Your daughter and your sister have requested that those close to you contribute to a webpage that is a tribute to you. I consider it an honor to make my thoughts and feelings known to you now as a living testimony to my love for you. There is a song which I have known and sung for a long time that most eloquently expresses such thoughts as I have toward you and have written the lyrics below. Nevertheless, I find that there is nothing that I could put in writing that could express my eternal gratitude for the influence you have had, and continue to have, in my life. Though an “old friend” could be someone who is twenty-five years old, it is still true that old friends are rare; and to me, you have become an old friend.

“Old friend, you just grow dearer, the lines grow deeper; the paths grow clearer.

And, I recall your every look, each of them an open book.

And though long miles may separate us, my love for you endures.

With warm regard and in fond affection, I am truly yours.

Old friend, we've seen so much together, stormy days and windy weather.

And like a cloak against the cold, I wrap myself in friendship's folds.

And though long miles may separate us, my love for you endures.

With warm regard and in fond affection, I am truly yours.

Old friends, like warp and woof entwine, each crossing defining the design.

And though in places frayed and worn, the fabric remains untorn.

And though long miles may separate us, my love for you endures.

With warm regard and in fond affection, I am truly yours.”

Elder Don, may Yahweh bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and bless you all the days of your life.