Donald Kay Obituary

Every year in early November I feel like a cloud descends over us as we go back in time to that awful night. Some day we will be able to think of you and Duchess without crying, but that time hasn't not arrived yet. It may never. But through the tears, we really do break into smiles, remembering your wide grin and your overflowing enthusiasm for life. For you, every day was like a kid seeing things for the first time. You made all of us want to live life a little bigger. Your humor and love for your family made each of us feel like we were your favorite person in the world. Until we meet again, rest in peace. We know you're up there tossing a football with a friend. Love, Auntie Val and Uncle Tim

Don and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your son's passing. I just got the Kay Quarterly and I saw his name. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Sue Batson (Ora Kay's granddaughter)

Kirstin, I am so sorry for your loss, I just heard about Donald's passing. He was a great guy and loved his dog. I knew him from his business and remember how excited he as when he told me you were going to Hawaii. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Kirsten and family,
I was sad to hear about the loss of your husband and dog from your mom. I always heard such great things about you and Donald from your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this diffuclt and sad time.
Love,
Auntie Lorraine and Uncle Adam

Kirstin,

I am so sorry for your loss. I am sure that words can not do justice to how you must be feeling. I wanted you to know that Justin and I were reflecting living across the street from all of you on Yale Drive.

I remember how Donald and Duchess would go for their daily morning walk. Donald would read the paper while biking, a feat that I am sure I would never master, and Duchess happily running along side of him.

I also remember running into him in the Earthfare parking lot right before your departure for the west coast. He was so excited for the move and so very proud of you for finishing your degree.

You are in our thoughts and again we are so sorry!

Kind regards,

Janneke Schaay [609 house]

Dear Kirstin and the Kay Family,
May warm memories comfort you and the prayers of family and friends who grieve with you give you strength in the days ahead.

Kirstin,

I was thinking about you yesterday because I remembered the Thanksgiving when I moved back to SC in 2000 and we ate together at Roz's house. You were there with Donald and Duchess. It was the first time I met her and she climbed on my lap and sat as though she was only a little pup that weighed a few pounds. We all laughed about it--Donald most of all. There was a lot of love and happiness in that room and so much to be thankful for that evening. It is a memory that I will keep close to my heart forever. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. I can't tell you how sorry I am and how much you have all been in my thoughts lately. I truly believe that God is taking care of Donald and Duchess as they continue to love and watch over you from above. Peace be with you.

Love,
Ali

To Mr & Mrs. Kay and Family, My deepest sympathy to you at this sad time. Another star is shining brightly in the evening sky.

Theresa Visconti, Winthrop, Ma

Dear Kirsten,
We were so sad to hear of Donald and Dutchess' passing.You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers this Thanksgiving morning.
Cousins Janet(Amato) & Rick Miller

Dear Kirstin.....we extend to you and to all those you hold dear, our deepest sympathy for the loss of your beloved husband, Donald.

May you find comfort in the memories you have of Donald and Dutchess, and in the thoughts and support of those who share your sorrow.

May the love from your family and friends bring you comfort and may God's love bring you peace.....

With sympathy, love, and support.....your maternal cousins: David and Rosemarie DeBenedetto, Reading, Massachusetts

Dear Samantha, The Kay Family, and Kirsten,
My deepest sympathies on the tragic untimely passing of Donald. It is so unfair to have lost such a great soul at such a young age. I had not seen him for years, but you can ALWAYS remember the last time you saw Donald! I was at a red light on Coleman Blvd. and he pulled up next to me on a motorcycle. I heard a voice say,"You want to race?" I looked over and saw his big ole grin, said "What's up Donald?" and turned back to watch the light turn green. I took off fast and he turned left. All I could see in my rear view mirror was the HUGE smile on his face. It was indeed contagious! He once came up to me at a party, put his arm around me and said, "You know what I like about you?" I said, "No. What?" He then replied,"You remind me of me." I laughed not knowing what a great compliment he had just given me. It hurts to know he is no longer with us, but how lucky y'all are to have so many great memories of him. I will miss him. Warmest regards, Joe Frank Garner

Dear Kirstin and family of Donald Kay,
I have been so deeply saddened since Donald's passing. I will always be grateful for the great memories, especially the afternoon we boated around Suprise Lake. He made me feel like we had always been family and friends. I will miss Dutchess alot. She was a wonderful guest.
Love you, Uncle Tim

Kirstin,
What you wrote about him in the newspaper was beautiful and I couldn't agree more. He had such a big heart and he brought joy to our family outings at my mom's house and on Mt Rainier. I will miss him terribly.
Love,
Casey

Donald touch many lives, including mine. He brought joy to the world. It is with deepest sympathy that i write these words. Take comfort in God and faith. In time the tears will lessen. With all my love and prayers, Katharine Bryan (nee Simmons) and family.

