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

After we ate lunch we were escorted to the Veteran's Memorial Park in Apalachicola for memorial service for Bob

Each of us placed a flag around the sculpture at the park
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Vinny read from a plaque that told about Bob's military service and Ace played taps under the American flag. The service was a very nice way to honor our friend one last time as a group.

Thanks to Vinny for his effort to make this a fitting tribute to a friend and fellow rider. Also, thanks to the Donaldson family for allowing us to be a part of this gathering. Thanks to all who were able to take time out of your schedule to make this event happen. I know several more were there with us in spirit that couldn't attend.

I hope these pictures told enough of the story to those that couldn't attend the gathering.
Mike
 
I would also like to repeat what many have already said - thanks to Vinny, Bob's family and all those that made this fantastic. Bob would have been proud and moved by the friends that he touched in so many ways. It was great to see everyone and Saturday's events were outstanding - again Vinny - job well done.

I was very moved and humbled when during the ceremony at the beach, George entrusted me with the memorial STOC emblems and book. I already have an entry from New Orleans that I will post in the memorial thread and hope to add more when riding in Equador this winter.
 
Nice pics Mike, Thank you.
I landed around 2 this afternoon after leaving Mondo's this morning around 6:30. Mostly dry ride home.
 
Nice pictures, Mike. While mowing yesterday, two Chinooks flew directly over the yard. They were flying slow, just above treetop level, and I had to stop mowing and just watch them fly over. I can understand Bob's desire to fly one of those aircraft. Dang, I miss him.

John
 
"At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel by our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.

As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant—i.e., our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we do not realize they vacated their seats.

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life."

. . . as Bob did!

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And so, I carry Bob in my heart as an example of who I should strive to be. Rest in peace Bob Donaldson.

Shuey


(Train analogy, author unknown)





 
Thanks guys, what a beautiful place, what a great ceremony for my Bob D.
I felt so bad not being able to figure out a way to attend, I didn't feel like I was a good enough friend to Bob because of it.
But I wasn't the only one that couldn't make it that wanted to, and in a way, I can kinda hear Bob say "It's OK" so I will get over that thought.
God Bless his family and we will never forget our Bob D .... (who I still want to grow up to be like :D )

and Bob sure rode the Train !!!
 
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I don't have a lot of pics, but I'll post as soon as I can. Thanks for all the others.
It was good to see so many old friends and make a few new ones. One was missing.
 
Thanks a million, Bug, for the great photos.
Since Brusky and I are on the road I'm a little behind in checking the ST Owners site.
And thanks again to Vinny and the Donaldson family for a very fitting event for our great friend and fellow rider, Captain Bob Donaldson.
And hope to see many of you at FerrySTOC.
 
As a tribute to Bob brother Steve and I stayed on the road after the memorial weekend and went to Key West. We are now on our way to Ozark STOC and looking forward to seeing everyone that will be there.

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We had a piece of Key Lime pie for everyone. Actually as of now I ate 5 pieces of key lime pie on this trip. I think I've got it out of my system. I will need to get on my pedal bike when I get home and work the calories off.

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Thanks to those that posted pictures. I regret not being there, but the pix bring some of it to all. Thanks again.
 
I can finally post here and link my pictures and a video.

I think Mr. Vincent did a spectacular job! Everything went so smooth, I don't know how he did it. Thanks again, Tom!!!
I was especially happy to get to meet Bob's sons and two of his grandchildren. Then when I heard they were staying at the campground and came by to visit it couldn't have been better.

I miss Mr. Donaldson a lot. Certain things cause me to break down still. Glad Tony and Mike held it together. It's easy to see Tony and Mike come from the same gene pool as Bob.

I added my memorial pictures to the same site I had my collection of pictures of Bob at. They are below the ones you've already seen. Just scroll down. I chose to upload higher resolution versions so expect them to take a few seconds to appear. At the very bottom I have a link to the video I took of the memorial. It is 180 Mbs so patience and high-speed wifi are a must.

http://tacticalturf.com/photos/bob_donaldson.htm

Thanks Tom Vincent.

Thanks Tony, Mike, William and Brian.
 
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