Donald M. Sleight, 63, cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away Friday, January 11, 2019 at his home in Bradenton, Florida. He was born on November 26, 1955 to Richard and Vera Sleight in Bangor, Maine.
Donald leaves behind his wife and high school sweetheart of 43 years, Debra Sleight. His three children and their spouses; Samantha and Chip Smart of Fort Mill, SC; Ryan and Jill Sleight of Sylvania, OH; Trevor and Jennifer Sleight of Winterport, ME. His grandchildren Isaac; Christian & Sophia; Alexandra, Jonathan, Thomas & Benjamin. His sisters; Linda, Marilyn, Sheila & Janet and brother, David. He was predeceased by his father & mother, his brother Richard, and his mother and father in law; Mary and Richard Smith.
First and always, a family man… Consistently supportive, he elevated his children to help them see their potential, the biggest cheerleader and a guiding light in difficult times. He devoted his young adult-hood working night and day to not only provide for his growing family, but also to climb the working ladder, completing traditional college and then striving on to obtain his Master’s Degree. He worked his way up the ranks of Eastern Maine Healthcare System (EMHS), starting from the dish room of the cafeteria to VP and CFO of Affiliated Healthcare Systems and then finally retiring as Senior Financial Analyst for EMHS.
Don’s life is not easy to summarize concisely. His genuine caring for others endeared him to many, near and far. He enjoyed spending his time in service to others; whether family, friends, coworkers or strangers. He has earned a reputation for helping people gather, connect, and unite in the spirit of community. He had an ever-expanding list of talents and interests including (but certainly not limited to) theater, music, calming upset babies (known to family as “The Baby Whisperer”), fishing, marathon training and racing, writing, and travel. He shared his love of life with those around him. He used his unique humor and wit to everyone’s delight, including in his own. Watching Don and Debbie live every single day to the fullest possible extent inspired countless others to do the same. As we try to comfort our own broken hearts, and the broken hearts of those around us, we can remember the words of the Reverend Hooker, once spoken by Don in a performance by the Winterport Open Stage of the play “Dearly Departed”: “Let us remember in these times of confusion, distress and sorrow, that when it seems you can’t go on, you probably can. And when you think to yourself, there’s just no answer, you’re probably right. Remember friends, our time here is short. Shorter than any of us can imagine. And if you feel your life is nothing but a pit of unrelenting torture, try to make the most of it. After all, tomorrow is another day.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 20 at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park (1221 53rd Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34203). A second celebration will be planned and held later this year in the Bangor, Maine area. Information will be posted in the Bangor Daily News when plans are made.
In honor of Don’s legacy of generosity, and in lieu of flowers, please consider joining our family in making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
DONATIONS
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18