Welcome to the memorial page for
Donald Rex Holmgren
September 5, 1939 ~ July 11, 2016 (age 76) 76 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
A candle was lit by William M McCloughan
on September 26, 2016 9:31 AM
Message from William M McCloughan
September 26, 2016 9:30 AM
I first met Don in 1968 as I too worked at Cartier, most evening after work we went to dinner somewhere in the city and the many Sundays he came to my aprtment on 15th St to watch football and eat popcorn. Id like to think it was me that made him get a Christmas tree for his little apt on E 82nd st and he decorated it with all white lights. In the Spring of 1970 i had the pleasure of treating him to his first trip to Europe Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Berlin, and Paris. Maybe he got the travel bug from that trip. In February of 1971 Don honored me by serving as an usher in my wedding. In 1977 I moved to the Jersey Shore and lost touch with Don, I tried to contact him in San Francisco by phone but he never answered but i always left a voice message saying it was me Goomba,his pet name for me. Don we were not only good friends years ago I truly loved you and i have shed many tears knowing that you have taken that one last heavenly voyage. Rest well my friend Love Bill
A candle was lit by HAPPY 77TH BIRTHDAY! Steve & Dave
on September 5, 2016 12:54 PM
Message from Darcy Gibb
August 29, 2016 3:52 PM
Don, The Donald was one of the kindest people I've ever met. A true gentleman. I went to work at what was a very small CMR in Oct 1993. I had just moved to CA from Maryland and knew absolutely no one. My husband traveled often and I was by myself. Don was one of the first friends I had. Always a kind word. A drink after work. The first Christmas, it appeared everyone was leaving town- as were we. So Don- what are you doing for the holiday? Bah humbug. The next day everyone in the office had a Christmas decoration and candy on their desk. Merry Christmas from Don.
I was also Don's official travel agent. Don loved to travel. Always Hawaii, but other things in between. He loved bus trips in Europe- you got to see more, he said. When he returned from his trips there was always great discussion about what was eaten and where, and what the favorite wine and cocktail was.
We were lucky to travel with CMR a number of times on office trips hosted by the company. I remember a cruise out of Miami that went to Key West, where Don and I went in search of the perfect key lime pie- his favorite. After some sampling it turned out the best one was in the dining room on the ship! And then there was the trip to Hawaii when Don escorted some of us to his beloved Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian. And he was right- they were yummy and potent!!!
Mondays were all about what we drank and ate over the weekend. And then there was E & O Trading Co, a favorite hangout of the Donald and the rest of us. The drink of choice was either a "Lanai", basically a pineapple infused vodka martini or the pomegranate martini. He played dice there every Saturday.
Jeff and I were very lucky that Don was our guest for a lot of Thanksgivings and Christmas, along with our family and good friends Kimberly and Roger. He was part of our family.
We saw Don every time we went back to CA after we moved to Philadelphia. We last saw him after his operation and diagnosis. I'm thankful for the people who were able to care for him while he was in SF, Steve and Dave, Kimberly and Roger and of course later Dave and Mary Holmgren in MN. I am grateful to have been in MN for the service this past weekend.
Goodbye old friend- we'll meet again someday to share a lanai and a fabulous meal.
Lots of love,
Darcy & Jeff
I was also Don's official travel agent. Don loved to travel. Always Hawaii, but other things in between. He loved bus trips in Europe- you got to see more, he said. When he returned from his trips there was always great discussion about what was eaten and where, and what the favorite wine and cocktail was.
We were lucky to travel with CMR a number of times on office trips hosted by the company. I remember a cruise out of Miami that went to Key West, where Don and I went in search of the perfect key lime pie- his favorite. After some sampling it turned out the best one was in the dining room on the ship! And then there was the trip to Hawaii when Don escorted some of us to his beloved Mai Tai Bar at the Royal Hawaiian. And he was right- they were yummy and potent!!!
Mondays were all about what we drank and ate over the weekend. And then there was E & O Trading Co, a favorite hangout of the Donald and the rest of us. The drink of choice was either a "Lanai", basically a pineapple infused vodka martini or the pomegranate martini. He played dice there every Saturday.
Jeff and I were very lucky that Don was our guest for a lot of Thanksgivings and Christmas, along with our family and good friends Kimberly and Roger. He was part of our family.