Dear Kirstin,
We are saddened to hear about the death of Donald and Dutchess.You are in our prayers ,and please know that we are here for you always.
Love,

Dear Kirstin,
I was so very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you.
Holly (from Charleston ENT)

Dear Kirstin,
My heart felt sympathy and prayers go out to you and Donald's family. I am Barbara, your mother's cousin from Massachusetts. I only met you a few times when you were a young girl and I never had the pleasure of meeting Donald but thanks to your mother I have seen many pictures and heard about your adventures with Donald and Dutchess. I just to let you know that we feel a deep sadness and our thoughts are with you.
Love, Barbara and Harvey

Family and Friends of Donald Kay,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of grief.
Dana Swan, a friend of Jason's (Amy's mom)

Dear Kirsten,

Although we have not met, I have some Kay blood and am a friend of Donald's father. and about that age. Losing someone young, vital and important is always a loss. My sympathy, prayers and good thoughts are with you and your family

Kirstin and Kay Family,
It is so hard to express the loss that you feel. Always remember the fun and happiness when Donald was around and that he will always be in your hearts. Words can never describe the emptiness you must feel but always remember the memories to help you through the day.

Dear Kirsten, Don, Maria, and family,

Our thoughts and prayers have been with you since we heard of Donald's passing. We are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts ache for you and the pain that you are now experiencing.

We will always think of the yearly Kay Thanksgiving gathering, especially watching Donald throw the football and play with Duchess.

Please know you will continue to be in our prayers.

With love,

We were shocked and grieved by Donald and Dutchess untimely demise.
We share your sorrow.
Donald and Kristen were our neighbors on Mohawk Avenue, and were so very nice to us every time we met.
We mourne the loss.
David and Carolyn Mann

My Sincere Sympathy and Condolences to all of the family and friends for the loss of your loved one. I know how very hard this is as my own dad (Wister C. Kay) was also killed in an auto accident.May you find comfort in the promises of Jesus Christ our Lord.
A VERY DISTANT KAY COUSIN.
Catherine A. Kay (Hayes)

Dear kirsten and family,
I wish I was there with you! I have no words to discripe how sorry I am for you all. We all love Donald so much and will miss him. I'll pray for you and in my thoughts I 'am with you.

Dear Kirsten and Kay family, Donald was one of the very best friends I've ever had. He was always there for me in the good times and the bad. He was a like a brother to me, I will miss him sorely. Every one says that Donald lit up a room and never met a stranger, they are so right. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. I love you all.

Dear Don and family,
Though I did not know your son, his obituary caught my eye from his name. I am so sorry for your loss. I know this must be the hardest burden you have had to bear. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He sounded like a great guy and I am sorry I did not meet him.
Sincerely,
Kay Hammond Drummond

Kristin - Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers!
Coastal Cardiology
Dr.'s Ellison, Grayson, Reeves, Rieder, Runquist and O'Steen

I am so sorry for your tragic loss. No words can ease your pain right now. Trust in the Lord to hold you in his loving arms, he will show you the way. I never met you, but after reading about Donald and Dutchess I felt so sad for you. I will pray for you and May God Bless you all in the coming days.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I worked at Aloha Paradise and we were a client of Donald's. He worked hard and always did everything with a big smile on his face. I could always count on him for a good laugh. He was absolutely fabulous.

On behalf of all at Pet Helpers, please accept our deepest sympathy in the tragic loss of Donald and his best friend, Duchess. While I didnt know Donald personally, after reading about him, you felt you did.
What a terrible loss to his family.
Thank you for honoring Donald and Duchess with memorials to Pet Helpers which go to help other homeless and abused animals in their memory. There are no words to make this loss any easier, but please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

My words seem much too small and inadequate to express the depth of my grief. My heart aches and my tears seem endless. Through my tears, each memory of Donald makes me smile. And precious Dutchess, such a sweet and gentle dog, and a faithful companion always. My life was made richer for knowing them. Remember the promise Christ left us: "We will be together in paradise."
Holding you in love,
Auntie Val

Kirstin and family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss, Donald and Duchess will truly be missed. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Please take care of yourself. Sincerely, Dianna Bejma

Dear Kirstin, what can one old friend say to another? Although alot of time has separated us, I feel like we were just in school together. I remember your wedding well-such joy! Donald was the happiest groom EVER....my solemn prayer for you is that you will feel joy again soon... That the pain of losing your dear husband not stop your life too long....that God will continue to bless you and the rest of the family in ways we can only dream of. Kirstin, my family is thinking of you and asking the Lord to strengthen your heart. Penn Brady Gustafson

Kirstin and Family,
I am so saddened to hear of Donald's tragic passing. Heaven just got a little brighter with his love, smile and laughter. He was a true friend and will always be in our thoughts.
Brian and Lisa Cherry

I am very sorry to hear the tragic passing of Donald Kay. I wish for all to have strength and remember fond memories.

Kirsten and family: I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss, One day you will be able to smile when you think of all your wonderful memories. God bless and keep you.

Dear Kirsten,

I am so sorry to hear about Donald and Dutchess. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Kirsten and family

I am verry sorry to hear about the loss of Donald. Please know that my toughts are with you.

