Toby Ayers
The world has lost a beautiful person, my father-in-law Donald Washington Keefer (yes, born on Washington’s birthday). When I married Don’s son and became part of his family, I won the lottery. Don’s was a home where the neighborhood kids gathered because they felt comfortable and welcomed (and well-fed). A home with unending jokes and funny stories, with Don and his sons competing for who could tell the worst ones. A home with so many family, extended family and friends that it felt like its own little town. For over 30 years, I’ve been welcomed and loved by this family.
But more than that -- I learned from Don how a father can truly love and care for children, how a husband can truly love and cherish a wife, how a family can be a source of joy and laughter no matter what tragic things may happen, how unconditional love can be returned unconditionally. Seeing how Don always led with a selfless love that put concern for others over self, made me a better person.
I’ll miss his incessant Dad jokes and even his Rodney Dangerfield imitation. I’ll miss his curiosity about the world, his acceptance of everyone, and his willingness to talk about anything. I’ll miss the way that every time he looked at you, you saw friendship and love in his eyes. I love you too, Don. I’ll miss you.