Donald David Surplice

My name is Ralph Walker, and the family gave me the honor to assist in the officiating today.

I would like to start the service today with a Poem called "I'm Free".

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

I’m following the path God laid for me

I took His hand when I heard Him call,

I turned by back and left it all

I could not stay another day

to laugh, to love, to work, or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found that place at the close of day

If my parting has left a void

then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.

Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow.

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift up your heart and share with me

God wanted me now. He set me free

The family provided me with an overwhelming amount of stories and memories for me to choose from.

For instance, some of you may not know this, but Don was a gymnast in High school. And he continued to keep in shape later in life. His children remember him doing pushups and clapping his hands with ease.

As you all know, Don has always loved Motorcycle, riding and racing. He joined the Motorcycle clubs, The Lost Angels and Checkers M.C.. During his racing career he raced many weekends and was his own mechanic. He received several trophies and was an accomplished rider! Even Evil Knievel asked him to be his manager. One of his greatest thrills was taking his granddaughter, Samantha, on her first dirt bike ride last year. Yes he was still riding at the age of 85! She is now carrying on his legacy as she has her own bike now.

Tragically, in 1983 Don lost his son, Donny, to a motorcycle accident. Donny’s death did not deter him from riding and he became the very first number one plate in district 37. After joining the Lost Angels Motorcycle Club he left to join the Checkers M.C. because they wouldn't help him pit the bike. He also got tired of having his pregnant wife put gas in his bike for him during races!

Shortly after joining the Motorcycle clubs, Don joined the United States Navy. Everyone who knew Don, knew how patriotic he was. Every single day without fail, he would put up his American Flag on the front porch of his house.

Don didn’t start out as a "family man," but he certainly ended life as one. Dianne and he never married, but they lived life as if they were and he loved her dearly. He loved his three sons-in-law as if they were his own blood. His oldest son was his "Kelly Bird, Daughters are Linda, Sheri and Julie was "his youngest one!" He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren very, very much.

Don inspired many people. For example of how much he inspired people, here is a message from Jon Gaspar:

As my heart grieves, I find comfort in the memories of the few times I shared with Don. My life was richer because of Don "Squatty" Surplice. He was introduced to me as a Father and fellow dirt bike rider and soon became someone I respected and admired. I learned more about Don through shared memories, stories and reading about his historic achievements. Only after a few years did I realized the humble man whose company I very much enjoyed was actually a true legend.

One of my first experiences with Don was watching him unload his bike from the back of a truck when he was in his eighties; he fired it up and headed off into the Desert. In that moment, Don's example of what life can be like set a high mark for what I wanted for myself.

The yearly anticipation of hoping to see him again will leave an empty feeling. I'm sure, to be partially filled with memories shared of a hero and a heartfelt hug from Kelly and Laurene.

Don loved his restaurants. Mucho Maas and Tally Rand were his favorite go to venues. Don and Dianne were such frequent diners that the staff at Mucho Maas would offer to pick them up for dinner. This might have something to do with the generous tips Don gave them. Don was the kind of guy that would happily give his last dollar if you needed it.

We planned on having friends and family speak at his celebration of life after the service, so please conclude with:

The family looks forward to hearing from anyone who would like to share their stories and memories of Don at the VFW Hall, directly following today’s service.

Closing Prayer

You can shed tears that he is gone.

Or you can smile because he has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left

You heart can be empty because you can’t see him

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can remember him and only that he is gone

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what he would want:

Smile, open your eyes, love and go on