Donald and I first met on the baseball diamonds of Oakey Field as we played on oposing teams.  Donald always had a special pitch which few of us could hit: he finally told me the secret of that pitch last summer. We continued our competition during the summer rec leagues in Salem in the late 1990's. We shared home rooms at ALHS for many years, I always accused him of coping off my test papers, but he usually got better grades than I did  so that was hard to explain 

He was always a good friend and never got so involved with the cliques that he forgot his longtime friends.  Everyone knew of his Oldsmobiles, the high-powered engines, and the ducktailed haircuts, and the white T-shirts with the rolled up sleeves: that was Donald. Some thought he looked like a young Elvis.  I remember some of his demo derby days.  He once got someone to sponcer me in a derby, but my parents wouldn't agree for me to compete.

In 1968, I was in basic training in San Antonio. Donald was stationed there and drove to the base, picked this lonely soldier up and took me off base, which was an unusual treat, and gave me a few hours of Salem hospitallity. 

I have lived in Va Beach for 45 years since returning from Vietnam, and lost touch with Donald until about 10 years ago.  About 15  of ALHS grads have gathered for the last few years to remeniece about the good old days.  they often asked about Donald.   Donald wanted to come, but his health was a problem. I visited him at his home a year ago and enjoyed the time we had together.  Last summer, I visited him at the VA rehab center.  Always good memories with a good friend.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Ray Kirby,  3376 Herons Gate, Va Beach, Va, 23452                                      757 486 4818,  757 287 3567