We saw Don every time we went back to CA after we moved to Philadelphia. We last saw him after his operation and diagnosis. I'm thankful for the people who were able to care for him while he was in SF, Steve and Dave, Kimberly and Roger and of course later Dave and Mary Holmgren in MN. I am grateful to have been in MN for the service this past weekend.
Goodbye old friend- we'll meet again someday to share a lanai and a fabulous meal.
Lots of love,
Darcy & Jeff
A candle was lit by Darcy & Jeff Gibb
on August 29, 2016 3:26 PM
A candle was lit by Darcy & Jeff Gibb
on August 29, 2016 3:23 PM
A candle was lit by Shirlee Harlin Grady
on August 27, 2016 8:03 PM
Message from Maria Capuzelo
August 27, 2016 10:36 AM
Don welcomed me with open arms to the small knit family that already existed at CMR when I began in 1994. He was a sweet, kind, and cheery person! He was a true gentleman which I am so honored to have known throughout the years.
I loved hearing his stories of travel and his passion of fine food. If we were at a show together, Don was in charge of dinner reservations. There were plenty of happy-hour gatherings after work which were full of great times and laughs with Don.
When I think of Don, I smile thinking of a wonderful friend who I will always remember.
I loved hearing his stories of travel and his passion of fine food. If we were at a show together, Don was in charge of dinner reservations. There were plenty of happy-hour gatherings after work which were full of great times and laughs with Don.
When I think of Don, I smile thinking of a wonderful friend who I will always remember.
Message from Ana and Ariana Macdonald
August 26, 2016 2:07 AM
What a privilege its been to have journeyed with the "DONALD" for 15 plus years. Don was a gentle soul with a warm heart and full of kind words for anyone. Whenever we think of Don, "Kind words are short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless...Mother Teresa" Thank you for allowing us to share stories and marvel at your Kodak moments from your Hawaiian R & R. We shall miss your effervescent smile. May you always rest in love Don. With much Alohas from across the miles...xoxo
A candle was lit by Ana and Ariana Macdonald
on August 26, 2016 1:16 AM
Message from Mary Holmgren
August 25, 2016 9:21 PM
I'm glad I had the opportunity to get to know Don and be there for him this year. I will miss him greatly. Rest in peace, Don........
A candle was lit by Mary Holmgren
on August 25, 2016 8:58 PM
Message from Kristin O'Shea
August 24, 2016 6:04 AM
Growing up, Uncle Don was always a mystery to me, but someone I knew I wanted to meet. I knew he lived in NYC and was a world traveler which intrigued me. As a family we did not travel much other than visiting my grandparents in Florida. We would always get a fruit basket from him at Christmas, signed "Don". I remember meeting him for the first time when my Uncle Bruce died, and loving our conversation. In 1999, my husband, Jason, and I moved to San Francisco with his job. Shortly after we arrived I called Don and asked if we could meet. This began many excursions where we would meet Don for a drink at E&O. He introduced me to pomegranate martinis and the most amazing fried rice there and we would meet his friends he played dice with. From there we would take the ferry to saucilito and have a drink at margaritaville and eat at scomas. Many times Don would take us on walks around the city and show us new things. One year we did not go home to MN for Christmas and I asked Don if he wanted to spend it with us. He was not interested in coming to Pleasanton where we lived but we had a nice brunch in the city after a nice walk. My dad forgot to mention one other time that Don came back to MN...for my wedding. Their sister Bev did not know he was coming and was so surprised when she saw him. It was special to jason and I that because of us he came back to MN to see family. Jason and I have been back to San Francisco once since we moved back to MN in 2001. We spent an evening with Don where he showed us his pictures from his African Safari he had recently returned from and we went to a very fun show that he was excited to bring us to and a beautiful dinner under the bay bridge. I regret not spending as much time with him as I would have liked this past year in MN. I am happy that he was able to meet my kids. It is so fun reading these stories and learning more about my Uncle Don. I will miss him.
A candle was lit by Kristin, Jason, P.J. and Ellery O'Shea
on August 24, 2016 5:42 AM
Message from Nancy
August 23, 2016 7:11 PM
Don was not a man of stature
But he had a frame so elegant
That you assumed he had it all
Don had a fast gait…a walker by his own design
The perfect attribute for a man about town.
Perfectly dressed….wearing that "Don smile" which was a grin from ear-to-ear.
