Monday, February 20, 2012

IN HONOR OF DON

I was at work early on Valentines morning when we received a phone call from the West Yellowstone EMS requesting to speak to our ER physician.
We are their medical control.
We were informed that Don had suffered a cardiac arrest while ice fishing at Hebgen Lake.

His wife was at work in the OR. She too is a nurse.
It fell upon us to inform her of the loss of her husband.

Today he was taken to the cemetery with full Honor Guard.
He rode on the back of the fire truck, that was draped in black.
Covered with a flag.
He was a paramedic/firefighter for 30 years, in addition to being a great ER nurse.
I'm sure Amazing Grace was written just for the Bagpipes.
It is beautiful.

He was our big brother
and this leaves a hole in our hearts.

24 comments:

life in red shoes said...

So sorry :(

Kristina P. said...

I tear up whenever I read about a firefighter/paramedic funeral. Such great men.

" Hit It......." said...

My brother is a police officer and I know how much the units stick together and take care of the families. However, I am so sorry that you all had to tell your friends wife of his passing. This is so sad. I am sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful tribute to such a deserving hero. I'm so sorry.

Heather said...

I am sorry for your loss. For everybodies loss.

Kazzy said...

So sorry for your friend. Sad day.

Connie said...

Hearing "amazing Grace" played by bagpipes always puts a lump in my throat. That was beautiful! So sorry for the loss of this good man.

gigi said...

What a proper send off for Don. Prayers go out to his family and his Work family.
((hugs))

CB said...

It is beautiful that he gave so much service his entire life.
It's nice to know he was so honored.

just call me jo said...

The respect and honor he deserved--Oh that we should all earn such a send off. Hugs!

Liz Mays said...

That is terribly, terribly sad. I'm so very sorry.

AiringMyLaundry said...

I'm so sorry :(

wendy said...

This would be so difficult and I feel so bad for his family, and all his friends who appeared to love him so much.
Great honor's were bestowed upon him it looks like.
That's pretty much what every firefighter would want (knowing that from MY hubby) not to mention all the other wonderful things he did.
Hearts are heavy I am sure.

Kerin said...

A beautiful tribute.
Sorry again about the loss of your sweet friend.
How wonderful to know what a great example he was and that he led a great life.


Our son plays the bagpipes, and performs at funerals for free.
Amazing Grace is the song that is always requested.

Sending warm thoughts to you and those that lost this great man.

Grumpy Grateful Mom said...

Heartbreaking. But wonderful he gave his life to service. I'm so sorry. Sending prayers for his family.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am so sorry to hear about this.
Keeping everyone who knew him in my prayers. Just love the bagpipes.

Camille said...

I got a lump in my throat the day you told me about Don. Oh my heart goes out to you and the medical staff! Very nice post.

Camille said...

I got a lump in my throat the day you told me about Don. Oh my heart goes out to you and the medical staff! Very nice post.

Laura said...

What an honor. Very touching.

Vern said...

Ugh. I don't like this story. And yet, I do. What a great man!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh sweetie, I'm so sorry for your loss. Don sounded like he was an amazin' man and a hero to many.

God bless and know I'll be prayin' for his family.

You have a peaceful weekend my friend!!! :o)

tammy said...

There is just something about funerals for firefighters and policemen...
So sorry for everyone's loss.

Charlotte Wilson said...

How sad! I am sorry to hear of his death.

♥charlotte

Valerie said...

I didn't hear about this until late. I'm sure the hospital is mourning a wonderful man!I didn't know him, but I believe Max did. I will inform him of this loss. I'm sorry you lost your friend and co-worker. (My friend's husband is in the Pipe Brigade and a firefighter. She said the service was beautiful!)