Comments on: In A World Without You, Goodbye Don LaFontaine

By: Laura Nichols

Laura Nichols — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 06:30:50 +0000

I’ve thought about writing this for weeks. I wanted to write the perfect words for a very special man. To say that my cousin Donald was so much to so many just doesn’t seem to be enough. He was a very busy man and yet found the time in his very busy schedule to invite me and a friend (Robin) to his beautiful home. He took the time to reach out to everyone he knew to share the goodness that he felt in his life. I knew this to be true because I could read it in his smile. Whether it was levitating a cousin in his kitchen or just laughing together at a reunion, it was always a good time. So thank you once again Don. You will always be in my heart and in the hearts of all that you’ve touched. To Nita, Skye, Elyes, and Christine, My heart goes out to you. Donald was truly the best!

By: Susie London

Susie London — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:49:45 +0000

Don is my cousin, friend, and one time boss. I loved him and was part of the Memphis Mafia that surrounded him in the 80s and tried to protect him and keep him healthy.
Thank God for Anita. I find great comfort in knowing that the last 20 some years of his life were his happiest. Anita was his soulmate. Like he said…He was the luckiest guy on earth.

By: Amber Samaniego

Amber Samaniego — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:30:22 +0000

Don was a part of my family as well. He will be so greatly missed. He was one of the most positive people I have ever met. He made every person feel like they were the most important person in the room. My love and prayers go out to Anita and the girls.

By: Audrey Franson

Audrey Franson — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 03:31:36 +0000

Don, my younger cousin and like a little brother to me. memories of his spunk, laughter and drive to succeed continue to parade across my mind. When i left for college he assured me that in a few years he too would be able to leave his home town, Duluth, Minnesota. He promised me he would some day make a name for himself. He succeded in more ways than the voice of america but as a man with a heart full of love and compassion. Even though our paths have not crossed a lot in our adult lives, he has always been there when I needed him. when a difficult time for me, it was donald that came to my help. Thank you Donald for a life that exemplified not only the american dream but a strong man with a tender heart. God bless you Nita and you know my prayers are with you. love and prayers always, audrey. proverbs 3:5&6

By: Judy Nichols

Judy Nichols — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 23:03:58 +0000

Don is my cousin. My mother’s cousin to be more precise. When I moved to Hollywood in 1980 our lives converged for the first time since I was a toddler. We were learning LA and sharing good times. I left and he stayed and made a great life for himself and his family. But I’ll never forget that year in which he showed himself to be an unselfish, fun loving man who put family and friends first. He lives in my heart and in our family remembrances. When I hear his voice from the multitudinous sources, I know his contribution to the world goes beyond family, beyond friends..it is limitless. In deference to his style and grace I leave you with this from one of his favorite novels, “There is one possession I take with me from this place. Tonight when I stand before God - and bow low to him, so that my forehead brushes his footstool, the firmament - I will stand again and proudly show Him that one pure possession - which I have never ceased to cherish or to share with all-and that is-
My enormous - panache.”

By: Brandon Robinson

Brandon Robinson — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 22:57:21 +0000

His talent is difficult to describe in words, however, it is what Don did outside of the studio that will forever leave a lasting impression in my life.

Don was someone who brought us together. His constant philanthropy and contributions to our family will always be unmatched. He was someone who never forgot where he came from and did everything in his power to bring those around him similar success.

Don was a loving husband, caring father, and amazing person who placed everyone around him above himself. For that he will forever be etched in our soles and memories.

By: Sharon Robinson

Sharon Robinson — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:49:47 +0000

Don was my cousin. He was such an inspiration, and such a character. We would all sit around in awe of him, waiting for the next amazing or hilarious thing that he would say. He was like Peter Pan, the little boy who never grew up, full of life & wonder. He made you feel like you were connected to something so special, so incredible. He gave you the feeling that you could accomplish anything you set your heart to. He gave me the courage to sing, to follow my dreams, i will miss him terribly. He will always live in our hearts forever. I love you Donald…

By: Elizabeth Kartchner

Elizabeth Kartchner — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 21:27:24 +0000

I will miss him too!
He was loving, genuine, and HILARIOUS!!
I’m so grateful to be able to see him again… someday!
love you Unle Don

By: Sharon Nichols

Sharon Nichols — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:01:45 +0000

Donald is what the family mostly called him. He was my cousin but in our close-knit family more like a brother. We held him in loving respect and he returned that respect to each of us. There really are no words to express the loss I feel and the loss of each of my immediate siblings and their families and all the cousins who have contacted each other to share their grief at this loss. We will all miss him, his wit and love. Our prayers and love are with Nita, Skye and Elyes

By: Ralph and Kelly Smith

Ralph and Kelly Smith — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:33:48 +0000

Don was so special and we were blessed to have him in our family. He lit up a room when he entered it, his smile was amazing and his voice was beautiful. We will miss Don very much and we are grateful for many happy memories with him. Our prayers will continue for Nita and their girls. Words cannot express how sad we are for all of them. We love you Don.