It drew you in like a warm sunset or a moonlit evening on the beach.
Like a Fred Astaire, Don just oozed a certain pizazz
Loved to eat fine food, loved to drink even finer wines
No one could love a mai tai more than Don.
He would smack his lips in anticipation of every
Hawaii trip, every cocktail laid before him
at his “home” away from home at the Pink Palace.
What did we not love about him?
Well, not much. His heart was so big, his dance shoes hard to fill.
Oh, that man could dance for hours…so happy, so full of life.
Was he stubborn? Was he forgetful? Hey, we are all made from the same thread.
We are blessed to have known this man, this special friend.
A lover, a giver, a true human being that lived life with a vengeance in his last years
Don did not want his ship to sail, he wanted more, to hang on to all his beautiful friendships.
So now we say “Abientot” for we don’t lose these wonderful connections….we’ll see you again in the Everafter.
Aloha my dear friend…Aloha and mahalo.
nancy
But he had a frame so elegant
That you assumed he had it all
Don had a fast gait…a walker by his own design
The perfect attribute for a man about town.
Perfectly dressed….wearing that "Don smile" which was a grin from ear-to-ear.
It drew you in like a warm sunset or a moonlit evening on the beach.
Like a Fred Astaire, Don just oozed a certain pizazz
Loved to eat fine food, loved to drink even finer wines
No one could love a mai tai more than Don.
He would smack his lips in anticipation of every
Hawaii trip, every cocktail laid before him
at his “home” away from home at the Pink Palace.
What did we not love about him?
Well, not much. His heart was so big, his dance shoes hard to fill.
Oh, that man could dance for hours…so happy, so full of life.
Was he stubborn? Was he forgetful? Hey, we are all made from the same thread.
We are blessed to have known this man, this special friend.
A lover, a giver, a true human being that lived life with a vengeance in his last years
Don did not want his ship to sail, he wanted more, to hang on to all his beautiful friendships.
So now we say “Abientot” for we don’t lose these wonderful connections….we’ll see you again in the Everafter.
Aloha my dear friend…Aloha and mahalo.
nancy
Message from STEVE OLSEN
August 22, 2016 11:31 PM
Aloha D. Rex,
You have been my closest friend for 50 years! It is quite appropriate that I finally write what is very difficult for me: A condolence for your passing. And this is being written from your most favorite spot - HAWAII at sunset/cocktail time!!
Don and I met at a NYC "watering hole" in 1966 - when we were both young. My favorite memory of Don was his infamous "Just One More" - and that was repeated several times a night!! Back in those days we both drank Johnnie Walker Red - our taste got better as we got older: Johnnie Walker Black in the winter and Kettle One Martini in the summer! We became great friends - Don working in accounting at Cartier and I was with TWA at JFK. Don lived on East 82nd Street in a little studio apartment (with many cockroaches) and I was in a 2 1/2 room apartment in Kew Gardens - Don "volunteered " to paint my bathroom for me a dark blue!! We started traveling together right away - we both shared that love of travel! Then there was always the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - as well as a trip to Philadelphia for the Mummers Parade one year. Don loved his parades - must be a carry over from his drum major days?? When I moved to St Louis in 1971, Don came to visit on a regular basis. One year he combined his visit with a trip to New Orleans! Don's love for food and drink was always most important to him - and his love for New Orleans was forever! When I moved to California in 1974, first Southern - then San Francisco - Don was always a house guest several times a year! Don loved to dance and I have many fond recollections of him dancing his feet off in West Hollywood. Of course, I would return to NYC on a regular basis and we would get together for dinner at some of the best NY restaurants - or Juanita's (Don was a regular!)
When I went into the Incentive Travel world , there were many opportunities for great travel destinations!! We both loved to cruise - and we did that on great ships of Royal Viking Line and Cunard (QE2). Of course, both being Swedish descent, we loved the Baltic and Leningrad (Yes - it was Leningrad on the first trip)! The Mediterranean included both Egypt (rode a camel together) and Israel (the Wailing Wall) - the Greek Islands....the QE2 was a TransAtlantic crossing, with nights in London prior to - shows, food and much drink!!
But, of course, all those trips to the Hawaiian Islands - all of them! Don did not have a drivers license - I was the designated driver everywhere we went (with or without "one more")
Another fond memory was Don's 50th Birthday celebration in San Francisco - Dave and I took him to Tommy Toy's to celebrate with a bottle of the finest champagne!
