the news has taken to release to the community. However, it took several days for us to make contact with Don’s family and be sure of what had happened. May our dear friend Rest In Peace.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Rest in Piece Don

 

[tpenfield]

RIP Don.

I always enjoyed the discussions I had with him over the years.

 

[matt167]

RIP Don, He helped me numerous times through the years, always a good guy.

 

[jbcurt00]

You will be missed Don, fair winds my friend.
RIP

 

[88 Capri (2022 SOTY)]

Rest in Piece Don.

 

[dwco5051]

We discovered that we were both from the same small town in Western Pennsylvania after I posted a picture of a dirt track race car on I-Boats that he recognized. Though he was younger than me we PM'd a few times about some of his cousins I knew well. RIP Don

 

[southkogs]

I'm struggling to come up with more words: it isn't quite enough to say Don was a good friend and I'll miss seeing him online.

Fair winds Don.

 

[ShoestringMariner]

Sincere condolences to Family and Friends

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... Farewell ole friend,..... You are missed,.....

 

[aspeck]

We lost a great friend and iboats asset. Rest In Peace, Don. May you again be united with your lovely wife, Cheryl.

 

[BWR1953]

I was shocked to learn this. Don helped me a number of times here on the board.

May he Rest In Peace.

 

[JASinIL2006]

How very sad… he left his mark all over this place and he helped many of us. RIP, GA_Boater.

 

[flyingscott]

He will be missed.

 

[froggy1150]

Go with god

 

[chevymaher]

Condolences to all members and his family. I recently lost my mother so I was tender to this subject still. Say hi to my mom Don. Thank you for your post and encouragement. May your spirit bring your family some peace.

 

[gm280]

While I never met him in person, I did enjoy our comments back and forth. I am very sadden to hear of his passing indeed. Condolence to his friends and family.

 

[cptbill]

RIP Don, Prayers to his family

 

[alldodge]

Another one of the good ones lost. Condolences to his family

 

[sangerwaker]

RIP Don.