Kirsten, I am so sorry to hear about Donald and Dutches...they are both together up there watching over you and will be with you always. Donald was such a great person and so fun! You and Donald's family will be in my thoughts and prayers..

Dear Kirston and Sam and Kays all,
My heart is broken for you as you say farewell to Donald. It seems so unfair when we lose our loved ones so young. No words can heal that loss but know that the prayers of others will comfort and time will bring peace. I am sure Donald is stirring up some fun in his raucus joyful way. Hold fast to the treasured memories until you are united again in spirit.

Dear Kirsten & Family:
"Uncle" Harold & I were shocked and saddened to learn of your losses. We still cannot take it in. We know you are surrounded by loving family and friends, and thank God for that. Though we are miles apart, we are with you in spirit. We hope to see you in Columbia sometime soon. Meanwhile, know we love you, and think of you and your Mom and Donald's family every day.

Blessings,
"Aunt" Kathie & "Uncle" Harold

Just to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Hoping God's peace provides you the comfort only He can give.
Texas cousin,

We were so sorry to hear about the loss of Donald. We will miss his smiling face, his ability to make us laugh, and the love and generosity he always gave to us. There is a special place for him with Grandmama and Granddaddy Kay.

Please let us know if there is anything we can do.

Love always,

Richard, Christie, and Emily Kay

Dear Kirsten and family:

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Hopefully the love of your family and friends will help you through this difficult time. Donald truly was a "big" guy with a "big" heart and the same can be said of Dutchess. I am here if you need anything.

Kirstin & Kay family,
We were deeply saddened to here about the loss of Donald, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Stephen, Heather,& Kinsley Kay

We have made ourselves a tribe of our true affections, and our tribe is scattered. God, embrace him, raise him high, keeping the old time young and hold Donald thru the night.
Love, Cousin Jerry Kay

Kirsten and Family,
I was so saddened to read about the passing of Donald and Dutchess in such a tragic way. I know that they will be missed very deeply. I remember Donald as one of my (favorite) customers at Wachovia Bank. I don't think he ever met a stranger and I felt as though I had known him all my life. He had a very special and warm personality that I will never forget. I know that you have many wonderful memories to cherish. My prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Kirstin:
Though it may not seem like much of a comfort right now, please believe that Donald will live on forever in the stories we share with one another, in the loving memories we hold dear in our hearts, and in the way we live our everyday lives because of his influence. The sorrow and pain we are all feeling is a reflection of how greatly Donald is loved. Donald was an amazing man who loved his family and friends dearly, and no one more so than you. During this difficult time, please find strength in the many people who love you, Donald, and Dutchess - we are all here for you.
My love and thoughts are with you. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
With Love,
Cousin Gina

Dear Kristen When you lose someone very precious no one else can really know all that you feel, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. I won't be in town, but I will be thinking of you and families. Love Ray Risher
James Island

Kirstin, Greg and I love you very much and will always be here for you. We are extending our sincerest sympathy to you at this time of sadenss and sorrow. Greta and Greg

We will miss you Donald and Dutchess. There are no words that could accurately describe your fun loving spirit. You were always down to earth and a great friend. Our deapest sympathies to you Kirsten and family.

take comfort in all of the memories you shared with donald. i know that we will always remember what a great man he was. rest easy knowing he is in the presence of his creator. may God comfort you all. love, bobbi, mark, eva and wes

Kirsten,

Chris and I want to express our deepest sympathy to you. We know this is an extremely difficult time for you and we want you to know our prayers are with you. Donald was a great guy and we were glad to consider both you and him, friend. I know losing him and your baby, Duchess is a lot to bear. We love you and will be praying for you and all of your family.

Love, Jackie and Chris Guingona

Kirsten
I wanted to extend my deepest sympathies in the loss of Donald and Dutchess. I know there are no words that can make you feel better but just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have a lot of fond memories from the days when we worked together. If you ever need anything I am still at OSC. Please call me if I can help.

Kirstin-You and your family have my deepest sympathy in the lost of Donald and Duchess. I know it is little comfort, but in time, the happy memories will give you hope.

My dear Kirstin, I am heartbroken for you, Donald's family, and for your mother. This is a tragic loss and I extend my deepest sympathy. You are in my prayers. Love, Molly

May God bless you and your family during this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Brenda Eisenman, friend of Pat Bolen

Kirstin,
I am so sorry to hear about Donald and Dutchess. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.

Thank you for capturing in writing the beautiful young man Donald was, and will be forever in our memories. My deepest sympathy to all of you.

I would be remiss if I didn't say this:
Donald was the first man who taught me how to eat roasted oysters! At Kirstin's
graduation (nursing) he provided personalized instruction and taught me the joy of eating those delectable treats.

While the story might be silly, it is a sweet memory I have of him smiling and nodding and enjoying MY enjoyment of those wonderful oysters while we clustered around the table sharing the communal dinner.

God Bless Donald and his family and Dutchess.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family

Kirsten,
I am so sorry for your loss for both Donald and Dutchess, I know you loved them both very much. I will keep you in my prayers. We miss you at work. God will help you through this tragic time.