Don decided to leave Linn Haven and return to teaching, working with special needs students in the Cedar Rapids School District. For Don, family was everything and came first all this life. One loving example came when his father asked both Don and his brother would consider making a legal name change. He continued this with Brandon too. Don was loved by both the scouts and their families and leaders too. For himself, Don took all adult training that was offered. He also completed Wood Badge training; an advanced, national leadership course open only to Scouting volunteers.
They two never missed any band events and loved chaperoning school events all the time with both sons. Don loved his sons and found such joy in watching them grow, pursue their passions and participate in various activities.
He was their biggest supporter, always present at every event in their lives. Don celebrated their every achievement with pride and enthusiasm. Taking family vacations with their sons were important to Don and Andi. Summertime was especially special as that was when they went up to Backbone State Park, always renting Cabin 4.
There were plenty of trails to hike, trout streams to fish and a lake to go canoeing with a beach for swimming. You could always spot Don anywhere with his tie-dyed shirts, hoodies, and even a tie-dyed bucket hat.
It was up Backbone where Don first tried a kayak and immediately fell in love with it. He went kayaking every chance he had. Both had Chiquita Banana girl stickers too. Don joined Sticks in the Water, a local kayak group that went on kayak day trips around the state, exploring different lakes and rivers.
