As his close friend and relative, I can attest to his amazing kindness and humanity. After my diagnosis in 2006, he arranged for me to receive one of his prized guitars and had it mailed to me. It has been a source of great joy and musical exploration. During these ten years of dealing with MSA, he has been one of my shoulders to lean on in difficult times, calling me at least every month. Though we were 300 miles apart, it was just a short day's drive to go up to visit and talk guitars, fishing and history-- three of his favorite topics.
Don and his friend, MacGregor Gains, started National Reso-phonic Guitars in the late 1980's (or there abouts) and they brought back the popularity of manufacturing and hand crafting Steel and Wood body resonator guitars.
Don learned this craft working for Dobro guitars in Huntington Beach as a young man in his 20's. He was the floor supervisor when it ended.
Don moved to San Luis Obispo in approximately 1989 and went back to the old designs of Nationals that had been made in the 20's and 30's. He brought back the name National and added National Reso-Phonic as a brand. In the last ten years, they created Smith and Young dobro-type instruments that gained popularity.
Don and MacGregor's company made some beautiful resonator mandolins, as many of you know. Don was a very good musician. When we were young, we would jam as he added fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar and his specialty, Hawaiian slide guitar, which he was incredible at. He was a good singer and loved old time music, early gospel and anything from the 20's, 30's and 40's, including blues.
I wanted you all that read my blog to know that we lost a great soul and also a friend to musicians around the world. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace Don!