WOW! I can't believe Donnie jumped out of a perfectly good airplane! He always told me he would, but there was no way he would get me to do it!
I can't believe he is gone. I spent four years with him and he was a young man full energy for life. He was always looking for another outdoor type of adventure. He took me camping, fishing, hunting, biking and hiking all the time. He also taught me how to ski! He was a good teacher and we spent as much time as we possibly could up on White Pass, Snoqualmie Pass and Crystal Mountain. We especially loved night skiing with the lights on and smaller crowds of people.
It didn't matter what time of year it was, Donnie always found a way to get a sunburn, but the worst happened when we were almost to Walupt Lake, near Packwood, and our truck broke down. We walked for several hours down a gravel road, with some steep grades. Did I mention we were wearing shorts, tank tops and sandals? :-( Probably not the best idea... It was near 100 degrees outside and sunny, sunny, sunny! A woman, who was driving the only vehicle we saw on our way down the mountain, took pity on us and offered us a ride into Packwood. It didn't matter that Donnie told her he was carrying his gun bag that weighed at least 50 lbs and had several guns and ammo in it. (He didn't want to leave it in the truck.) He offered to put it in the back of her suburban and she was cool about it. We rented a hotel room for the night, because his dad couldn't come rescue us until the next morning. We were so tired, hungry, and sunburned, but nothing compared to the blisters on our feet! We could hardly move the rest of the night.
I have so many more memories of Donnie that I could share, but it really would take up too much time. I would like to offer my sincerest and deepest sympathies to all of his family and friends. I hope you all will find peace and begin to smile at the memories you have of him. Rest In Peace, Donnie. January 19,1991 will always hold a special place in my heart and I'm glad I have pictures to remind me of the times we shared....
Christy