In 1991 Dave and I took a huge risk and started our own business: Convention Management Resources (CMR). Don believed in us and gave us some "seed" money AND moved to San Francisco to help us get off the ground (I think he, also, loved being closer to Hawaii). CMR over all these years has become a huge part of our lives - it was a lot of work and a lot of fun in those early years! Don made many dear friends with many wonderful people who had worked with us - and many who still do - he loved them, and they returned their love to him!
In 1992, Don and I got away for a week - a cruise on Royal Cruise Line to Mexico. Not our first cruise to Mexico - we sailed from Acapulco to Los Angeles in 1987! We celebrated Don's 60th Birthday in NYC on a CMR convention, when Don announced to us "I am getting old and I don't like it!" Don was a partner with Dave and I at CMR, until his retirement. In retirement, Don took many solo trips to Honolulu - on a regular basis. He had friends at the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai Bar, who always welcomed him "Home". Don spent a lot of time at E&O in San Francisco, too- playing dice on Saturdays.
In April, 2013, Don came over to our home in San Francisco for Easter dinner - his face was swollen and could not swallow. He said he was trying to get a dentist appointment - but, went off for the last time on a 10 day trip to Honolulu. Upon his return, he insisted to meet with doctors on his own - with the diagnosis of cancer! On June 14th, he underwent extreme mouth/jaw surgery and his life changed forever! No longer: Food/Drink/Travel! Dave and I took care of his needs until April, 2015 when we flew back to Minnesota with him and his brother, Dave, and his sister-in-law, Mary, took over the care giving. Dave and I made several visits back to Sartell to spend time with Donald (BTW: I would often call him D. Rex - no one else ever did!) Our last visit was April - Don and I had the opportunity to be alone, just the two of us!! We had a good "talk" and we both shed tears - it was good for me, and, I hope, for him, too!
Dave and I will be with Don's immediate family, Darcy (a dear CMR friend), and others grave side this Saturday, August 27th, in Henning, MN......also, there will be a spreading of ashes here in Hawaii later (We will be there, too!!)
Don: I think you were afraid of what laid ahead - however, I am sure, you are having a great time with many of our friends "having just one more"!
Thank you for being a wonderful friend, D. Rex, sharing life's finest things!
CMR is proud to name our Executive Conference Room: Holmgren
You have been my closest friend for 50 years! It is quite appropriate that I finally write what is very difficult for me: A condolence for your passing. And this is being written from your most favorite spot - HAWAII at sunset/cocktail time!!
Don and I met at a NYC "watering hole" in 1966 - when we were both young. My favorite memory of Don was his infamous "Just One More" - and that was repeated several times a night!! Back in those days we both drank Johnnie Walker Red - our taste got better as we got older: Johnnie Walker Black in the winter and Kettle One Martini in the summer! We became great friends - Don working in accounting at Cartier and I was with TWA at JFK. Don lived on East 82nd Street in a little studio apartment (with many cockroaches) and I was in a 2 1/2 room apartment in Kew Gardens - Don "volunteered " to paint my bathroom for me a dark blue!! We started traveling together right away - we both shared that love of travel! Then there was always the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - as well as a trip to Philadelphia for the Mummers Parade one year. Don loved his parades - must be a carry over from his drum major days?? When I moved to St Louis in 1971, Don came to visit on a regular basis. One year he combined his visit with a trip to New Orleans! Don's love for food and drink was always most important to him - and his love for New Orleans was forever! When I moved to California in 1974, first Southern - then San Francisco - Don was always a house guest several times a year! Don loved to dance and I have many fond recollections of him dancing his feet off in West Hollywood. Of course, I would return to NYC on a regular basis and we would get together for dinner at some of the best NY restaurants - or Juanita's (Don was a regular!)
When I went into the Incentive Travel world , there were many opportunities for great travel destinations!! We both loved to cruise - and we did that on great ships of Royal Viking Line and Cunard (QE2). Of course, both being Swedish descent, we loved the Baltic and Leningrad (Yes - it was Leningrad on the first trip)! The Mediterranean included both Egypt (rode a camel together) and Israel (the Wailing Wall) - the Greek Islands....the QE2 was a TransAtlantic crossing, with nights in London prior to - shows, food and much drink!!
