Oh my... I met Donald and hung out with him fewer than a handful of times. He was at a very low point in his life and was living with his sister. We had a fantastic day, party, friends, humor, fun... And he was..super intelligent, had a spectacular smile, expressed some of his depression and 'hard times', loved and missed his children... I moved back to CO 1/1/25 and while I'd had Donald on my mind a few times in the past, we'd not stayed friends nor in touch at all. Just this evening, his name popped in my head and his passing is the news that a web search gave me. I'm struck witj sadness not knowing anything about his passing..but knowing how much he loved hos kids and his sister. He touched may lives and had a spectacular presence. He will be missed.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and all who loved him.

May they find support among each other.

To Donald, may the Christ have lifted you up and gave you the belonging you longed for.

Be at peace Donald.

Yes, this is incredibly sad for all the people like me, were truly close to you at some point. I guess I will switch to Spanish, as that was the language with which we exchanged a zillion words.

Donald querido,

Elijo festejar todo lo lindo que compartimos durante el pedazo de la vida que fuimos muy, pero muy amigos de verdad.

Cosas que nunca voy a poder olvidar: los profundos debates intelectuales sobre el mundo que nos rodeaba, ir de tu casa a la mía pateando una pelota de futbol, que toques dos veces la bocina del renault 4 rojo para que yo en silencio salga de casa y saliéramos (siendo todos menores), las noches de la city, ver Tinelli en tu depto en Suipacha, admirar tu levante, admirar tus destrezas deportivas, envidiar tu seguridad en vos mismo, reirnos, tomar de más juntos, disfrutar la música, vender tu carísimo gamulán en una tienda de usados para cambiarlo por un sobretodo cool usado, el viaje a Europa con Peter, las noches en Mina Clavero, las noches en Punta del Este, ir a escuchar Soda stereo en Xenon discoteque antes de que fueran conocidos. Tantos pero tanto recuerdos.

Se que intentaste encontrar paz y se que fue dificil.

Te recordaré por siempre con afecto, con risa y con musica.

Rest in peace my friend

Jacques

Dear Donald,

I never thought this day would come. You left this world far too soon. 😢

You were someone I was privileged to call a peer, a confidant, a coworker, and most importantly a close friend.

It’s hard to believe it’s been seven years filled with countless online discussions, in-person meetups, and heated online debates; although you always pushed against the grain, having those “heated” discussions and willingness to share unpopular ideas or opinions — through it all, you never once compromised your self-integrity. That unshakable integrity is a trait I deeply admired. You were as passionate as they come, Donald,  especially when it came to science, blockchain principles, permissionlessness, trustlessness, immutability, censorship resistance etc. The world was a better place with you in it…

You were never the type to simply disagree and walk away. You might throw in some ad hominem attacks in there (lol), but you always put pen to paper, backing your claims and beliefs with consistent, knowledgeable content via Etherplan; always backed by sound logic and reason.

Your work ethic and perseverance was always so inspiring and pushed me to do better. Even when life pulled me away from the space we all shared, you never stopped reaching out. That kind of loyalty and friendship is rare and something I will always hold close.

It was a true privilege to work with you, to learn from you, and to grow into close friends over these years. Your presence was a gift, and the memories we all shared will forever stay with me.

I am truly honored, privileged, and endlessly grateful to have known someone like you, Donald. Though you are gone, the impact you made will live on in all of us.

Hasta que nos volvamos a ver 🍻 

I send all my love to my dear Uncle Hugh, Monica, Donald, Maria and Nico , and to all the family. 

I am so sorry, and wish we were not so far away. I have very nice and fun memories with my cousin,  and will always cherish them. 

I send a big hug to all of you and a special one to Donald, who I am sure will receive so much love from everyone ❤️

Donald, q triste tu pronta partida, un gran dolor y a pesar de eso, ahora todos tenemos un angelito q nos guiara con cariño.

Compartimos pocos momentos, la vida nos llevo por diferentes caminos, pero siempre te recuerdo con mucho cariño, siempre estuviste ahi para q me sienta comoda. Especialmente ese año q compartimos cuando vine a Bs As. 

No podemos estar el presente el sabado, pero estaremos acompañando a Hugh, Monica y family en este dificil momento.

 Ellos q dieron todo por vos, Como pudieron, pero con todo su corazon. Un gran gracias a ellos.

Un fuerte abrazo y un gran cariño, les mando toda la fuerza para pasar este duro momento, estaremos pensando mucho en uds.

Cori

Donald was one of the first people I met, in the crypto world. I remember this long twitter thread, with a bunch of btc-ers and Donald was sent my way by Nick Szabo, as someone who was not a diehard btc-er and who I might enjoy conversing with. From that time on, we had a lot of twitter back and forth. Donald's online persona could be a lot a times, but I was lucky enough to meet Donald in real life, several times. In real life Donald, was soft spoken and kind and was able to show the world, his true nature. We worked together the last few years and he was great at his job and of course showed his passion for ETC.

Donald, I wish you had not isolated yourself so much and tried to see the all the good in the world. This life is an experience to be lived and it is rarely easy. I believe that your soul is immortal, so I hope that you are now in peace.