Mr. Donaldson - R.I.P. 10/15/2014

[treemuncher]

Della and I made it home about 7 PM. We rode quite a few miles with Ron Skidlid. We always have fun with this character!

Many thanks to Vinny for putting all of this together and for all who were able to attend. This was the most difficult event that I have ever attended but I could not have allowed myself to miss it. Bob was a great friend for both Della and myself. It's a reminder how short our lives are and how much good friends improve the value of our lives. Take time to breathe it in and enjoy it while we have the chance to do so. It will be fleeting so grab it while we can.

Bob certainly picked out a very pretty location.

 

[okckeith]

Thanks to Vinny and Donaldson family for allowing us to share this special moment to honor one great man! i am so glad that I was able to make it.

 

[Indian Express]

Got home around 4:30 PM. We stopped for breakfast in Marianna at Bobbie's Waffle Iron and grill and enjoyed a great breakfast before hitting the road again. The LEOs were letting the traffic flow so we made great time getting home!
Special thanks to Tom and Bob's family for putting this event together and allowing us to be a part of it. I would not have missed it for anything! Bob was special to all that met him and left a positive Mark on each one of us. It was great to see so many of my ST brothers and meet and make a few new ones.
Ride safe and I hope to see you all down the road at a few other events.

 

[dduelin]

I had to make Bob's send-off as a day ride. Though I could not stay for anything but the beach side memorial it was worth riding 600 miles round trip for.

I came over the dune 20 minutes after 10 and saw 40-50 people gathered and one by one telling or hearing of a Bob story. He touched a lot of people in a positive way and no better is a man remembered but by the people that were touched by him.

Thank you Vinny.

 

[Bug Dr.]

Just got home from Mobile today.

Thanks to Vinny for all of his hard work on this event. Thursday and Friday felt like any other STOC event with many laughs with the usual cast of characters. Saturday was more somber and felt like a tribute to a great man. I am always humbled to be included with such fine people from all over the country. You have become much more than just friends to me. I really do consider this group to be my family.

The procession to the Memorial Park in Apalachicola was quite a site to behold. I wish everyone could've seen almost 50 of Bob's friends riding behind an escort of blue lights. It was very touching and I am glad I was able to be a part of the entire weekend.

The hugs and handshakes had just a little bit more meaning when everyone said goodbye. Bob certainly has brought this group closer together and for that I am truly grateful.
Mike

ps. I will post pictures soon.
mf

 

[Mondo]

Mark and I just arrived in St. Chuck. A moving and special occasion that I will remember always. Besides all the thanks to the family and the organizers, Bob"s rendition of Taps brought tears to my eyes. See you again, Bob D.

Greg

 

[Uncle Phil]

Some Pictures (They are numbered but I couldn't get them to appear in that order)

 

[dparker]

This past weekend was very emotional for me. Many of you have posted my thoughts exactly. Being from the Maine coast, I always feel at home while at the ocean. It is where I have always gone for times of making big decisions, reflection, and in times of mourning. The fact that Bob also wanted this to be his resting place brings him closer to my heart-as if he could get any closer.

 

[Kevin_56]

Can not really add anything that has not already been said.

Vinny - You did a fantastic job putting this memorial together, thanks.

 

[Landon]

Kevin...think I saw you headed north this morning on I-65 just north of Louisville. It was a few minutes after 7 and I was headed to work.

 

[Kevin_56]

Kevin...think I saw you headed north this morning on I-65 just north of Louisville. It was a few minutes after 7 and I was headed to work.

I was sailing north about that time this morning. Left Nashville at 3:30 CDT this morning. Made the 700 mile ride mostly dry. Spot says 7:08 near Sellersville.

Good eyes.

 

[amorley]

I have posted my pictures here.

 

[paulcb]

Great pics Andy. Thanks for sharing.

 

[skidlid1300]

Got home at 3:30 this afternoon. What a beautiful ceremony and tribute to Bob. I'll just echo all the sentiments that have been said.
So glad to ride half way home with Randy and Della. Thank you Randy for being "McGyver" and rig up my GPS after it decided to leave my bike
at an busy intersection... What a group.... What fun and laughs and love....

 

[Mellow]

Thanks for the pics. Wish I could have made this one. But I know one thing, I'll never forget Bob.

 

[Papa]

Thanks for the pics. Wish I could have made this one. But I know one thing, I'll never forget Bob.

Ditto

 

[okckeith]

I made it home last night around 8:30. Bug Dr. and I stayed in Mobile, Al. Sunday night. We stopped by to see our buddy superdave. Sure was good to make by to see him! He is in a fight for his life. But he is a fighter.
I rode 800 miles home yesterday. Time for a new knee! I was in terrible pain this whole trip. But I would not have missed for nothing. The purpose for this ride trumped all the pain!

 

[The Cheese]

We got in safe and sound yesterday afternoon.

It was a very nice tribute to Bob. Vinny (and anyone else involved) did a wonderful time setting it up. Meeting his family was nice. I've never seen so many bikes following a cop before. The beach was a very touching, and the veterans park was a fine salute to a great man's service.

 

[Bug Dr.]

Here is a few pics from the event:

Jim and Dan

Fali

Bill

Randy and Della

Jim and Vinny

Bruce and Della

Della

Nice Sunset

Randy and Della

Mike

 

[Bug Dr.]

The Ceremony on the beach

Bob's sons

The placement of Bob's ashes

Several people said a few words in remembrance of Bob

George with the memorial badges

Bob added to the list

The rest of us listened while reflecting

It was a very nice gathering on the beach in a beautiful place with perfect weather.
Mike