Donald James Gaye

Growing up in Kenmore, NY to Steven and Frances Gaye, Don and his brother Robert (Bob) had an adventurous and loving childhood. From summers spent in Crystal Beach, Canada to fishing and exploring at a time when the suburbs of Buffalo were full of discoveries for two inquisitive boys. His teen years were spent finding the perfect car to work on, with fellow buddies who were always ready to take apart an engine. Don attended the University of Buffalo, deciding after a short stint that the academic route was not the road he would take.

Given Don’s outgoing personality and willingness to strike up a conversation with the nearest stranger, his path to success led through sales, and combined with his love of photography, he found the career and avocation that would carry him throughout his life, first with Kodak stores in Buffalo, NY and then with the Taprell Loomis Company of Cleveland, Ohio.

He married Sheila Sullivan, and they raised three sons – James, Daniel, and David. When Sheila died suddenly, Don’s positive spin on life was surely tested, as he became a single dad to three teenagers.

In 1983 he met Kathleen Tighe, and being the consummate salesman, he worked his magic, and the single career girl became his wife in 1985. Theirs was a marriage of deep love, compatibility, shared friendships, travel adventures and ever the spirit to try something or go someplace for the sheer experience of doing it together – as long as Don could bring his camera equipment.

With a shared love of sailing, summers on Seneca Lake in New York, bareboat chartering in the British Virgin Islands – and one son living in Florida, it was just a matter of time before Don and Kathy decided Tampa Bay would be home. There, sailing the coastal Gulf waters contributed to many new adventures and stories with Safety Harbor Boat Club friends.

In his retirement, Don’s second act included working at Busch Gardens as a photographer, mentoring young aspiring camera bugs, and photographic trouble shooting for a client in the shopping mall Santa business.

Don’s joy of living, his quest to discover the next micro-brewery and share it with fellow beer lovers, and always, the love and laughter of family and friends will echo in the memories of those who remember him. With the wisdom of his final years and never failing to share it, he summed up his philosophy on life “happy or crappy – pick one”. We know where Don landed…softly in a happy place.

Don is survived by Kathy, his wife of 38 years, and sons James (granddaughter Erika), Daniel (wife Pat) and David. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.