Kenneth Stroth

John requested that the Web-Site administrator mention this for him.

It is with a very sad heart that I let El Camino Class of 1962 know of Don Wilkening's passing. Don passed away early morning of August 11th. He has been one of my closest friends for the passed 59 years. Don has been battling a number of medical issues for the passed 22 years, but has always done so with a smile and a great attitude. His positive attitude kept him going and never stopped him from enjoying his numerious trips to Hawaii, Disneyland and Southern California, just being with his family and friends. My wife Terry could always tell who I was talking to on the phone because of all the laughter. Don is survived by his brother Dale, his son Michael and his daughter Shawn, her husband Mike and their two children, Molly and Max. Don will be greatly missed by all of those that knew him, he was a Great Friend.   John Culter.
 

Gaylyn Lawrence (Miller)

So sorry to hear about Don's passing. He will be missed by many of our classmates. I was so glad to have a visit with Don at the reunion. His attitude and his smile were two special things I will remember. He used to crack up in class and I could hardly contain myself. RIP my dear friend. Condolences to his family. Gay (Lawrence) Miller.

Richard Davis

Well, we all know that the reunion was a big room with a lot of people...that we were hoping to see.  Dave Hall came from Juneau.  And, after spending some time with Don and Gay (Lawerence)....I left hotel feeling lucky...to know these guys. Thanks John and yea, that's the way he was.

Richard Lemon

Don was a great guy with a dry sense of humor. I can still remember riding around Arden Park with Lance and Fergie and others in Don's Studebaker. I've never been in another one since! It was good to see him at the reunion events. 

Frederick Vail

So sorry to learn of another EC classmate passing on. Although I was not a close friend of Don, and--living over 2,000 miles away, have not been able to catch up with most of our classmates that often--I do remember him and I'm thankful that John brought his passing to our attention, as I'm also grateful for the posts by Gay, Ken, and Dick (hope I didn't leave anyone out).

I got a kick reading about Don, Lance, Fergie 'cruising' Arden Park in Don's Studebaker. I know that Don and Lance are re-living stories of those great times--and maybe lamenting the fact that the old Studie is worth between $20,000 and $25,000  now! Those were great days--and we're all lucky to have those wonderful memories of what many of us  may feel were a much better time.  

I'm often said that the hardest part of growing old is not the diminished eyesight or the aches and pains, but it's having to say 'good-by' to so many of our friends and family. Those folks gave us such unconditional love and so many warm--and often humerous--memories that last a lifetime.

I look forward to the possibility of seeing all of  you at our 55th. Hopefully, we can raise a glass to Don and the others who have gone on before us. I keep thinking of Pat Boone's #4 hit from our freshman year, 1958, "Everybody's Gonna Have  A Wonderful Time Up There." I'd like to think that will be our most glorious 'class reunion.'  

Have a great summer and have plenty of 'fun, fun, fun.'

Fred/Music City, USA 

Maureen Kelly (Slagle)

Don was a friend I made in high school, but it was college we became a close group with John C, John B, Chuck S and Don and I.  We all went to American River and everyday at lunch we would hang around together. Don was always the joke teller and we would all crack up.  We were all going to take off for Europe and bum around was one of our ideas.  Don thought that would be a great plan. I  always enjoyed him at the reunions and we met for drinks and laughs a couple of times after this last reunion.  When I thought of him it was always  with a smile.  He will be truly missed.  I'm so sorry John, I know how hard it is to lose a dear friend.  You two were my good Buddies.

Take care all,  Maureen Kelly Slagle