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On Friday, December 20, a friend of ours passed away.  He was only 58.  His name was Don Rohde. I feel compelled to tell you a little about this exceptional man.

 He had stomach cancer in 2000.  He beat it for a while; he was in remission.  In November during a routine checkup it was discovered that the cancer was back and had begun to invade his organs.  It was labeled terminal; he was not expected to see Christmas.  He lost the battle the other day.

 Now, I don't usually post about a friend passing away-I have had several since I became a member. However, I felt that Don was a exception.  Please allow me to pay tribute to "Sweet Don".

  You see, his son Brad loves to bestow nicknames; he is the one who chistened his father "Sweet Don." (Brad's nickname, BTW, is Hoss-if you knew him you would know what a perfect fit that is.)  There really was no other way to label Don; he WAS sweet. When he was told about the cancer returning, did he lament "Why me?" Did he rant and rave and feel sorry for himself? No. He said "Bummer." That's it. And he went on.

 That was Don.  He was one of the most kindest, gentle and generous of souls. He truly would have given you the shirt off his back, and then ask you if you needed his pants! Always the first to lend a helping hand. Always the first to say "How can I help? What do you need?" Always the first to pick you up if you were down. That was Don.

 He was a wonderful family man. He was a very large presence in his families lives, but in a quiet, unassuming way. The many pictures displayed at his wake were mostly filled with his children and/or grandchildren. Always with a smile. Always with a mischevious twinkle in his eyes.
 When I first met Don over 10 years ago, he had injured his back at work; it became progressively worse. He endured operations and physical therapy with aplomb. I never saw him whine or complain. Not once. It affected the way he walked, and one could tell when he was in pain by that walk. Sometimes it hurt me to watch him walk. He had to be in pain. He had to be! The most I've ever heard him complain was "Hurts a little today." with a little shrug. No biggie. That's it.

 He was great fun to hang with. His son Hoss has thrown some memorable bashes over the years, and Sweet Don was a fixture. Although I wouldn't classify him as a party animal, he was right there with us drinking, laughing, talking, joking. He was our bud.

 Lest you think Don was a saint, I'm sure he had his flaws, but I'll be darned if I can think of any. I have never seen him shirty, cranky or mean; he was always just so nice. So very nice.

 As a matter of fact, I cannot think of a single derogatory thing about him or a bad word that was ever said about him. Ever.

 I truly believe that Don was the epitamy of what God had in mind when He created man. He was one of the finest people I have ever met. He was also one of the bravest, most loyal, and generally coolest guy I have ever had the honor of knowing. He was a quiet hero, an everyday hero.
 His wife, family and freinds already feel the huge void he has left by his passing. Hoss said to me "I not only lost a father, but a very great friend." Sweet Don was one of a kind.  My heart weeps for those who loved him so. I mourn their loss; I feel it also.

 I realize this is a long tome; but I needed to say it all. The world is just a little colder and forlorn because he is no longer in it.

 Don was so beloved. He is so missed.
 Peace, sweetheart. I am so glad I had the priviledge to know you.

With lots of love,
"Chubby", "Little Donna" and Jordanne
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He does sound like an exceptional man, I'm sorry to hear that the world has lost such a good soul.

My condolences, Banasy.  Don sounded like a remarkable man.

Banasy, the wonderful words you used to describe your friend makes me feel as if I knew him too. :'(

I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. :'( :'( :'(  

You have my heartfelt condolences :'(

You described him beautifully, Banasy.  I'm sorry you have lost such a wonderful person.

FB

I can tell by your words how very special he was to you. I only wish I could express in words (as elequently as you) how much this hit home with me........you see, my father, only 3 weeks ago, finished his radiation therapy for prostate cancer, he has always been Hoss (and me little Hoss) to family and friends and......well......your post made me realize how very precious life can be. Thanx!! ;)

I'm sorry to hear that!  :'(

Banasy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss.  Just know that you all are in my prayers.  **HUGS**

Banasy, that was a lovely tribute. I know how it feels to lose a good and precious friend to cancer; my heart goes out to you.

Wow!  Sounded like a super dude.  May he know serenity.

Oh Banasy. What a wonderful person to share with all of us "strangers". I can say, "I know exactly how you and his family feel". The evil Cancer seems to creep into all of our lives at some point these days. The only positive is that it makes us realize how precious and fleeting life can be. Of all the silly, sappy things people say when someone dies, maybe "Sweet Don" truley is an angel that was needed back "up there".
Hugs all around for you and his family.

For a split moment I thought that was Crazy Don!!!!!!!  :o
But now I know. We bless you.  :-*  :'(

Banasy, I'm so sorry for the loss.  The only thing I can think is that he was such an exceptional person on earth, now know what an exceptional guardian angel you all have in heaven.

I am so sorry to hear that, Banasy. Please except my condolences. I know there is nothing that any of us can say that will ease the pain of losing someone we love. Just know that you are in our thoughts.




Cat

I just read the news of your friend's death, Donna. It must be real hard on you, and I empathize with you. You were really lucky to have known him, and vice versa. But just remember: Death is not the end, it is the Beginning. And I know for a fact "Sweet Don" is enjoying his new home. I pray that you any his family will carry on his legacy and memories.  :'(

  My heartfelt condolances.

im sorry to hear about your friend. my prayers are with you and all of those who were touched by this mans life.