Donald L. Hathaway
November 23, 2010
Date of Birth: Feburary 26, 1931 Date of Death: November 23, 2010 Age 79 of Forest Lake, passed away November 23, 2010. Preceded by death by parents, Joe and Bertha; brother, Joe. Survived by wife of 36 years, Judith; sisters, Bernice Peden, Florence Swanson and Vivian Swanson; sister-in-law, Mary Burns; brother-in-law, Richard (Cheri) Hanson; many nieces and nephews. Visitation and Funeral Service Funeral service 1:30 PM Monday, Nov. 29th at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9300 Scandia Trail N., Forest Lake with visitation beginning at 12 Noon until time of service. Interment Scandinavian Cemetery.
I remember my dad in many different ways. I remember him adopting my brother Jim and I and being raised by him. He was a great father who taught me everything from how to butcher ducks to hunting and snowmobiling.. Growing sugar cane and making sorgum with an old ringer washer, going to Aunt Florence’s and Delberts and smelting on the norht shore and cleaning trash cans full of smelt. But most of all I remember the love he showed me. I loved him more than I got to tell him.
The best part was re-connecting with him after many years. Rekindling the memories and giving him the chance to meet his two grandsons. I only regret having lost contact again for the last few years and not getting to tell him one more time how much I loved him. He will be missed in my heart forever.
My most heartfelt condolences to his family and dto Judy. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Bud
I remember my dad in many different ways. I remember him adopting my brother and I and being raised by him for a number of years. He was a great father who taught me everything from how to butcher ducks to hunting and snowmobilng with the neighbors. Growing sugar cane and making sorgum with an old ringer washer, going to Aunt Florence’s and Delberts and playing in the woods with Arlan and the kids and burning my hand on a hot can of beans I took off the fire we had in the woods, smelting on the north shore and cleaning trash cans full of smelt. Most of all I remember the love he showed me. I loved him deeply.
The best part was making re-contact with him after to many years, and I regret not staying in touch with him as often as I should have. I could go on with rememberances forever, he was a great father and a great man. He will be missed in my heart forever.
My most heartfelt condolences to his family and to Judy. You will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Bud
My relationship started out with Don & Judy when I started grooming Snuggles. I soon considered them friends, not just customers. I will miss talking to Don about the garden and comparing information. The baked good treats were always a bonus, even if he would put weird stuff in them like lemon or nuts. He did get me to try new things. He had alot of interesting stories for me and always had candy for my Grandkids. My heart goes out to Judy and Molly. Our date every thurs am will not be the same but I am there for you Judy.
Deepest Sympathy…Ingrid
It has been many years but Don was always in my thoughts, helping me to raise my two boys. He adopted them and loved them. I remember living at 2344 Bush in Maplewood with a lake in front of the house and how Don would take the boys out in a canoe. I remember raising ducks in that pond and finding a snapping turtle that Don said would make great soup – and boy did it! Jim and I remember going up to Rush Lake to visit his sister and what a good time we had.
Jim and I send our sincerest condolences to his wife and his family.
It is with a very heavy heart that I write to share a bit about this wonderful man. Don was always there for me in the most important of times. From taking me on the snowmobile as a little tyke, to washing my hands wish gasoline to remove spray paint as a teen and quite a few beers since… Don was always referred to as “uncle Don”, but more appropriately was…father. When my dad died, Don simply kept on with everything he enjoyed in life, just at a more patient pace to ensure my brother and me could keep up and learn a thing or two. I had the chance to play cards, hunt, fish, and just hang out with Don, sometimes everyday, sometimes all day. It is way too late to do any of that again, and I am glad I got to tell him a few weeks ago, that I loved him. What a great person all of us who know him, were blessed to have in our lives. I cannot say good bye, but until we meet again!