Donald Eric Goldthwaite

Donald was born in Ravenna, Ohio to Don and Marie (Fitzpatrick) Goldthwaite on September 27th, 1946. Don, Donnie, or Don Diego as he was also known, grew up in his hometown of Kent, Ohio among a large extended family and friends. As a youth, he enjoyed golf and caddying, and as a teen, his musical interests and talents led him to starting a band with his brother Bob. Their gigs eventually led them to New York City in the late ‘60s ~ the stories Don has shared from those times were crazy, exciting, and fun. You can imagine two young musicians in Greenwich Village, 1967….

Don met Wendy, his wife, in New York. From New York, they eventually moved to South Plainfield, New Jersey, Wendy’s hometown, and then with their two small children, followed her parents waaaay out to Aloha, Oregon.

Music and art remained a constant thread throughout Don’s life, whether it was in his work as a metal fabricator, getting together with fellow musicians to play and record music, or infusing everyday activities with his unique creativity. Don was a great storyteller and enjoyed telling a good joke! It’s difficult to encapsulate a person’s life in just a few words. What we know for certain is Don was loved dearly and will be missed every day.

Don was surrounded by friends and family in the days and weeks leading up to his passing, and the outpouring of support was greatly appreciated by both him and his loved ones. Don is survived by his wife of 54 years, Wendy (Baumann) Goldthwaite, his daughter Bridgett Francis (Marty), his son Maxwell (Sakura), and four grandchildren that he loved so dearly, Madelon, Henry, and Camille (Francis), and Mimi (Goldthwaite).

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hopewell House in memory of Don. https://friendsofhopewellhousepdx.org/donate

Please share stories and photos at www.finleysunsethills.com for the Goldthwaite family. Your recollections and kind words of condolence are very touching and truly appreciated by our family, friends, and all who loved him dearly.

Don’t grieve for me ~ An Irish Poem

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!

I follow the plan God laid for me.

I saw His face, I heard His call,

I took His hand and left it all…

I could not stay another day,

To love, to laugh, to work or play;

Tasks left undone must stay that way.

And 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, shall miss.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much:

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

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief –

Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.

Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,

Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.