Don is a person for whom I have great respect. He was a "man's man". He worked hard; provided for his family and never made apologies for who he was, what he said or how he acted. Some of my favorite laughs of all time are based around Don Lanie (him spitting watermelon seeds back into the plate, "Corn A Flew", "Now let me tell you one God Danm thing ...". The list goes on and on. Those stories bring a smile to my face. No sadness in my heart, only a smile to my face. I hope that when I pass people think of me and smile. I tip my hat to you, Don Lanie. You were and will forever in my memories be a good man. I hope that means something to him and his family, because it means very much to me.      I also smile because I know the first thing that Don did when he arrived in heaven was grab Ruby by the waist, spin her around and kiss her deeply. He loved Ruby. I remember knowing that as a child. I remember looking at the two of them and fully understanding what it meant to be "family", to be a "couple" and to love one another in a powerful and important way. As I type this, it reminds me of how much Don and Ruby Lanie were to me in my formative years. Their house was a haven for me. It was a place to go and hear laughter. A place to go where vibrancy abounded. It was a place to go and see a large group of people commune together in the spirit of family. Don and Ruby Lanie were my role models of what a family could be: Big, Loud, loving, and over-flowing with children. It is the image of what I hold as a possibility for my future. Thank you Don and Ruby Lanie. Your presence in my life was steeped in goodness. Something I strive for daily as a man and as a partner. I LOVE YOU BOTH ... And I hope you are dancing together like I remember you doing when I was a child. It makes me smile. It makes my heart happy to know you are once again together. The world seems right and sound at this very moment. Your passing, Don Lanie is a true blessing in ways that I can not describe. I am certain that eternal happiness awaits you. Please give my love to Ruby.

Dear family of Don, I got the news of Dons passing just before I left on my vacation.  I'm your cousin Linda Sundt Ray from Minnesota.  I just viewed the video clip it was done very nicely.  It has been 49 years since I have seen some of you and some I have never met.  But when Uncle Don came back to Minn. I usually got a chance to visit him here when he came back.  I was 12 when he left Minn. but I still knew both your mom and dad.  My condolences to all of you.  You are in my thought.  Your cousin Linda Ray

Daddy,   You will dearly be missed. I was glad we got to see you in August. You are up there with mama where you need to be.  Have fun with mom, Ann, Ronnie,say hi to all of them.    Love your youngest daughter,   Cathie

Dad, I love you and miss you very much.  Have a good time with mama.  I love you always and forever.  Rose Marie

I was saddened to hear about Don, but can't help to feel happy that he is now with Ruby and Ronnie.  What a wonderful reunion they must be having right now.  Don was never the same without his true love.  Love to all Debbie Hayden

Dear Cousins,      I was very sad to hear of Uncle Don's passing. Even though we lived 2,000 miles apart, I always felt very close to him. I loved his yearly visit to Minneapolis and would always try to get him to a Viking or Twins game. I took him to a Viking Packer game one time and we had a blast. He loved sports and loved to talk sports even more! I am so happy I got to visit with him a couple of years ago when I was in LA for work. I really wish I was able to make it to the funeral to represent my Dad (Vern), I know he wants to be there very badly but just can't make it out. Know that all of us in Minnesota are thinking of you and will Miss Uncle Don very much.

Dad we will miss you so much, it was one of the hardest things watching you leave us but we know that you are now up in heaven with the love of your life, say hi to mom for us.

Hi Dad,       We love you very much,we are sure you have met up with mom by now. Rest in peace with your lovely wife, Ruby Lou.       Love always,    Donna Mae & Jerry McMahon

We will always have the memories of the weekends with you, Ronnie, Debbie and the boys, your famous baked beans and your play by play of a baseball game. We often look back and laugh at the great times we had together. We'll miss you.

OBITUARY

Donald Edward Lanie

September 26, 1923 – September 3, 2009

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