Donald Davis Avary — Don — will always hold a special place in my heart.

Sobhini and I first met years ago as neighbors at the dog park, where friendships seem to form as easily between the people as the dogs. It didn’t take long for Don’s warmth, humor, and straight-shooting nature to make an impression. He had a way of making you feel like you belonged — like you were already part of his circle just by showing up.

Don was the kind of person who showed up for you, no matter what. Fiercely loyal, endlessly generous, and always ready with a story (and an opinion), he made the everyday feel more colorful. Whether it was a casual chat  or an impromptu gathering at the park at his home, Don brought a spirit of openness and energy that pulled people in.

He loved his family, his friends, and his dogs with everything he had — and once he called you a friend, you knew you had someone in your corner for life as family.Dod had a BIG heart that never wavered in showing up for the people he cared about.

We feel lucky and honored to have shared in those everyday moments — the walks, the laughs, the conversations — that, looking back, were anything but ordinary.

To Kimi, Eric, Arthur, and all of Don’s loved ones: my deepest condolences. His light, his love, and his larger-than-life spirit touched more people than you probably realize — and his impact lives on in all of us who knew him.

He will be deeply missed.

Sobhini, Krishna, Zoya. 

Donald Davis Avary will always be nicknamed "Dad" in my head & my heart due to our many impromptu phone greetings facilitated by his daughter, my dear friend Kimi.

She would tell me she was visiting her Dad & I would ask, "how's Dad doing?" & she would call out "Dad, Toni says hi" & then tell me, "Dad says 'Hi Toni,'" perfectly matching his cadence in the background; I would say "Hi (Dad)" & she'd pass him the phone or put us on speaker so I could ask him myself.

They were small moments, but precious moments, because no matter the context, Kimi's Dad always made me feel welcome, like a member of the family, from pretty much the day we met in Portola Valley so many years ago.

The man I knew was kind, gregarious, and as I recently heard his son Arthur poignantly describe him, "defiant of authority in almost every form," which made for strong opinions & lively conversation(s), no matter the topic.

He loved fiercely, his generosity knew no bounds & his "people" were everything to him - family, friends, canines - if he claimed you, he showed up for you.

I don't know about Eric & Arthur, but there was a time or two over the years, when Dad showed up for Kimi when he clearly wasn't happy about it...

The thing is though: he always, always, always showed up.

He could bring the salt & spice with him sometimes, but he would do anything for his loved ones & I hope that Kimi, and her brothers Eric & Arthur all know just how proud he was of them because it was always pretty obvious from the outside.

I feel tremendous honor & gratitude to have been included in so many Avary clan moments & memories over the years, sharing in Don's kindness, company & impeccable hospitality.

Heartfelt condolences to all of those who have been similarly touched by his unique, vivid & oh-so-precious light.

And special love & blessings to his children, grandson, and all of those closest, who feel his loss hardest.

He will be missed 💐🙏

Don was a Special Friend,  We were in Vietnam and talked about his F4 missions over North Vietnam and my Helicopter combat missions in South Vietnam. 

Don was also my daughter's father-in-law.  My wife passed away in 2023 and Don was very good at providing uplifting discussions about her.    I send my deepest condolences to Don's wonderful family 

We met Don up at La Entrada where our son Giles learned how to fly his home-made airplanes. Of course, Don and Giles hit it off. Don invited Giles over to his house to build an airplane together. Giles ended up going into the Air Force, following in Don's footsteps. Our whole family always loved seeing Don up at the park. We will miss him! We're really sorry to miss his service. Our hearts are with you, Don, the many dogs he loved over the years, and the safety of our airmen. 

Barb, Blair, Katie, Giles and Claire Beebe at 2142 Oakley Avenue

My condolences to everyone in the Avary family. Sorry for your loss.

Renata Wolf