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

I'll be heading South to Port St Joe in the morning; there in time for lunch. Anyone not riding up to Ft Rucker want to share lunch in town?

Shuey
c: (850) 240-3080
 
I didn't get to know Bob nearly as well as many, but I did meet him on a few occasions and I was very happy for the opportunity.

My best memory of Bob was when, on one particular New Years Day in 2010, when I hosted an annual New Years Day ride... When the day came, there was quite a heavy rain storm here in the Tampa area, so I was VERY tempted to not go, but being the organizer, I thought I NEEDED to go just in case anyone else showed up... After a good soaking 45 minutes we broke out of the rain and when we got to the venue (Peck's Old Port Cove - a seafood restaurant in Crystal River) there were just three of us who showed up - Myself, Danny (Digiamo) DiGiacomo, and Bob Donaldson! As it turned out, going was probably one of the best decisions I ever made :) I was quite flattered that Bob came all the way from TN to join us, even though I understand from later revelations that he was probably already in Florida. Either way, I though he was a class act and I will always cherish the time I did spend with him.

Here's the only photo I got that day: (apologies to Danny - guess he wasn't ready for the flash)
NewYearsDayRide2009_001c.jpg
 
I am at a motel just south of Birmingham. Dinkie, Skidlid and Mark should be here in 30 minutes. See everyone tomorrow.
 
Sorry I couldn't make this but I will always remember Bob for the man and the rider that he was!
 
A great two-part memorial service. One part at the beach for Bob's sons to scatter Bob's ashes in the Gulf of Mexico followed by stories of 'Bob the man' from them and some of the many frieinds gathered. Part two was a police escorted mile of bikes riding to a military memorial site in Appalachacola where Vinnie synopsized the career of 'Bob the warrior.'

Thanks to Bob's sons and Vinny for a fitting send-off to remember Bob, our good friend.

Shuey
 
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I echo Shuey's tribute. Vinny definitely had the plan and it worked. Carole and I can't thank you enough for the effort you made to have a successful Memorial Ceremony for our friend Bob!!! Bravo Zulu my friend!!!
 
This weekend has been a very emotional one. SO WONDERFUL TO BE WITH DEAR FRIENDS, SO SAD TO BE MISSING ONE. I cannot finds words for Vinnie, Tony and Michael setting this idea and making it happen...and William and Brian for sharing memories of Bob with us all. We have MANY pictures, as do many of us, and I will be posting a link to get you to the ones Mac and I took. The entire time spent with extended ST family was like oxygen to my heart and brain. All weekend the sound of Dionne Warwick echoed in my head...I will just post a piece of it.

Keep smiling, keep shining
Knowing you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

We are blessed to have each other.
 
Ditto to what Shuey, Mac & Carol said. It was great to see such a good turnout - some 40+ - to bid a fond farewell to one of our own.

Posted from my Samsung Galaxy S3 with Tapatalk
 
Arrived home safely in Houston at 2:45. Thanks to Vinnie for organizing the most memorable STOC event I have attended. It was a sad event but also a great tribute to Bob.

Good to see old friends and make some new ones.

I will post my pictures later today or tomorrow.
 
What a special weekend for a special man. Many thanks to Bob's sons and grandsons for attending the get together and sharing such a personal time. Tom "Vinny" Vincent is owed a big "thank you" for taking the time and effort to coordinate everything -- the park accommodations, the police escort to Veteran's Park, liaison with the family, etc. It was clear to us all that Vinny held a special place in his heart for Bob.
The weather even cooperated and was as nearly perfect as could be -- with sunny skies and moderate temperatures. Bob was much too modest a man and would have been embarrassed about all the attention -- but it was a fitting memorial for a man who loved his wife, family, country, and friends, and always tried to do the right thing. A life well lived and shared with all of us. He has been and will be missed.
Kindest regards,
Terry
 
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Just landed back in the Holler, a little worse for the wear. This crud refuses to leave me alone and has headed downhill again, so it's off to the doc tomorrow if I can get in. But I wouldn't have missed the event for anything. Hats off to Vinny for steering it through the many loops and hoops he had to, especially with the local officials. It was great to let Bob's sons and grandsons know just how much Bob meant to us and what a great blessing he was to many people. Well done, my friend.
 
Arrived home about 5:30 this afternoon.... very tired and happy to be home. Thanks again to all who attended and helped to make this a very special event. Even though, sad we lost "one of the best", we as a family have pulled together tighter than before. I was happy to help Bob's family with these arrangements, as if it were Bob himself asking. Capt. Donaldson, as I will now always remember him, for his courageous service to our country and for being the best "road Captain" I've even had the pleasure to ride with, will provide me with many fond memories in my future rides. The entire ST-owners "family" has become more than friends to me. It was wonderful seeing all of you who were there, just sorry I wasn't able to spend more time socializing. Thanks again to all who offered and gave help, as special thanks to Bob Dantinne for a precious part of the ceremony.
I could not have done this by myself... I had special assistance from the "Man above".
 
Kevin, Mondo and pulled in for gas and dinner in Nashville at 4.
Thank you Vinny for organizing this. It was very special and easy to see that it was an act of love. Thanks again.
 
vinny said:
Arrived home about 5:30 this afternoon.... very tired and happy to be home. Thanks again to all who attended and helped to make this a very special event. Even though, sad we lost "one of the best", we as a family have pulled together tighter than before. I was happy to help Bob's family with these arrangements, as if it were Bob himself asking. Capt. Donaldson, as I will now always remember him, for his courageous service to our country and for being the best "road Captain" I've even had the pleasure to ride with, will provide me with many fond memories in my future rides. The entire ST-owners "family" has become more than friends to me. It was wonderful seeing all of you who were there, just sorry I wasn't able to spend more time socializing. Thanks again to all who offered and gave help, as special thanks to Bob Dantinne for a precious part of the ceremony.
I could not have done this by myself... I had special assistance from the "Man above".
Click to expand...

Yes indeed a very special man. So glad that I could be a part of wonderful salute to one of the greatest ST Owners members.
I had the pleasure to ride many miles with Bob and he certainly knew his way around the country.
I will always miss his gentle demeanor and warm smile.
And a very special thanks to you Vinny for a great tribute. I'm proud that I could be there.
 
Janis and I pulled in the drive at 7:51 PM, after the ride home. We got off to somewhat of a late start, around 9:15, I think. A great event for a great man. Bob will be greatly missed.

On the way home, we had a great meal at IHOP in Montgomery, where we spent the better part of an hour. We got passed by 2, ST1300's, somewhere around Alabaster, AL. They weren't in our group this weekend. One was wineberry the other silver. The rider on the wineberry bike was sporting a chrome helmet. Anyone know who that might be?

Tired, and ready for bed. Don't know if I'll make the coffee club in the morning. It may be afternoon before we think of getting up.

Ride Safe
John and Janis
 
Made it to Atlanta at 4. safe and sound thanks Vinny for organizing the event .
 
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.

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