Don, it's been the better part of 2 decades since you and I we're fishing buddies - best buds!
In recent months I've enjoyed seeing your family photos on Vicki's Facebook & I have seen only more evidence of what I've already known, that you are a wonderful husband, father and now grandfather.
I have been looking forward to my next trip to Muskegon with plans to visit you and VickI, revisiting some of the stories from the past while updating each other with more recent times. Over the past 16 years I have reflected very very often on the nine years where we lived across the street from each other pretty much visiting one way or the other almost everyday. And fishing. Wow! we learned a lot together fishing and each time out, each trip, was totally worth the effort.
You were a damn good friend to me Don - you taught me a lot about what it is to be a friend. It's kind of sad that I probably realize that more today then I did the day before I learned of your passing, but perhaps that's human nature I don't know, but I do know you wouldn't really care about those details. You'd be more focused on what's next, finding out what you can do - what you can bring.
Vicki, you were always a great friend to me as well, and I definitely hope to visit with you when I visit Muskegon next. I've been very impressed with your family how it's grown & how it's grown up clearly you and Don have done a tremendous job. Lacie, Jessie, Erin & Emily... no one can replace your dad, but thank God you have such a loving family!
Mike, Tommy, Chris, Kimberly... your families... you are all remembered fondly and in my thoughts and my prayers. You are an awesome family! God bless and comfort you. - See more at: http://m.legacy.com/guestbooks/muskegon/guestbook.aspx?pid=182253314&n=donald-manchester&eid=sp_gbapprove#sthash.lA3ZkdLK.dpuf