Started working for Don right out of high school. He founded the company that I now own (purchased in it pieces, over the last few years, from him). When I started working for him it was 15000 sq/ft with three molding machines. Together we grew it to 23 machines (now automated) and over 60000 sq/ft. Between plastic and some real estate deals he credited me with making him rich (when his memory was working lol). Truth is he had a bit of faith in me and balls of steal. He is a true story of risk reward gone right with a little luck to boot.

He was a multi stroke survivor and has been on oxygen 24/7 for years now. Up until last a Wednesday he would get the mail for the shop each day and cart around the shop each afternoon. Up until last week we would meet every Sunday at 2 p.m. and he would go over his list of notes he had collected (in his head) and let me know what I was doing wrong that week! Usually was spot on!

He was a world explorer (not tourist) who often bribed locals to arrange his stay with nearby tribes (all over the world). He was a pilot and diver. He hated procrastination and any form of lazy.

He was a mentor, a great father figure and a friend to me. One of the most charitable people I knew.

He died in his sleep. The way he always wanted to go!

My condolences, sounds like he was a great man.

Hope you are just as successful. well done.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Its great when someone believes in you like that and it can be greatly missed.

I am sorry for your loss and also glad for your opportunity to learn and grow under someones mentorship. It has obviously been a gift to you in your life. It is good that you share your experiences and memories with others that we all may see the way the world should be when things work out and are done right.

Sorry for the loss of your friend and mentor.

God speed not many men like that around anymore.

My condolences to you sir. I am sure your friend would be proud to see what you have shared about him and your relationship with him. May he rest in Peace! And may you find the strength to carry on and continue to make him proud!

Sounds like a heck of a man and mentor. He's now off to explore his final "world"

Sorry for your loss.

Truly sounds like a great friend!
Remember the good times.

Rest in peace, Don. Sounds like a man worth knowing.

RIP

Sorry for your loss

God bless you and Don.

Reminded of a couple funny stories today. One day he came to the shop on a chilly day and told me to grab my coat. i told him I was fine and what did he need. He hollered just get your coat! Grabbed it jumped in his car and in a few minutes we arrived at his plane minus a side door. He said strap in! I did as he handed me his camera. This is before cell phones and what not. Next thing I know we are side ways in flight over the shop, me with one foot over each side of the missing door hole, taking air pics of the shop. Still have the pic somewhere. That is how he got things done!

Sorry for your loss, he sounds like a great man.

Praying