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Deon Masker
March 18, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss. I just found out today of Don's passing.
You don't know me, but Don became a friend of mine when the "new" Mt. Jordan Jr. High School opened up in the mid 1950's. All the kids from Draper met all the 7th, 8th and 9th grade kids from Sandy, Midvale and Crescent at the brand new school and it was an exciting time in our lives. Don was so good looking, I thought, and I fell madly in love with him. It was always a treat to see him at our high school reunions and he will always have a special place in my heart.
From what is written here, I see that after graduation he lead a full and wonderful life with all the blessings of church, wife and family. How wonderful!
Now that he has moved to Heaven, it brings to mind a beautiful poem authored by Ruth Ann Mahaffey (Copyright 1998-2006) that I feel I should share with you, his family. I think he would be pleased if I did. i hope it comes through ok.
Here is what I think he would say to you right now:
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth and all those loving years,
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember, there would be no flowers unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on Earth is o'er,
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you, too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night....."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So, if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
I love all of you.
Don :-)
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are that you will be blessed with all that is needed from the Great Comforter to gain the peace that is needed in your lives at this hard time of separation from Don.
With love,
Deon (Garfield) Masker
Jan Keller
March 13, 2009
My family owned the Majestic Rockies Motel on State Street across from the Bateman home. Don and I were classmates; and, when he broke his leg skiing, I helped him with his school books. We were good friends, and I always hoped to see him again, perhaps at a Class of '59 reunion; however, that never happened. He obviously had a wonderful life with a loving wife and family. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
March 2, 2009
Nanette,
We came last night to the mortuary, but the line was so long that I knew my injured knee wouldn't let me stay. Please know of our prayers for you at this time. I am the friend of Don's who saw you at the Joseph Smith movie a few weeks ago ( Jan 14th) . I am so grateful that I had that last opportunity to visit with you and seat you in the movie. I had no idea it would my last visit with Don.
Allen and I served with Don at the Spanish Cumorah Branch many years ago and learned to love and respect him. Reading the tributes to him we can see that he has had a great influience on many in his service in life. May you find comfort in these tributes. We are grateful that we have had several occasions at the Joseph Smith Bldg to meet you and chat with you and Don these past few years. Please come back and see us again.
May you be blessed,
Allen & Elaine Child
Raon and Karen Myatt
March 2, 2009
We love Don Bateman like a brother, but then he is in so many ways a brother to so many. We as a family are so grateful for all the gospel wonders we learned from him. He is a great man. He passed through many toils and snares and he did not only well, but in an examplary fashion. Many thanks to our friend and brother Don Bateman.
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Leigh Ann Reber
March 2, 2009
I had a special love for Brother Bateman. He was my LDS Institute teacher. He was a great man. I am so sorry for your loss. I send my prayers with you on this day.
Mont & Peggy Margetts
March 1, 2009
Dear Bateman Family,
We were saddened to hear of Don's passing. We grew up in the Sandy 3rd Ward and had many opportunities to be influenced by him. Don was a remarkable person and and exceptional Seminary teacher. He taught and motivated us and many others we know through a hard stage for most kids. That speaks volumes about his caring and his character. We appreciated that he continued to attend funerals and other functions, even though he was very ill himself. He knew the gospel well and loved it. We are all better people for having known him.
Laurie Jones
March 1, 2009
My heart goes out to the entire family. Though Don's body is gone, his spirit will always be a part of you.
Kristina Nytch
February 28, 2009
Don is my dad's (Eldon Anderson's) cousin. I have some wonderful early childhood memories of Bateman reunions. Oh, the good natured teasing and wholesome fun! For awhile, our family and Don's family had Family Home Evenings together, and shared some great times. I will remember most Don's cheerful smile. With loving memories,
Lori Hiatt
February 28, 2009
Nanette, thank you for the phone call to let me know that Don had passed. You will be in our thoughts and prayers and a purpose along with Kelly's dad for our fast tomorrow. May the Lord keep you in his arms and may you feel of his love for you and your family. Kelly & Lori Hiatt
Sarah and Jay Colby
February 28, 2009
Brother Bateman was my 9th grade seminary teacher. He taught me to love the Old Testament in a way no one else ever could. Joshie, I'm so sorry at the loss of your father. We're here for you and Diana. Your dad was such an inspiring man and I'm grateful to have known him.
Love,
Paul Peterson Family
February 28, 2009
Nanette, Ben and Eliza,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We miss you.
Larry Jeffs
February 28, 2009
I'll never forget that first day in Seminary at Midvale Middle School. Brother Bateman greeted me with a firm handshake, a big smile, and a warm "Brother Larry, how are ya?" He helped me to better understand and appreciate the teachings within the New Testament. My friends and I still share memories of class, including reminiscing about the days when his loyal dog Mutley was there. Other memories include Mormon Tabernacle Choir prelude music, his Texas tie, reading glasses at the end of his nose, and playing basketball on the homemade hoop in the empty classroom when we were waiting for an assembly to start. Brother Bateman will never know how a simple, yet inspired, seating chart he put together set the foundation for me to have a lifelong friendship with Jason Mansfield. I'll hold dear the teachings and testimony he shared with us kids 20 years ago!
Shar (Nielsen) Davis
February 28, 2009
Dear Bateman Family,
Brother Bateman was my seminary teacher in 9th grade. Seminary was my favorite class because of him. He always took the time to greet me everyday before class started. I learned the most from him then any other seminary teacher I had. I will never forget his great example to me. I mourn with you.
Joanne Nickle
February 28, 2009
Brother Bateman was my 9th grade seminary teacher. He had a wonderful way of teaching the gospel. Especially when he was teaching us about the wars in the Book of Mormon, one day we came into class and he had mannequin body parts strewn all over the classroom to set the theme of his lesson. It was great. May all his memories bring a smile to your face and give you comfort.
Elaine Carson
February 28, 2009
Don was in my ward when I was growing up. He was my 9th grade seminary teacher and he was my favorite teacher. He made the gospel and the Book of Mormon come alive. He loved it and had such an enthusiasm for it. I loved going to class and I can still remember the lesson he gave about keeping yourself virtuous and the stories he told. He was always my friend. He was happy and positive everytime I saw him. He was a great example to me and I will always have a special place in my heart for him.
Lori Barton
February 27, 2009
My husband Clark and I have worked with Don for the past two years in the Draper Temple Baptistry friday mornings. Clark and Don seemed to have an instant connection and Clark would look forward to discussing gospel topics (among other things - like tennis) with Don during quiet times in the baptistry. He was so knowledgeable and so humble and kind about it. We will forever remember Don as one of the most courgeous and faithful people we have known. If we ever face a trial such as his, we will know what to do because Don taught us so well. His trust in and love for the Lord have been inspiring and amazing. Our thoughts our with you, his family. We pray that you will be comforted by the Holy Ghost and have lots of angels to bear you up. Thanks for sharing Don with us each Friday morning.
All our love, Clark and Lori Barton
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