PG Music Home Forums General Discussion Off-Topic Regarding our dear friend Don Gaynor

Friends the following is a message to all of Don's friends here at PGM, from his beloved daughter Kelly.

A few words about my beloved Father,
(Donald Gaynor Sr.)
Who as he would say, “EXITED THE STAGE” February 27th 2023

How do you put a remarkable man’s life in a few words? Especially someone who, though in a frail physical condition, showed STRENGTH BEYOND MEASURE!

I know my dear Dad had a tremendous impact on a lot of people, countless times people would say to me, “Your Dad is such an inspiration to me!” No one knows the half of what he went through, and yet, he would ALWAYS greet you with the biggest sparkling smile, that lit up his whole face! Hiding all the pain within. (I truly miss that smile already.)

Many of you know Dad as “The music Man” He had an incredible passion for music, but
Perhaps some do not know the full reason why, it is because it was his way of expressing joy and the hidden parts of his heart, because down deep he was a very bashful man, so he found a way to express himself through music. He loved to share the joy it brought him, in hopes it would give others that same joy.

I can truly say I learned so much about what’s REALLY important in life from my Dad, ….
It’s about genuine faith in Gods promises, which helped him not just endure trials but to face challenges with dignity being convinced of a much better future. Some of his favorite verses were- (Revelation 21:4 Psalm 37:10,11) (And I’m going to ad one that he exemplified- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18) THAT is what was behind that beautiful smile and countenance he maintained till his last breath!

My earnest hope is that I can reflect some of his fine qualities in my life, … he’s given me reasons to reflect on my own life, do I inspire faith, joy, and hope in others?
Life is too short to focus on the negative. Obviously like every single one of us, Dad had his flaws, but I can say with all my heart he was a remarkable man in his own right!

I KNOW he loved each and every one of you in his own way, …… I’m so proud to say, “he was my Daddy.”

Kelly, thank you for sharing your thoughts and deep love you had for your father. Don was a friend here to many. I was happy to be included in that friendship. He will be missed. Still as in line with Don's and My own deeply held hope, it is not goodbye it is "see ya later". So friends of the late Donald Gaynor Sr. please join me in sharing our thoughts and prayers with his beloved family as they navigate the grief that comes with loss.

Regards, Rob Helms

So sad, my condolences to his family.
Don will be sorely missed for his friendship, his humour and always positive attitude, even though his final years were tough and he suffered poor health.

God bless you Don.

That was a very eloquent tribute. Our communications were brief but we never ceased to be amazed at how joyous and caring he was irrespective of his disabilities. May he rest in peace and be surrounded by the music he so loved.

Janice & Bud

Sorry to hear that Don's passed.

This is really sad news.
My condolences to his family.
I did a lot of work with Don and I will miss him.
RIP good buddy.

Sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was one of the first to reach out to me when I joined the forum. He will be missed. Condolences to his family.

Charlie

It's sad to hear about Don's passing! My sincere condolences and respects to his family! I am so appreciative of the encouragement he gave me on some of my songs over the years! I know he will be missed tremendously in this community! TB

Rob, Thanks for posting that.

I’m very sorry to hear of Don’s passing. He was a remarkable man, a true inspiration to all of us here, and all who new him. A great sense of humor, especially when it came to the topics of his Irish or Canadian friends/roots. He made lots of friends here on the forum, myself included. And hosted a few zoom events during Covid full of music and happy family stories. He family is a beautiful legacy for him, and a testament to the values that he’s passed on to them. He’s made the world a better place.

RIP good friend,

Peter

Condolences to his family. RIP Donny!

My condolences to Kelly, Don Junior and the rest of Don's family. His wit, wisdom, grace and courage will be sorely missed. Don was an inspiration to everyone and always saw the best in everyone.

Thanks Rob for sharing the news, albeit very sad news. Don was an inspiration to everyone here. His music will live on.

Thanks so much for posting this Rob.

Don will be sorely missed.

I will never forget driving into his nursing home in 2014 and seeing him sitting outside in his beloved gazebo waiting for me.

I will never forget the joy (and tears) on his face when I sang for him at his nursing home.

I will never forget how he gave me confidence to perform and record my music.

Thank you Don. We will miss you!

I’ll very much miss him.

Sad news.
RIP, my friend.

Sad news, there is a tear in my eye.

So long, Donny, RIP. You will be remembered with fondness from many around here, including myself. And you will be missed by many.

Notes ♫

My he rest in peace. God bless his family and friends.

...Deb

Don was one of the nicest people I knew-but-never-met. What started out as a "business connection / relationship" many many years ago turned into a friendship that I didn't expect but happily embraced.

I always enjoyed his sense of humor, amazing stories, the music he shared, and his "positive-no-matter-what" approach to life and all its struggles. I don't think I ever heard a negative statement from him!

When my Father passed away, Don was right there to lift me up. I'll never forget that, and never forget him either.

Don, you were loved so much.

Rob, thank you for posting this sad news. I trust Don's family will find peace in reading all the positive comments we each felt for this fine man. The challenges he overcame with grace were many. I had the pleasure to discuss with him a possible ergonomic solution to his difficulty in using a mouse and I gained a greater understanding of the way he faced problems: a great lesson for us all.

Dearest Don, thank you for your kindness, laughs, support, fearlessness, and uplifting attitude. You will be missed, but not forgotten.

My sincerest condolences to Don's family.

Sad to hear this sad news, Don was a witty intelligent man who brightened up my day with his posts.

A brilliant country singer too.

Condolences to his family.