14 responses to Don A. Gay

1. 

   George Griesel says:

   November 23, 2005

   Sounds like a great Dad. I’m glad he lived so long.
   George Griesel

   Reply
2. 

   Ken Ronnow says:

   November 23, 2005

   Condolences to the family. Mr Gay
   was a fine man, whom I knew since the 50s, when I was in school with Bud. My recollection is simple;
   he was a nice guy. And, he had a long, good life. We should all be as fortunate.

   Reply
3. 

   Larry Ronnow says:

   November 23, 2005

   Our condolences to your family.
   The good old days in Downey are still a good memory..

   Reply
4. 

   Barbara, Mike and James Cerio says:

   November 25, 2005

   Dearest Cousins,

   Please accept our deepest sympathy in this time of loss. The world was a better place because of Uncle Don. Both he and Aunt Elizabeth were very close to my heart. They both gave so much of themselves to so many people.

   At this time, I remember the stories of Uncle Don and my Dad sadly gone, also during WWII. Aunt Elizabeth always said that when Dad was home on shore leave, he and Uncle Don would sit on the floor in their pajamas and play chess all day long. Hard to picture that, isn’t it? Especially from the perspective of we ‘kids’.

   When I moved to California, Uncle Don and Aunt Elizabeth were my closest family. We spent uncountable special occasions together as well as day-to-day events. My life – and that of my family – was much richer because of them.

   Two days after starting my new job, when I got out of the Air Force, my car irrevocably broke down. I was alone, and, of course, called them for advice. Uncle Don and Aunt Elizabeth loaned me one of their cars to continue going to work. After driving small a 2-seat sports car, the Lincoln Mark IV seemed to me to take several lanes on the freeway! Each night after work, I went to their house, where we would have dinner and discuss the cars Uncle Don had researched that day. On Saturday, we went up to Longo Toyoto where we found a basic yellow Celica through the fleet dealer. Uncle Don asked if I liked that car, as he felt it was an excellent one. Of course I liked it, but as I explained to Uncle Don, I had only worked at my job for a week since getting out of the military. I would write to my federal credit union in Alabama and ask them for a loan. To my total astonishment, he took out his checkbook and said, “I hope Betty hasn’t written too many checks this week.” and proceeded to write a check for the car. Two weeks later, I had the loan money, and paid him back in full. This whole incident still brings tears to my eyes. Uncle Don had more faith in me than I had in myself.

   Uncle Don was always a man of honor. His word was his bond. His family was more important to him than any worldly possession. He lived his life by a standard that seems sadly out of date to many people today. I am proud to have known him, and proud to call him my Uncle.

   During this time of grief, I pray that you will remember the good times of his life and the happiness he gave each of you.

   Big Hugs,
   Barbara

   Reply
5. 

   Brian Brandow says:

   November 25, 2005

   Very glad I got a chance to know papa. With both my grand father’s passing before I was born it was nice to spend time with a dad, grand father, great grand father like him. I was always amazed at how his great grand kids always brought a twinkle to he eye, a smile to his face, and could distract him even from the ball game on TV! Always his our hearts. Love Brian , Evan, Claire, and Sean.

   Reply