Don was someone who carried an aura of positive energy around him. We remember first meeting Don and Julie, about 30 years ago, and knowing that they would be lifetime friends. Don had such kind eyes and a friendly smile. And as we got to know him, we appreciated how curious, intelligent, and hard working he was, in addition to his great sense of humor. We also appreciated how kind he was to Julie and what a great father he was to his kids. Very patient.

An act of love we'll never forget is when he spent hours driving Laney to meet up with us and our middle school daughter, so they could attend an Aaron Carter backstage event together at a state fair. This was our daughter's "dream come true", not his daughter's. But he took time out of his busy schedule to do this so our daughter would have someone to attend this special and super exciting event with. It meant the world to us. And it endeared him to us forever.

Don was a very special person. He will be missed.

Rocky and Diane Rhodes

Forever Young

A sonnet in memory of

Don MacDougall

Bert Forbes

May 13, 2024

The lilting oboe chords rise up on high

To join the angels’ siren, poignant song,

The Earth has lost a valued tune. Goodbye:

Too soon, too loved, so young, forever, gone.

And now the mournful drums must play again

The rhythm for the bagpipes’ droning sigh.

While we who stay let not despair begin,

For Courage, Wit and Love will never die.

Yet though I cry and heart is sad, I kneel.

His spirit leaps and flies: Freedom at last

From prison’s rigid wall of cells, not steel,

To soar again on high with all that’s vast.

Go fly away with love, your life is done,

Our own Donald, husband, father, and son.