It is with great
sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news that our son, brother,
uncle, and friend, John Everett Donaldson, of Porter, Indiana, passed away
on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at the young age of 53 years after being diagnosed
this past February with lung cancer.
John was filled
with love for his family, and they meant everything to him and he meant
everything to them. Left to mourn and remember him are his loving mother,
Geri of Porter, IN; brothers Steve of Hammond, IN and Mike of Monticello,
IN; sisters Laura of Porter, IN, Linda of Whiting, IN, and Marilyn (Nutter)
of Shakopee, MN; nephew, Alex; niece, Emily; and brother-in-law, Eric and
his beloved and faithful canine companion Molly Doodle.
Preceded in death
by his father, Everett, sister, Kathleen; Grandparents, William and
Josephine Obremski; and his uncle, Gene Obremski.
John was born in
East Chicago, Indiana, and grew up in Hammond and St. John. He graduated
from Lake Center High School in 1980. One of John’s proudest achievements
was serving his country in the United States Air Force. John earned many
awards and accommodations while serving in Europe and the Middle East. John
took great pleasure in meeting members of the community and enjoyed the
friendships he made while as a manager at a family-oriented restaurant in
Michigan City, IN.
John loved nature
and the outdoors. Some of his favorite times were walking with Molly on the
trails in the Indiana Dunes and playing with her in the dog park. John loved
being an uncle and showered his nephew and niece with love, humor, and
affection. John was the uncle who lived like a kid--always joking, laughing,
and enjoying life. John believed in living an uncomplicated life.
He loved spring
time and the feeling of renewal it brought to him. John took the time to
appreciate the beauty life had to offer. He was the calming force in our
family. He was the sunshine on our cloudy days. Always thinking of others
before himself. He never missed an opportunity to call each of us on our
birthdays to sing a “John original” rendition of “Happy Birthday." John was
an amazing, gentle, and beautiful person. He leaves his family with a void
that will never be filled.
He will forever
remain in the hearts of those who knew him. We love you dearly, Johnny. In
John’s honor, in lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to your
favorite local charity.