In Memory of Don & Faye

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
-John Wesley

Below are some wonderful words sent to us directly today. I have edited them a bit, just including words describing Don & Faye. Words I'm sure we all relate to.

You may also view the Online Obituary at the Star Tribune.

Thank you so much everyone. -Eric
_____________________________________

I would like to express my sympathies to you and your family. I have been touched by your parents and the accident that took their lives. My family was traveling north bound on I 39 when the accident unfolded before our eyes. We pulled our van over to offer assistance to the accident victims. I was the first on the scene to your parent’s car. I was quickly joined by another gentleman. It became quickly apparent that your parents did not suffer during the accident. Take heart in knowing that many kind bystanders offered assistance to the accident victims. We did find Buffer sitting in the back seat, behind your mother, waiting patiently to be helped from the car. We decided leave Buffer in the car as it was not safe for him to venture outside of the car until rescue personal secured the scene. The gentleman and myself at the scene offered up a prayer for your parents and to their families who would have to hear the terrible news.
Take solace in knowing that your parents touched and changed many lives for the better, their passing was instant, and they traveled to their next journey together. May the many wonderful memories you have of your parents bring you comfort in the coming months. -Good Samaritan

My daughter Alisha's first grade year was a tough one. The kids and I moved out of the area, but I felt it important to keep her at Adams. I would drive her in everyday, and in tears she would refuse to get out of the car. Your dad was aware of this, and for almost 2 weeks, would come out and take her by the hand and walk her into her class. He was a special man who touched mine and my daughters lives in a way we have never forgotten. We are so truly sorry for your loss, and for all who knew him.
-Chris & Alisha

There will never be another “Fabulous Faye” and I for one will sure miss her sunny disposition and all the fun times we had together. It was a great 20 + years and she will always be a part of my fondest memories of the North Shore. I know that everyone who knew her and Don will have great memories to share with all of you. - Linda

Your dad was principal of Morris Bye Elementary in Coon Rapids when I went through 25+ years ago. (You and I are the same age, I think, or close to it.) I remember him as a gentle, firm, and incredibly kind man. He called me by name in the hallways...which clearly had an impact, considering I still remember that. And packed away in a box in my basement are a handful of precious certificates I still have that came from that time..."Happy Grams," which was Morris Bye's version of "Hey Good Job on Whatever," and they were signed by the principal. I remember, to have done something that merited getting Dr. Rautio's signature - well, that was just as good at the time as if Jimmy Carter himself had signed it. -James

Words cannot express how Dick and I are feeling. We so love your parents. I am sure there are many people who think that Faye and Don are their very best friends. They were so inclusive in their gathering of friends and family. Well, they were and are our very best friends! We have over forty years of wonderful memories. We have numerous trips and adventures including you both and your grandmother. We spent many New Year's Eves together. We had so much fun at their cabin at the end of the summer. We have one last memory the night of the Monday night Viking game at our condo when your parents came for dinner just before Christmas. We had such a good time with joyful conversation. Faye and I went on and on about her grandson and our granddaughter and what wonderful readers they are. We promised each other that we would get them together again as they thoroughly enjoyed each other a few years ago as they attended the Creative Play Anniversary.
I can't believe that I will never again hear the glee in Don's voice as he says, "Marsha, have your seen the last concert on PBS? " We so shared an appreciation for good music!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you so much.
With all our love, -Dick and Marsha

Faye & Don were my
favorite aunt and uncle. Their generosity, wisdom, curiosity,
intelligence, and good humor were boundless. I spoke with my sister
today, and she used the words, "expressive, cheerful,
alive, and smart" to describe Faye & Don. -Jeanne

Your parents were very special, good, decent people who
were so full of life and joy. -Tom

What a delightful couple they were - Finnish, of
course, (as is my husband) so we had lots of Finnish
tales to talk about, their involvement in activities
in The Villages (your Mother in the League of Women
Voters and your Father in all of his sports activities
made them true "Villagers". -John & Diane

I've been thinking so much about your parents lately and especially the
inspiration and words of wisdom your mom has shared in notes, letters and
conversations over this past year as I joined her in being the mother of
two boys. I sing "It's a beautiful day today" with A.J. very often since
she taught it to him on a neighborhood walk during a sunny day this spring
when they came to visit. -Angie & James