Donald Gustav Gyde

Donald Gustav Gyde, of Phoenix AZ, passed away February 29th, 2024. He is survived by his brother John, son Mike, daughter Debbie, 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, their families, and a host of close friends.

Donald Gyde was born September 18th, 1936 in Flint Michigan.

Don married his high school sweetheart, Connie, and continued this unity for over 65 years until her passing in 2022. He was an educated man, achieving his Bachelor Degree in Chemical Engineering with honors from Michigan State while working and beginning his new family. His thirst for learning lured him to Minnesota where General Mills recruited him for new product development while enticing him with a full ride to the University of Minnesota. Don received his Master Degree in Science & Engineering from the University of Minnesota while working full time at General Mills. Don was a driven individual and appreciated educated decisions by himself and others around him in everyday life and also around the poker table.

Don was an outdoor enthusiast who loved to hunt and fish. Growing up in Michigan under his father’s tutelage, Gus Gyde, Don spent his free time fishing in local Michigan waters, hunting birds, and deer. Many fond memories and laughs were had fishing on Higgins Lake Michigan, summertime family Canadian trips, Alaska salmon fishing, and locally on the Mogollon Rim lakes. Don especially enjoyed the annual archery elk hunt on the Mogollon Rim, where he spread his wealth of knowledge in tracking elk and the art of cutting/splitting oak rounds for the campfire.

He was an animal lover from his early days of training, field trialing, showing, and breeding AKC German Shorthair Pointers in Minnesota to his final days with us in Arizona. He loved his dogs like his own children – sleeping in bed with him, daytime treats, walks, and evening ice cream desserts.

Don will always be remembered as an outdoors enthusiast, skilled wood splitter, dedicated mentor, passionate animal lover, and for his unwavering pursuit of perfection.