But, of course, all those trips to the Hawaiian Islands - all of them! Don did not have a drivers license - I was the designated driver everywhere we went (with or without "one more")
Another fond memory was Don's 50th Birthday celebration in San Francisco - Dave and I took him to Tommy Toy's to celebrate with a bottle of the finest champagne!
In 1991 Dave and I took a huge risk and started our own business: Convention Management Resources (CMR). Don believed in us and gave us some "seed" money AND moved to San Francisco to help us get off the ground (I think he, also, loved being closer to Hawaii). CMR over all these years has become a huge part of our lives - it was a lot of work and a lot of fun in those early years! Don made many dear friends with many wonderful people who had worked with us - and many who still do - he loved them, and they returned their love to him!
In 1992, Don and I got away for a week - a cruise on Royal Cruise Line to Mexico. Not our first cruise to Mexico - we sailed from Acapulco to Los Angeles in 1987! We celebrated Don's 60th Birthday in NYC on a CMR convention, when Don announced to us "I am getting old and I don't like it!" Don was a partner with Dave and I at CMR, until his retirement. In retirement, Don took many solo trips to Honolulu - on a regular basis. He had friends at the Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai Bar, who always welcomed him "Home". Don spent a lot of time at E&O in San Francisco, too- playing dice on Saturdays.
In April, 2013, Don came over to our home in San Francisco for Easter dinner - his face was swollen and could not swallow. He said he was trying to get a dentist appointment - but, went off for the last time on a 10 day trip to Honolulu. Upon his return, he insisted to meet with doctors on his own - with the diagnosis of cancer! On June 14th, he underwent extreme mouth/jaw surgery and his life changed forever! No longer: Food/Drink/Travel! Dave and I took care of his needs until April, 2015 when we flew back to Minnesota with him and his brother, Dave, and his sister-in-law, Mary, took over the care giving. Dave and I made several visits back to Sartell to spend time with Donald (BTW: I would often call him D. Rex - no one else ever did!) Our last visit was April - Don and I had the opportunity to be alone, just the two of us!! We had a good "talk" and we both shed tears - it was good for me, and, I hope, for him, too!
Dave and I will be with Don's immediate family, Darcy (a dear CMR friend), and others grave side this Saturday, August 27th, in Henning, MN......also, there will be a spreading of ashes here in Hawaii later (We will be there, too!!)
Don: I think you were afraid of what laid ahead - however, I am sure, you are having a great time with many of our friends "having just one more"!
Thank you for being a wonderful friend, D. Rex, sharing life's finest things!
CMR is proud to name our Executive Conference Room: Holmgren
A candle was lit by Makani kuu aikane
on August 19, 2016 5:58 PM
Message from Maxine King
August 19, 2016 5:57 PM
Donald, my Donald. "Stuff!" That was a favorite word that we shared. Me, "What you got going on?" You, "Stuff!" So many memories with you at CMR, I don't even know where to begin. I took my first trip to NOLA with you, Felix or Acme? We could never decide which was better but it all got washed down with an Abita Beer for starters. John and I would come down to the city and meet you on the weekends and have beers at Jay's and always finished our excursions with an Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista. I will miss you my friend but take comfort knowing that you are now taking an eternal cruise to your special Hawaiian Islands. Aloha my friend and Mahalo for all the great memories. <3
A candle was lit by Erika, Paul, Michael, Alicia and Cristina Martinez
on August 18, 2016 6:48 PM
Message from Dave Holmgren
August 18, 2016 5:35 PM
It has been a treat reading the condolences for my brother Don.
I think one of you made mention that he did not talk about his years growing up. It is true.
Don graduated in 1957 from Henning. Worked one year for Hamm's Brewing in St. Paul. Enrolled at the University of Minnesota. Joined a fraternity - joined the marching band - and went to the U for 3 years and dropped out and went to California. The only times he came home after that was for 3 funerals - our dad (1972) our mother (1975) and Bruce (1991). He also came home for Mary and my wedding in 1971.
I did see him in 1973 when I went our to Bayway, Nj for a audit for ADM. We met at Cartier, went out to eat, then went to a Broadway play.
We again got to touch base when my daughter, Kristin and her husband were transferred to San Francisco for 1 1/2 years with Hormel. We would see him when we visited the kids out there.
