Donald Don P. Gait Georgas-Gait

Don Georgas-Gait was a quiet man with a sweet, gentle spirit who loved relationships. A very observant man who would rather spend his time figuring out how something works than talking, Don preferred to live in a world of harmony where everything around him made sense and was a peace. Don believed that actions definitely spoke for themselves. He seemed to know what fit and what didn't fit in everything he did, and was always very considerate of others.

Don was born on September 16, 1956 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Joliet, Illinois. His parents were Harry and Marge Gait. Don was raised in Lockport and New Lenox, Illinois. As a young child, Don was playful, fun and quite mischievous. Don rarely called attention to himself, but when he did speak out, his message was clearly understood by those around him.

Early on in his family relationships, Don showed that he was a tolerant and flexible person, and he got along fairly well with everyone. He was raised with one sibling, older sister, Melodee. He was a calm and playful child who was adaptable to any situation.

As he was growing up, Don developed into a person who enjoyed physically doing things, and he took pleasure in using his hands in order to work on cars. Whenever he got a toy as a child, the first thing he would do is take it apart and figure out how it worked. Growing up, Don took part in baseball playing quite well in little league. He was a cub scout and nearly made it to Eagle Scout level. However, to Don, the most fun he had was simply playing, and spending time with friends.

Early on in his school years, Don showed an interest in learning, especially when it came to subjects in mechanical things. He attended Lockport High School 1971-1972, and graduated from Lincoln-Way High School, attending from 1972 to 1975. He His favorite class in high school was auto shop. Don was also great at track - very fast.

Those who didn't know Don well might not view him as being an outgoing person, those who called him their friend knew differently. Don was shy and sensitive, a person who never wanted to force his opinions and values on others. Close friends knew that his kindness was unmatched, and once you became a friend of Don’s, you understood how true a friend he could be. While growing up, some of his best friends were Steve Moore, JJ, Mike Hicks and Dave Dolle. Later in life, he became friends with Ron Martin, Doug Walksler, and Ian Nevins.

A person who was sensitive to others’ feelings, modest and tolerant, Don had the ability to become completely devoted to another when that affection was returned. On August 16, 1998, Don exchanged wedding vows with his life partner Alexandra "Sandy" Lynn Georgas at the Baker Memorial Methodist Church of St. Charles, Illinois.

Don was exceptionally sympathetic and compassionate when it came to his children. These emotional bonds made him as much playmate as parent. He gave his family unconditional love and kindness, sharing his mischievous nature by turning everyday events into creative play. Don was blessed with three children, Jeremy, Kristyn and Dan. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Alexis and Nadia.

Don found ways to enjoy what he did for a living. He worked hard and did his best to succeed every day. His primary occupation was a laborer. Don spent much of his teen years under the hood of his many muscle cars, which made him a great at delivering auto parts which he did first at World Supply Corporation in Joliet from 1975 to 1979, then for Phillips Chevrolet in Frankfort 1979, and last for Rendels GMC in Joliet from 1979 to 1982. He then had a short stint as a Press Operator for Assurance Graphics Services in Chicago in 1983, followed by working as a plumbing assistant at Johnson Plumbing in Joliet from 1983 to 1984. He then worked as a 10 Yard Six Wheel Dump Truck Driver for Simpson Construction in RockDale from 1984 to 1985. Then he had his longest time in one company, working for Norwalk Tank Company in Joliet as a Equipment Operator/Driver from 1986 to 1999. After a short stint at McNally Construction as a Truck Driver, Don finished his working career at Muehlfelt Enterprises in Wheaton as a laborer and truck driver, working from 2000 to 2010. Don was a strong team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done without imposing his will on others.

He was in the Civil Air Patrol from 1991 to 1996. During this time he learned how to fly planes. He also used to race his muscle cars with his friends.

Don enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were Shorei-Goju form of martial arts, travel and photography. Don was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others. He was relaxed in his approach to his leisure time because he wanted to savor the present moment.

Don liked sports. In high school, Don ran track and was very, very fast. He learned the sport of golf when he worked at a golf course, a sport he enjoyed later in his adulthood. Don was not too much of a sports fan except when it came to Bears football.

Don’s faith was important to him. He was a member of Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton for 15 years, an Anglican church. During that time, he was involved in the team to bring in and set up everything needed for weekly church services in a rented space. He also worked hard on three charity art shows for the church. Don's passionate commitment to upholding his values placed him at home in his faith, where he took comfort in the company of others who believed as he did.

Because he loved the world around him, Don enjoyed traveling and going away on vacations. It was an opportunity for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included a fabulous Hawaiian Cruise, an Alaskan cruise, 5 Caribbean cruises, and vacations with family.

Don was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Don’s favorites was Dodger, a loyal mixed breed. Don tolerated Sandy's cats well, although only one, Alex, liked him.

Don passed away on June 27, 2012 at 1:50pm at his home in Downers Grove, Illinois. Don fought a 7 1/2 year brave battle against colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Alexandra “Sandy”, Mother Marge Gait, Jeremy Gait, Kristyn Gait Barnes and Son-in-Law Nathan Barnes, Son Daniel Gait, Granddaughters Alexis and Nadia Barnes, Sister Melodee Gait Dolle. Services were held at Blake-Lamb funeral home in Lisle, Illinois. Don was laid to rest in the Wheaton Cemetery, Wheaton, IL.

Don was a good man, a kind man, and a practical man who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being warm and deeply caring. He leaves behind him a treasury of life-long friendships and wonderful memories. Don always had much to give and was able to make those connections in his life where his gifts were appreciated. Don was a faithful, practical and loving person. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember Don Georgas-Gait.

Donald Georgas-Gait, age 55, beloved husband of Alexandra “Sandy”; devoted father of Jeremy, Kristyn (Nathan) Barnes and Daniel; loving grandfather of Alexis and Nadia Barnes; cherished son of Marge (the late Harry) Gait; dear brother of Melodee (Dave) Dolle; fond uncle and great uncle of many. Visitation, Monday, 3-8 p.m. at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 5015 Lincoln Ave., Lisle (on Rt. 53, 1/2 mile south of Ogden Ave. / Rt. 34) where funeral services will be held Tuesday, 10 a.m. Interment Wheaton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations on Donald’s behalf can be made to the American Cancer Society. For information call (630) 964-9392.