When Don was in high school, he turned dad's basement workroom into a photography darkroom to develop his own black and white photographs.

Don took many photographs and videos of FL.

Turtles can be found in neighborhoods and parks.

One of my most cherished memory of Don is just walking on the beach and talking. We would watch the planes take-off and land at Patrick's Space Force Base.

When Don was in junior high school, he built an ice-rink in our backyard and invited neighborhood friends to ice-skate.

Don liked taking photographs of wildlife. In FL, it's not unusual to see peacocks walking around the neighborhood.

Don got a kick out of the oversized pretzels when they first came out.

Don opening his birthday gifts in MI. Don most always spent his birthday in FL. The year of this photo, he didn't. I know he probably wanted to be in FL by the  sweatshirt he has on!

Don got a kick of these long-legged birds on my neighbor's roof.

Don with big brother, Ron and litter sister, Charlene.

Working at GM, Don bought a Cadillac. As with all the cars he's had, he took great care of them. I remember coming home one day and seeing all the engine parts of his Z28 sprawled out over the backyard. He then successfully put the engine back together again.

Maternal grandparents, Steve and Vina, with daughter Dorothy, and grandchildren Don and Charlene.

Don relaxing with a good book. Don was interested in many subjects. He had a curious mind and read books about math, science, astonomy, politics, gardening, cooking, exercise, leadership, etc.

Don had many friends in MI and FL. Kevin lives part of the year in MI and part in FL. Every year Don made it a point to see Kevin and say hi and to hang out with during his trip to FL.

Our second cousins Walter, his wife Barbara, and children Jeffery, Cathy, and Laura on her First Holy Communion.

Being an engineer, Don was always interest in technical things. We saw a few rocket launches at Kenedy Space Center, but most  times we would hear the rumble of the rocket taking off and run outside to see the rocket's vapor trail.

Don enjoyed being in the warm weather in March.

Don at North Turn restaurant a racing car themed restaurant.

Christmas with mom, dad,  Don, Cookie, and Kitty.

Don's two previous cats, Calla and Callie.

Cocoa beach pier was another highlight in Don's trips, beach, shopping, and restaurants made the day perfect.

Walking along US1, Don would take pictures of the river, birds, and dolphins.

There was no shortage of river parks and Don liked to visit them all at least once during his trip.

Don always like to make a stop at the beach and walk along the shoreline.

There are many restaurants and music events in the Melbourne area. Don would always want to go to Earl's Hide-away, in Sebastian Beach. A small venue on the river with great bands.

Don enjoyed listening to bands at Epcot.  This was ELO.

We would go to Epcot for their Flower and Garden event.

Don was always interested in motor vehicles.

Don took many pictures of the animals at Brevard Zoo.

We would walk on the causeways, look at the river, and the wildlife.

We often went to Disney Springs to check out the restaurants and live bands.

Don enjoyed checking out cars at car shows.

Don enjoyed going to Port Canaveral to watch the cruise ships come and go.

Don named his cat Emerald because she has green eyes.

A neighbor found a stray kitten and asked Don if he would take it in and he did, named it Emerald, and provided it with the best most loving home.

Hanging out together. I think Don was being mischievous!

Don with his long-time neighborhood friends relaxing around a fire pit.

Don sitting at dad's piano with big brother, Ron.

On Christmas eve, our parents would put our gifts under the Christmas tree and go to bed.  Don would pretend to be sleeping until our parents were asleep.  I usually fell asleep, but he never forgot about me and ran into my room to wake me up so we could both see our presents.

Since the day we moved in, Don was always a wave from the driveway or a “need any help” kind of neighbor. Fast forward some 28 + years, he still was “ always there” to help, lend a hand or just drop of something nice. The street lost another good one for sure. May he be at rest & reunited with his family & friend up above! His presence will be missed!

Don enjoyed sharpening his shooting skills with Mark at a local shooting range in FL.

Don always looked forward to spending time with friends along side his fire pit.

OBITUARY

Don Grence

March 29, 1957 – November 1, 2023

A.H. Peters Funeral Home

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