My name is Dr. Andrew H. Cirner and from 1979-1983 Don was my stepfather (He was married to my mother, Anita Comerford-Cirner). Recently, I finished my third article as an editorial journalist for The Advocate and finalizing my third book, a memoir about my life. Much of that formative period centered on Don and my upbringing of he and my mom. I had intended to reach out to Don and speak to him, and this came a a complete shock and surprise to see his passing. 
My thoughts and condolences go to Aunt Janie, my stepsisters Tina and Julie, and my stepbrother Mike. I last contacted Don to let him know my mother and died in 2005 from brain cancer and it was nice to talk, let go of many things that happened so long ago. We both ended the conversation saying, it was nice to hear from one another. He told me, I had no doubt you would be a nurse. When I told him, I am a psych nurse in corrections, I thought he was going to never stop laughing, but he paused and said, I can see it. Don shaped and paved way for who and what I am today and how I view the world, yes, he had an impact in my formative years that transitioned into my adulthood. 
In 2011, I moved to Prague, Czech Republic and every time I took the train to Germany, I thought of him from all the stories he once told me of his time in the service there. 
Don, many years passed and through conversations I had with Mike, I was pleased to know the happiness you found, the peace that came over you and the love of a wife and a family that you richly deserved to have. 
Don, I did learn from you. I did have good memories as your stepson, and it is important for me to say to you, Thank you. Not all the memories were good, but I respect you enough to say, rest in peace and I am fortunate I shared this time on earth with you. Andrew H. Cirner, Ph.D 
Palm Springs, Ca. 92262

Missing you especially this week, Dad... I wish you were still here. I love you.

Just as a parent never wants his child to be hurt or alone... so too, an adult child never wants her parent to ever be hurting or alone later in life... so, I am so grateful to Claire for loving my Dad to the end. One of my favorite memories of my dad, was when he spoke to me -so respectfully- when I was a child (about 7) rebelling against staying in BlueBirds hahaha. The normal parental reaction might have been to tell me that I was going to stay with it whether I liked it or not, especially when my Oma spent the time to sew my uniform since we couldn't afford a new one (that uniform was my favorite part of the experience). He squatted down to my level, and explained to me, thru my tears, that the choice was mine. He encouraged me to consider the possible benefits of the experience, but assured me that he would not be disappointed in me if I chose to quit - he just didn't want me to miss out on anything. To feel that kind of respect, freedom and empowerment as a child - is unforgettable to me. We were on the driveway... in front of the garage.... That memory is still so vivid today, and has shaped my life in many ways. I stayed thru the camping, the cookie exchanges, the silly songs... and then quit. No regrets. Dad... my only regret is that I'm not sitting on the couch next to you (on your recliner that leans to the right) and telling you this in person... I'd also tell you thank you for calling me after Mom died... you were so genuinely concerned with how I was, and that I was alone, away from home with no one... your call gave me comfort and strength... Sometimes, I wish we could live life in reverse... so that the things we do -or don't do- today, would be done differently with tomorrow's wisdom. I've missed you Dad, and I miss you.

OBITUARIO

Donald Joseph Worthey

30 marzo, 1936 – 1 abril, 2012

Porter Loring Mortuary - McCullough

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