Donald Arthur Bagley

Mid-Century Man, Self Made

On Friday, August 30, 2013, Donald "Don" Bagley lost an extremely courageous battle against pulmonary fibrosis. He left this life singing and surrounded by his family. He is survived by his adoring wife of 47 years CarolAnn, daughters Kathleen and Lorene, son John, sister Jeanene, brother William, and 4 grandchildren Deryn, Marie, Evan and Cyrus. And, of course his loving dog Beau. Don was born in Massachusetts but 'pa:ked his cah" in Chicagoland for most of his adult life. He spent the final years in Flahrida.

Don's life was chock full of love and laughter. He showered everyone around him with jokes, smiles, songs, laughs and limericks. Known affectionately as "Ole Blue Eyes", he had a deep love of history and New England sports (especially his beloved RedSox and Patriots) and was an avid hunter.

A nurse anesthetist (CRNA) for 46 years, who got his start in MASH hospitals of Vietnam, and a proud veteran, it's estimated he helped over 50K patients over the years. He spent the last 12 years of his career caring for patients in Fort Myers, FL where he continued to make indelible impressions on his coworkers.

A great love in his life was his barbershop singing which he shared with his wife who is also a long time Sweet Adeline (the female version of barbershop). He was a 55 year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and bass singer with the 1988 International Champion Quartet, Chiefs of Staff.

His children grew up with confidence and grace under his parental lead (although he sang Bass). His motto was "Don't Worry Be Happy" and he practiced this his entire life. When asked about his obituary he said, "Don Died. Camaro For Sale." (except, it's not.)