Condolence: Dear John and Miss Gail, You have my deepest condolences. Don was a true gentleman. From the very first email he sent me while I was in Afghanistan until the last time I spoke with him, he was authentic, humble, and funny. He was a fun man to be around, who truly caree about people and gave of himself freely. The world is a little bit smaller and just a bit darker without him. God bless, Jeff Stewar

Condolence: Rest in peace Don. A good man known to many at Friendship. Prayers of comfort to Don's family. He will be missed Mike

Condolence: Sharing our deepest sympathy to John and the Getz family from Don's passing. We have many memories to keep close in our hearts of his great personality. The MZL shows will not be the same without his presence, but he will always be with us in spirit. Don will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. You and you're family are in our thoughts and prayers, Chris and ZoeAnn Altland

Condolence: Don had a good sense of humor, and a friendly disposition. He was respected in the shooting community for his quality barrels,and his business ethics. It was always a pleasure to talk to Don, and we have good memories of our times together. Your family will be in our prayers. Dave & Elaine Arnold

Condolence: John and Family... We were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. Although we would only see Don each year at Lewisburg, we always looked forward to sharing time with him and hearing his latest stories. He will certainly be missed. Please accept our sincerest condolences...

Condolence: How sad to lose another muzzleloading icon and friend! I will long remember Don for his barrels, but much more importantly for his good humor and friendliness. Sincere condolences to the family and to the muzzleloading community nationwide.

Condolence: John, Gail and family: We're still trying to accept the fact that Donnie has left us. We can't really express how much we'll miss him. Shop visits and shows just won't be the same knowing that we won't see him there ever again. Our heart-felt condolences go out to you all. Tom and Terry Dissinger

Condolence: Shocked doesn't even touch the feeling of this sad news. Gail & John, I am so sorry!! Don was a man of many, many qualities. Friend, mentor, husband, father to name just a few. Don, thank you my friend. We will miss you. Darrin & Beth McDonal

Condolence: I have so many great memories of Don and the times we had together in Friendship, at the Alvin York, here in Kansas City for our shoot, in the shop in Beavertown - always fun. He was like the big brother I never had - kind and good to me, not mean, teasing, and critical like the ones I do have. Last Tuesday we had to send our sweet little dog Betty to doggy heaven. Donny and Betty absolutely loved each other - he came to our shoot several years running and stayed at our house. He spoiled Betty non-stop with pets and treats from his plate and she showered him with kisses in like proportion. Even with a year between visits the minute Don walked in the door Betty was ecstatic. I talked to Don a month or two ago, and about the second thing out of his mouth was "How's Betty doing?" I assured him she was hanging in there, feeble but content. He was pleased - "She's such a sweet dog." So I think Betty was waiting for Don later that same day - right inside the door, wagging her tail and giving him kisses.

Condolence: Dear Gail and John, Pam and I are so very sorry to hear of Don's passing. We consider it an honor to have known him and will miss him greatly. He was extremely kind to me over many years and I always enjoyed his company, his humor, and the twinkle in his eyes. We remember him showing up at the KRA in his little sports car and sharing his excitement and enthusiasm with us in the parking lot. Don made this world better by his presentence it. May God's peace and grace be upon you and your family at this time of loss. Our love and prayers are with you. Jack And Pam Brooks

Condolence: Gail, you and Don have always had a special place in our hearts. And the week you spent with us in Texas years ago was absolutely delightful. Sandy and I share in your loss and pray God's comfort for you and the family.

Condolence: Dear Gail and John, I was very sorry to hear about Don. I will miss him stopping in my shop with his latest project. We had many good talk's and a good joke or two. Don always gave me good advice to build a better rifle and I always appreciated it. Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Sincerely, John, Ang and Matt

Condolence: Gail, John I can't express how much this saddens me. Don will be missed but his gift of wisdom and friendship will be cherished as a bright spot that will always bring a smile. Kevin

Condolence: John, Gail, and family. I'm so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He will live on in the memories of all who knew him. You and your family will be in our prayers. I think of him every time I use the file or the pin punch he gave me, or use a piece of his advice while building a rifle. Nate McKenzie.

Condolence: John ,Gail and the whole Getz family.I have so many great memories of Don and will miss his friendship greatly.The twinkle in his eye and his jokes always brightened the room.In addition to many great talks about longrifles he always made sure I had a place to stay on our trips to the CLA.I will miss going to "church" for dinner.I still remember my first trip to the barrel shop Don gave me a pin punch that he made and was giving out to his friends.Even though I barely knew him at the time that kind gesture made me feel welcome in the longrifle community.I use the punch daily and it will always serve as a reminder of Don's kindness.I will pray for you all to find peace at this difficult time. Mitch Yates

Condolence: The world has lost one of the founders of the "longrifle revival". My prayers for peace go out to his family and many friends...rest in peace, Don. Dave Gross

Condolence: Dear Gail and John, I am absolutely heart broken to hear we no longer have Don here on earth with us. I know you must feel the same and even more so. Don was not only a former business partner, he was a dear friend. I don't have even one bad memory about him. We shared so many good times at Friendship and other places over the years. In 1987 when he talked me into going into the rifle kit business with him and Bob Lepley little did I know that doing so would change the direction of my life forever. It eventually allowed me to leave a job I hated and do something I really enjoyed. I will always be grateful for that. I will keep you in my prayers as you adjust to life without a husband, father and a truly friend to everyone who knew him. Sincerely, Jim, Karen and Barbie Chambers