When one knows a friend is ill and perhaps not long for this physical world, it is hard enough to say goodby and try to find peace with their passing. Our caving community has had to do this too often this past year. Now, another integral part of our Texas caving community is suddenly gone for a reason unknown, and this is a blow much harder to understand and absorb.
Don was one of those ever present members who made you feel good whenever you were with him. I never caved with him, but always felt welcomed when we would meet at various caving events over the past 46 years. That easy smile and quiet interest just pulled you in. My husband James Jasek and I were out eating when a friend called to check up on us, and asked if we had heard the news. Totally shocked, I pulled up e-mail on my phone for us to learn any details that were available. Then came the memories. For me, the main memories of him that came back the minute I heard and read this sad news were not mine, though, but those of my younger sister Jane Laurens. She and her friends in the short lived Temple Cavers grotto had gotten me into caving, and within a year had graduated and eventually moved on to various university grottos. Jane ended up at UT at Austin, and joined the UT Grotto. Don seemed to be one of her main mentors in this group, and she would often mention him when talking about her continuing caving exploits south of me. He was always ready with help or advice, no matter how small or insignificant the question or problem seemed to be, and among others in the grotto, seemed to look after her! As a loving big sister, this made a lasting impression that is there to this day. I called her to give her the sad news once my evening at home settled down, and she was shocked and saddened. Her response was “Oh man, one of the really good, sweet guys is gone!” Our sentiments align. Jane sends her regards to all Don’s big network of caving family and friends, as do James and I. We have lost another great one. With deep respect and heartfelt memories of a sweet, wonderful, but full life lost. Mimi Jasek Sent from my iPhone _______________________________________________ Texascavers mailing list | http://texascavers.com [email protected] | Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ http://lists.texascavers.com/listinfo/texascavers