We did see him prior to his getting sick and again after his operation. I did make a number of trips when he was in the rehab hospital and when he went into the assisted living facility in San Francisco. We brought him back to Minnesota the beginning of April 2015. He seemed depressed as time went on. He mentioned that he wished that he could travel again.
Since the operation, he was on a feeding tube for the rest of his life.
That had to have been hard for a person that enjoyed eating good things, traveling, and just enjoying life. It was not something he or anyone else would plan for the rest of their life.
Part of his ashes will be buried on my brother Bruce's grave and the other half will be spread by Mary and I in Hawaii. When we talked about it, he mentioned the scattering in Hawaii and my comment was " That's a good reason to go to Hawaii".
It was good to get to know Don again. We had many conversations about growing up, etc.
The last thing Don said to Mary who was the person who went with on many medicial trips was " Thank you so very much!"
Well, Thank you so very much Don!
Dave Holmgren
I think one of you made mention that he did not talk about his years growing up. It is true.
Don graduated in 1957 from Henning. Worked one year for Hamm's Brewing in St. Paul. Enrolled at the University of Minnesota. Joined a fraternity - joined the marching band - and went to the U for 3 years and dropped out and went to California. The only times he came home after that was for 3 funerals - our dad (1972) our mother (1975) and Bruce (1991). He also came home for Mary and my wedding in 1971.
I did see him in 1973 when I went our to Bayway, Nj for a audit for ADM. We met at Cartier, went out to eat, then went to a Broadway play.
We again got to touch base when my daughter, Kristin and her husband were transferred to San Francisco for 1 1/2 years with Hormel. We would see him when we visited the kids out there.
We did see him prior to his getting sick and again after his operation. I did make a number of trips when he was in the rehab hospital and when he went into the assisted living facility in San Francisco. We brought him back to Minnesota the beginning of April 2015. He seemed depressed as time went on. He mentioned that he wished that he could travel again.
Since the operation, he was on a feeding tube for the rest of his life.
That had to have been hard for a person that enjoyed eating good things, traveling, and just enjoying life. It was not something he or anyone else would plan for the rest of their life.
Part of his ashes will be buried on my brother Bruce's grave and the other half will be spread by Mary and I in Hawaii. When we talked about it, he mentioned the scattering in Hawaii and my comment was " That's a good reason to go to Hawaii".
It was good to get to know Don again. We had many conversations about growing up, etc.
The last thing Don said to Mary who was the person who went with on many medicial trips was " Thank you so very much!"
Well, Thank you so very much Don!
Dave Holmgren
A candle was lit by Dave Holmgren
on August 18, 2016 4:53 PM
Message from John M. Davis
August 6, 2016 6:29 PM
August 6, 2016.
MEMORIES AND A TRIBUTE TO ONE OF MY DEAREST FIENDS
First of all, I would like to thank Steve and Dave and David and Mary for looking after Don throughout his illness. I know that it was not an easy task.
I first met Don in 1969, when I was 19 years old and he was 30, at what he would refer to as: " our local watering hole". Don was dressed in a navy Lacoste shirt and blue jeans. It turned out to be one of his "uniforms"! He could see that I was frightened and immediately took me under his wing. He became my mentor and close confidant.
I would return to New York during many college weekends. I was, of course, still living with my family at 77Th and Park, and Don was living in the East 80's. One of his favorite pastimes was to sun himself on what he would laughingly refer to as: " Tar Beach", which meant the roof of his building. And in those days he also smoked a good deal, but eventually gave that up.
Don met my parents, which was a big deal in the 1970's.
He was never willing to talk about his family, and I always knew that he was emotionally constricted. It was not easy to know who the real Don was.
So I share with whoever reads this…..when he first moved to New York, he fell in love with a very nice man by the name of Don Waite. That lasted about two years. Don Waite found someone else, and quite frankly, our Don really never got over that. I remember telling Don that Don Waite had died of a heart attack at age 65 in Atlanta. He didn't say much. A few days later he called me back ( on my private line, which only my partner of 41 years, and Don had access to )and said: " that didn't really happen, did it" ? I simply replied: " yes, it did".
We shared so many moments together. Don spent many Thanksgivings with me and later with us, and many Christmases and New Year's Eves.
I met my partner on Thanksgiving Eve in 1975. Don was scheduled to come over for coffee on Thanksgiving morning. I remember telling him that I had met someone really special. He was so happy for me. That New Year's Eve, I had some friends over for a small party. My partner, Tom Clark, who is very tall, walked in late in his Navy dress whites…well you could hear a pin drop!
