Donald "Don"'s Memory Wall
We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Donald "Don" here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Don was my super buddy at Potawatomi Zoo. I loved working with him, knowing that he would add so much joy to the time we were together. All of us volunteers will miss him terribly. Sincere condolences to Aggie and the kids.
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Patty Fowler
August 14th, 2022 at 10:56am
Don was my favorite pickleball partner @ the Y! He was a protector, an advocate and one of the brave. My son & I already miss him, his t-shirts and humor as we were lucky to have crossed paths. Our deepest sympathy to his loved ones.
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Susan and Sam Rice
July 14th, 2022 at 6:22pm
I interacted with Don for many years at the VA. His service to his country in the air force in Vietnam was very important to him. He also had strong opinions on how things should go politically in this country and was not afraid to state his opinions. I will really miss his wit, interest in other people, and desire to get them laughing or interacting. He wore T-shirts which were guaranteed to get conversations started, and had easy smiles for people. I counted him as a real friend.
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Coral
July 6th, 2022 at 8:09pm
I worked with Don at the St Joseph public library and enjoyed every minute of it. His wit and sense of humor were tops. I also like that he was never hesitant to state his opinions. My sympathy to all those affected by his passing.
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Jeff Yircott
July 1st, 2022 at 4:09pm
Sorry to hear of Don's passing - I was friends with Don for over 35 years and miss him greatly - We met at the Docent training school at Brookfield Zoo. Don gave it his all and became a really great docent, doing this for at least 20 years. I still recall how elated he was when he received his "20-years of Service Docent Pin". Back in those early days we played on the Docent softball team (Don was first-baseman), and played Racquetball regularly - While I was a few years younger than Don, I will have to admit he certainly won most of our matches. Don always give it his best effort - at the Maude Preston Library he was awarded the "Volunteer of the Year" in 2011 - that link is partially available - https://www.heraldpalladium.com/localnews/st-joe-library-volunteer-gives/article_122c36a5-098c-53b4-bd06-e887d6b9aa10.html' St. Joe library volunteer gives 110% ST. JOSEPH - Don Blaha believes in giving his 10 percent, and more. www.heraldpalladium.com And he had a wonderful sense of humor! My sympathies to his family and friends ... Chuck Norvil
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Chuck Norvil
June 29th, 2022 at 12:51pm
You will be deeply missed. Hope there is pickle ball in heaven. You touched many lives with your sense of humor. Rest In Peace.
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Rozanne & Rick MacDonald
June 28th, 2022 at 4:42pm
Don was a beloved member at the YMCA. He always could make you smile and laugh with his crazy t shirts he would wear and he was never afraid to voice his opinion. I will always miss our conversations when he would walk in and asked if I ever went home, but the truth is neither did he since he was always here too. May he find peace in the afterlife, and may his family find comfort in the memories they have of him. My condolences.
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Marissa
June 27th, 2022 at 3:56pm