Sunday, August 5, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss, I knew Mr. Dolde (Don) since I was a little girl riding my bike down to the hardware store to pick up items for my parents. Mr. Dolde always would greet with a warm smiling hello and always took the time to ask how the family was doing. Years later, Don married me and my husband, and I chose to join my church because he was part of that family. He sponsored me while I joined and mentored me ever since to become a better Christian. After struggling with my dad’s death, talking with Don about how I wish I would have asked more questions – (All the questions you don’t ask and wish you did, but now it’s too late). While one day at church, Don gave me the best surprise and remembered what I said. My dad’s cousin, June, who lives in California and grew up with Don and went to school with him, was in town for their class reunion. He asked June to come to church so she could meet me since I never met her. It was the most spiritual and incredible surprise, as Don introduced us after service. June and I bonded instantly and later we met for hours going through old family pictures she brought from California. I got my answers.
No matter where we met in life, Don always took the time to listen and to truly care, such an exceptional characteristic. That is why he made such an incredible person and a great mayor because he always took a few moments just to say hello, then listened. Don was such a wonderful kindhearted man, Heaven definitely gained a true angel. I will never forget his kindness and so glad he was part of my life. I can only hope that that type of exceptional character Don mastered in his life will inspire me and others to be kinder individuals that can find just a few moments of precious time to truly listen with open hearts to another. I will never forget his kindness.