Don was in attendance at our first joint party ( a pajama party), when I served breakfast to about 50 people at 3am.
He was one of 12 very special friends who joined me at a restaurant on Green Street for my 30th birthday celebration. He was there for Tom's rather elegant surprise 35th birthday party, among over 100 friends by then. He flew in from San Francisco when we had a huge party at Christie's Auction House with about 600 guests from all over the world. It was billed as a 20th Anniversary party, but nobody knew that I was going to announce the founding of my own private AIDS foundation.
I have had 8 different careers so far ( by choice). Don supported me always and understood my reasons for having to accomplish goals of my own, rather than remain in my family"s Insurance business, where Don had his homeowners insurance.
Throughout his time at Cartier ( or as Don referred to it: Carters), he gave us many very special gifts and helped us to buy things that we could not have otherwise afforded.
During June of 1976 I travelled with Don to Europe. ( Believe me, I am not easy to travel with, although I have been traveling all of my life). Don was patient with all of my suitcases. We had such a great time. When we got home, I remember him saying to Tom : " From now on, he's all yours" ( travel wise). However, Don spent many weekends as a guest at our home in Northwest Connecticut.
"Indeed" was one of Don's favorite words…. so indeed he loved to travel. He loved great food, clothes, and many of the finer things in life. I remember him in his beautiful camel colored cashmere sport coat. He always looked dapper and always had a smile on his face, and a very quick wit, no matter what was going on around him.
When he got sick with his ulcer, and had major surgery at Lennox Hill Hospital, I asked him if he wanted visitors. His reply was: " absolutely not".
I knew, full well, that Don did not want me to see him during the past three years. While he was texting, we communicated a little, but I could tell that he was slipping away. All that he loved about life had been taken away from him. I knew that.
I still have the sweater that was meant for Don ( in his colors) for Christmas the year that he got sick. It's been hard for me ( and for Tom), to know that the prognosis for Don's future was always bleak.
Therefore, July 11 was a blessing, although I cried for days, and still do, I know that my dear friend is out of his pain and suffering.
Donald R. Holmgren was a very special human being. I am so lucky that he was such an important part of our lives.
You will always live on in my heart, dear friend.
John
MEMORIES AND A TRIBUTE TO ONE OF MY DEAREST FIENDS
First of all, I would like to thank Steve and Dave and David and Mary for looking after Don throughout his illness. I know that it was not an easy task.
I first met Don in 1969, when I was 19 years old and he was 30, at what he would refer to as: " our local watering hole". Don was dressed in a navy Lacoste shirt and blue jeans. It turned out to be one of his "uniforms"! He could see that I was frightened and immediately took me under his wing. He became my mentor and close confidant.
I would return to New York during many college weekends. I was, of course, still living with my family at 77Th and Park, and Don was living in the East 80's. One of his favorite pastimes was to sun himself on what he would laughingly refer to as: " Tar Beach", which meant the roof of his building. And in those days he also smoked a good deal, but eventually gave that up.
Don met my parents, which was a big deal in the 1970's.
He was never willing to talk about his family, and I always knew that he was emotionally constricted. It was not easy to know who the real Don was.
So I share with whoever reads this…..when he first moved to New York, he fell in love with a very nice man by the name of Don Waite. That lasted about two years. Don Waite found someone else, and quite frankly, our Don really never got over that. I remember telling Don that Don Waite had died of a heart attack at age 65 in Atlanta. He didn't say much. A few days later he called me back ( on my private line, which only my partner of 41 years, and Don had access to )and said: " that didn't really happen, did it" ? I simply replied: " yes, it did".
We shared so many moments together. Don spent many Thanksgivings with me and later with us, and many Christmases and New Year's Eves.
I met my partner on Thanksgiving Eve in 1975. Don was scheduled to come over for coffee on Thanksgiving morning. I remember telling him that I had met someone really special. He was so happy for me. That New Year's Eve, I had some friends over for a small party. My partner, Tom Clark, who is very tall, walked in late in his Navy dress whites…well you could hear a pin drop!
Don was in attendance at our first joint party ( a pajama party), when I served breakfast to about 50 people at 3am.
