Donald Joseph Larson

Yesterday I was walking the trail with my wife. I said, "I sure miss seeing Don on the trail, and his salute every time I would go by him". She asked me about him. I told her I saw Don 6 months ago at Costco on 192nd. I was putting my cart away, and as I pushed my cart to the storage place in the parking lot, there was Don. We said "Hi" to each other, and I asked him why I hadn't seen him down on the trail lately. He said I wouldn't be seeing him down there anymore, and that he knees...

My husband and I started running on the Heritage Trail in the summer of 2000. We met this friendly man, Don, who wore a funny hat, gave a salute and always had a warm smile when he said "everyday is a great day!". We looked forward to seeing Don every time ran on the trail. I feel that Don was our special Heritage Trail Ambassador, as he was friendly to all on the trail. I was fortunate to wish him Happy Birthday on his 90th. He will be missed, but remembered by many who enjoy the Heritage...

Just found out about Don's passing today. I met him on the Heritage Trail about 12 years ago. We kept passing each other on a daily basis and finally he said -we need to know each others name. That began a long friendship talking about gardening, car racing, and of course, weather. I will miss his wave and smile, he was a wonderful man. I also have one of his wood bowls, which I will always treasure. Keep flying high, Don. Linda Sattem-Camas

Simple pleasures are some of life's best; and it was always so encouraging to see this friendly, healthy, and smiling man on the trail. Hope his family knows what an inspiration he was to all the walkers, joggers, and runner's on the trail. He was to us.
Gary and Karleen

Your smile and salute will always be part of my memories of running at Lacamas Heritage Trail. Thank you for your kindness. You will be missed.

All winter we wondered where was Don! We were hoping the road construction by your house was keeping you home. We have been looking for you all spring....you taught us to notice that plants and ants along the trail....you were the happy smile that started our runs through the forest and the encouragement! Thank you for giving us all one of your beautiful bowls. We will always have fond memories of you and your daughters walking! Thank you! We are better for having known you! The four...

I can be counted among those who will miss seeing you on the trail. It seemed whatever time of day we set out for a run, you were as reliably a part of the Heritage Trail as the lake itself. Thank you for the countless smiles and cheer!

I loved seeing your smile and salute on the trail. You always brought a smile to my face and it kept me running. You are already missed.

Don, we'll miss you out on the Heritage trail! Every time we walk it we hope to run into you, and usually we do. We never knew your name but instantly recognized your photo in the paper. You were such an inspiration out there every day rain or shine (usually rain!). Your warm greetings always made us smile. I'm sorry that we never had much of a conversation because you sound like an interesting guy. You were such a fixture out there on the trail and I'm sad that we'll no longer be seeing...