I would just like to start this forum off by saying that my father drove me insane at times with his stubbornness and procrastination, but he was also one of the most intelligent men I know. I always appreciated the fact that, when he put his mind to something, he was tenacious and didn't let it go until he had arrived at a resolution. He was also one of the most social guys I know - always out doing something with someone. He never had trouble making friends, and we were all touched by his wit and his unique perspective on life. There is no question in my mind that he died doing something he loved, and had no regrets. We miss you Dad, and I take solace in the fact that Mom is beating the crap out of you right now for riding a motorcycle at your age.

- Patrick

We all just want to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. You know how much they both meant to us. It will be 20 years this Dec. that we became neighbors and good friends.They went through all our kids stages as Melissa was only 10 months old when we moved in. They loved being their surrogate grandparents too! And anytime I needed Mommy" time out" they always had an open door policy. The first place we went on Halloween was over to the Penders to show them our lastest costumes. When we told them we were thinking of buying a house, they said we were not allowed. God blessed us with a house directly behind there's so we got their approval.

I know I thanked Don years ago, but I want to say how grateful we are that he brought our "little Larry" back home to us. Larry was only two, and decided he would sneak out and go to the park. When we realized he was gone, he was nowhere in site. We all started running around looking for him. Don found him a couple blocks away. Some lady had him by the hand, trying to find out where he came from. I will never forget the relief I felt when I saw Don round the corner with Larry in tow! Thanks Don for also picking the kids up from school if they became sick, or needed a ride. They used to love to play "secret Santa" and bring you little gifts at Christmas. You will always be special to them.

We will always have a special place in our hearts for your parents and we will never forget their kindness. I hope we can stay in touch at least by email, you are both welcome to stop by when your in the neighborhood.

Love always,
The Willis Family

My dear Don,
No matter where we went, you held out your hand to clutch mine. Thank you for your encouragement day after day. Thank you for the joy you have brought to my life. We have shared a lot of happiness. You were the smile in my morning (most of the time), the joy in my night, the warm gentle touch that makes life feel so right. Always my sweet evening song you would sing. And the more time we spent together, the more you would sing to me.

I do not know just how it happened-the way things came together-so that we would be together-the way our friendship was there waiting. I just know that I am so happy that you happened to me. Someday I will see you in heaven and still love you.

UNCHAINED MELODY ,WILL ALWAYS BE "OUR SONG" AND I WILL LOVE YOU FOR EVER
Your Lady "Fluff" (Marian)

My father was born and raised in Utica NY. He was the second youngest of four children. His father was a prominent doctor in the Utica area as were other members of his family. Dad adored the beauty of the mountains, woods, rivers, and lakes of central NY. One of his favorite places to be was West Canada Creek. He also loved the Adirondack mountains and I remember a camp we rented on Moose River when I was very young. He was an avid fisherman for many years, and hunted as well. On his occasional trips back east, we would often take rides around town, visiting the different areas that we had lived, and he would reminisce about his old neighborhood, the house he grew up in, where he played, where he went to school...and we'd stop in a favorite pub for lunch.

Dad was, in my opinion, a 'master chef'. He could cook anything and perfected the art of Chinese cooking...a method I never had a passion for and wasn't too good at...but whenever we were together I always insisted he make me a Chinese chive omelet. And he would oblige. (I think mainly because he liked to show off how he could flip it in mid-air). I was always impressed.

As his daughter, I need to say that his stubbornness was not one of his most admirable qualities. And as much fun as I think he had most of the time in life, I feel he missed out on some special moments because of that stubbornness.

I'll always appreciate his sense of humor, his incredible mind, his many talents, and am thankful for the happy times we shared together.

Dad, I know you were a true believer. My prayer is that your soul has found the peace it longed for in this world. And may your God-given voice serenade all of your loved ones who have gone before you. What a treat for them!

I love you,
Donna Hyle (Pender)

Death is nothing at all.
It does not count.
I have only slipped away into the next room.
Everything remains as it was.
The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
Call me by the old familiar name.
Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
Put no sorrow in your tone.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
Let it be spoken without effort.
Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
There is unbroken continuity.
Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.

~ Derived from a sermon written by Henry Scott Holland ~

As I sit in my living room watching Don's home and having coffee, as I have done for many years. Today was different. The words from the service are acking at my heart to stop my deep sorrow I have felt since his passing. Don is telling me to listen to him.

Speak of me in the easy way which you always use to
Put not sorrow in your tone
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

We have lived across the street for more that 20 years. I was so honored to sign the table cloth. Sally just smiled as I put me message on the cloth. Don, you could almost see him in prayer. I was so grateful that evening at dinner.

Don and Sally both prayed on their knees for my daughter ( she was one of our angels that needed to have someone on their knees praying for her ) She had to sway and come back home. I smiled as I told him "your prayers worked"

My son lost his grandfather 3 years ago. He had such deep sorrow until Don became more active in his life. Here I am again watching the house, drinking cofee and watching Don become my son's grandfather. I watched the two of theirs relationship right in front of my eyes. It was beautiful. My son is deeply saddened over this event. We have talked alot in the last couple of weeks. I thing the only thing that keeps ups up is knowing he is with the lord.

We hope our heartfelt thoughts of you, during this sad time, and bring some little comfort and strength.

Duane, Norma ,Teanna and Mike Dobstaff

Patrick, I just want to take a moment to write you my memories of your Dad.

Don attended and sang in the choir of First Christian Church of Tempe for a while. My husband, Robert and I were also in the choir and I often sang duets with Don. It was a joy to do so and we just loved his beautiful voice.

In fact, Don sang at our wedding in November, 1999 and I can still hear him. Unfortunately, Sally was not well enough then to even attend and we missed her. I also remember well you and Don singing at your mother's funeral. It was so beautiful and made me cry. I don't know how you did it.

How typical of Don that he died doing something and being with someone that he truly loved.

God bless you,

Leslie Tarallo
Payson, AZ

I was very fortunate to meet Don after my husbands death. Don reached out to me at a time in my life that "Life" seemed so dark and lonely. Our first trip was to Jerome to have a wonderful lunch and renew the beauty around us. Don was a kind and gentle man. My children thought the world of him. I'll remember how he spent last Thanksgiving and Christmas with our family. He truly will be missed and loved. God Bless and rest in Peace.

Your dear friend, Vicky

I worked with Don back in 1984 and was a friend with him and Sally ever since. He truly was a hero to me as a very young engineer. Not only was he a remarkable person, friend, all American, and engineer, he was a beautiful person and christian. He had a fresh outlook on life but was bluntly honest about it too. His witty honesty and confident song reflected his strong embrace on life and drew people either toward or away from him. He had a confidence about him that was not proud, but understanding. He understood people, circumstances, problems, and most of the time his limitations. Don and Sally absolutely loved Patrick. I’ll never forget how he would have Patrick sit on his lap when he was 13 years old (and almost as big as Don) and just glow. I would think, “Man this person has a real relationship with his teenager, and I want that too”. It was amazing. I took his example and did (do) the same thing with my teenagers.

Don Pender I will miss you. Till we meet again.

Your friend Len Nicoletti III Philadelphia PA.

Dear Patrick, I don't know what I can say that hasn't already been said by all those who loved your Dad. He has held a dear place in my Heart for nearly 30 years (wow) and I always knew that he would be there if I needed him. He was like a dad and a friend. He and your Mom helped me through some trying times in my life and I will be forever grateful.My heart aches as I sit here missing him and your Mom, but I know someday we will meet again. They were wonderful people and I hope that when I am gone to the other side, people will remember me with as much love as they have been loved. I truly meant it when I said "you will always have a place in our family" (if you can handle all of our loving dysfunction).

Love and Hugs,
Sandy