He was one of 12 very special friends who joined me at a restaurant on Green Street for my 30th birthday celebration. He was there for Tom's rather elegant surprise 35th birthday party, among over 100 friends by then. He flew in from San Francisco when we had a huge party at Christie's Auction House with about 600 guests from all over the world. It was billed as a 20th Anniversary party, but nobody knew that I was going to announce the founding of my own private AIDS foundation.
I have had 8 different careers so far ( by choice). Don supported me always and understood my reasons for having to accomplish goals of my own, rather than remain in my family"s Insurance business, where Don had his homeowners insurance.
Throughout his time at Cartier ( or as Don referred to it: Carters), he gave us many very special gifts and helped us to buy things that we could not have otherwise afforded.
During June of 1976 I travelled with Don to Europe. ( Believe me, I am not easy to travel with, although I have been traveling all of my life). Don was patient with all of my suitcases. We had such a great time. When we got home, I remember him saying to Tom : " From now on, he's all yours" ( travel wise). However, Don spent many weekends as a guest at our home in Northwest Connecticut.
"Indeed" was one of Don's favorite words…. so indeed he loved to travel. He loved great food, clothes, and many of the finer things in life. I remember him in his beautiful camel colored cashmere sport coat. He always looked dapper and always had a smile on his face, and a very quick wit, no matter what was going on around him.
When he got sick with his ulcer, and had major surgery at Lennox Hill Hospital, I asked him if he wanted visitors. His reply was: " absolutely not".
I knew, full well, that Don did not want me to see him during the past three years. While he was texting, we communicated a little, but I could tell that he was slipping away. All that he loved about life had been taken away from him. I knew that.
I still have the sweater that was meant for Don ( in his colors) for Christmas the year that he got sick. It's been hard for me ( and for Tom), to know that the prognosis for Don's future was always bleak.
Therefore, July 11 was a blessing, although I cried for days, and still do, I know that my dear friend is out of his pain and suffering.
Donald R. Holmgren was a very special human being. I am so lucky that he was such an important part of our lives.
You will always live on in my heart, dear friend.
John
Message from Gary Casey
August 4, 2016 10:13 AM
Don Holmgren was a dear and kind man, who loved to share with me and others his love for travel. The copy machine was just outside my office and when I saw him walk up to the copier to retrieve papers, I just knew he would be stopping by my office to talk about a trip - whether it be a cruise, land vacation or flight to Hawaii. We would talk about flights, and the best deal he could get - and he would show me the print-outs of what he was looking at. : ) I believe his last international trip was an African Safari and while he was in the office, would come in to see me every day and we would talk about his flight...the excursions and various hotel properties he would be staying at... and the people whom he would be traveling with. I would get excited with him - and then when he returned from this trip he would tell me all the details. And show me the pictures. Don was also always very interested in what we were doing too, or where we would be cruising to - and ask about every port. He would tell me of previous trips and stops in those ports, and what he did. His memory was sharp! I enjoyed listening to Don talk. Such a sweet man, who is dearly missed. xo
A candle was lit by Gary Casey
on August 4, 2016 9:59 AM
Message from Julie Noto
August 4, 2016 9:42 AM
Don was such a kind and gentle soul and loved by so many. Don introduced me to lychee martinis at his favorite restaurant in San Francisco, E&O. He lit up when speaking of his many trips to Hawaii and I'm so glad that he was able to enjoy travel for so many years. He was so loved by everyone at CMR.
A candle was lit by Dave Goetz
on August 3, 2016 5:10 PM
Message from Dave Goetz
August 3, 2016 2:51 PM
I will always remember Don as a kind, gentle soul with a passion for travel, fine cuisine, and tasty libations. He was a true gentleman with impeccable taste and he always carried himself with class and elegance. We shared many good times whether it be watching the World Series, exploring San Francisco restaurants, or having a blast on CMR business "excursions" to New Orleans, Puerto Vallarta, Honolulu, and the Carribbean. His willingness to leave New York City and join us in starting up our company, CMR, was a gift that I will always be extremely grateful for. His contributions to CMR were immeasurable and the impact he had on the lives of many CMR clients and staff were always positive and enduring. His life of goodness to others, and the people whose lives he touched in such a positive way, will be his legacy for the time he was with us. He is already missed by myself and many others and I'm proud to have called him a friend for almost 30 years.
SEND FLOWERS
© 2024 Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility