DONALD BODEY

The day after Don died was father's day. I walked my dog across a field, still numb and untethered. As we crossed, a double rainbow appeared. Exactly like the double that Don, Sky and I posed in front of in Algoma, WI while he was struggling. We had driven through a waterfall of a rain, then it appeared. Don said as he nearly plastered his nose against the windshield, "Man, that is one righteous rainbow."

Don, I'm so sorry to learn about your passing.. I have throughout the years thought about you.. How you saved my wife and son from the fire in your house one cold day in December of 1985 in Chicago. You put her and my son Paul, first. You turned me on to J.J. Cale. Along with your brother Bob, you guys were two special people in my life. I will forever miss you brother.. Fernando

Dear Don: I can never forget you, tho we were friends thru our wives, for a few short years. Being a fellow Vietnam vet myself. I knew your passion, Jamie and I will miss your likable nature, see you again one day! Vinny

Don Bodey was a friend of mine. As his publisher I always appreciated his wit and self-deprecating humor. He will eventually be recognized as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Godspeed Don in your tour as FNG.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. WE WERE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DON. HE WAS NOT ONLY A NEIGHBOR BUT A FRIEND. YOU'RE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

I remember Don spending a night sleeping on the floor, arm around my paralyzed and frightened dog the night before we put him down. Thanks for being that kind of person.

I can never forget the intensity with which Don made a countertop paper towel dispenser. Having read F.N.G., I imagined much of what he did, said and thought involved a similar level of intensity. No one who knew him could not feel a sense of loss and I am sure this is especially true for Clare and Skyler. My sincere condolences.