David Love - 12/10/00 02:41:22 My URL:www.communities.msn.com/DavidLove My Email:[email protected] Mailing Address: 4244 Maplewood Dr. Decatur, Ga. 30035 Phone Number: 678-596-6615

Comments: Don was my best friend. We met in high school and had been the greatest of friends ever since. We have seen many transitions in our individual lives since then, but this is the worst of the worst. This is my eulogy of my Very Best Friend, Don Cole a.k.a. DonCorleon. As I look out into this crowd, I see a lot of friends. That is just what Don would have wanted, the more friends to share your life with the better off you are. Our world has been robbed of one of the most brilliant and devious minds of our generation. We have all lost one of the great ones. In only 25 years, Don did more than most people could have done. He mastered the Spanish language to the degree that native Spanish speakers had to question whether he was American. He traveled to so many countries, he could have filled a passport with stamps. We know he didn�t fill an entire passport because he kept losing them all the time, something Don was famous for. Some of us lived vicariously through him. He shared his experiences with us, the good ones and the bad ones. Whether he was at a bullfight, or attempting to charm the Latin ladies, his stories were jolting tales of both mischief and mayhem. The list of his professional accomplishments was long and distinguished. He worked in at least eight different countries and pleasure travel took him to many more. Next week he was embarking for a trip to Cuba. He said �I�m going to see Fidel for my 25th birthday!� He led an adventurous and spectacular life and we should celebrate that. We were privileged to know and work with him. I will live my life in tribute to my favorite gangster, and my best friend. DON CORLEON

Kristian Rasmussen - 11/27/00 01:05:19 My Email:[email protected]

Comments: MY EULOGY 8/5/00 FOR MY FRIEND, DON I think if Don had his way, at this point, we would all stand, place one hand over our heart, and sound off with "Dixie", followed quickly by a loud rebel yell. However, since I cannot carry a tune in a five-gallon bucket, and out of respect for you the listeners, we will have to skip that part. Don, I am sure you are listening, so please do not hold this against us. Driving up here yesterday, like many of you, I had some quiet time; time to reflect back on great memories. I found among those reflections some questions. During that time, I asked myself who Don was and what he meant to me. Then, I asked myself some tough questions, difficult questions we all have in times like this. Now, I can honestly say that of all my reflections, I was unable to sufficiently or accurately articulate into words my friend, Don Cole. I cannot speak for all of us here, but he certainly was the most unique person I have ever met, and, if I may be so bold as to say, the most unique person I will ever meet. Strictly speaking, I know that we are all unique; each of us is distinguishable, one from the other. But Don was special, one of a kind, a true gem. So, who was Don? A character with an uncanny nack to fit into any situation and somehow still manage to shine, even in the most precarious situation or predicament. If you knew Don, you know what I mean: one minute he is Don Juan, and the next minute he is just Don, your buddy down the street; and inally, he's always "Donning" the joke. What did he mean to me? Simply put, he was my friend. But not just any friend! Proverbs 18:24(b) reads, "But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Don and I had a close relationship. We were like family, and he is my brother. Every t me we parted, I told him I loved him, and I will never regret that. Now the tough questions, which traumatic events always provoke, and one in particular continued to bombard my mind during the drive here today to my friend�s funeral. Where is Don now? Folks, it is with a great deal of certainty that I tell you Don is n Heaven. In times like this, we always like to think or assume the best, but this is how I know it with my friend Don. For I am certain. We had many discussions and late night talks about God and eternity. Don recognized his need for a relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ. Don realized that but for Christ's death on the cross and the saving grace of our Lord that he would have no hope. So pursuing the irresistible call by God, Don accepted Christ as his savior and Lord of his life. Don did not always show it but who among us always does. Ultimately, Don knew that the umbrella of Grace he lived under was neither earned nor de erved. Don understood the true meaning of the "grace of God." So, friends and family be encouraged. We miss Don, but take heart because the same grace Don received is available to us all and remember, Don is in Heaven.

Laurie Pineda - 11/24/00 04:53:37 My URL:http://www.translandsc.com My Email:[email protected] Mailing Address: Post Office Box 1044 Blythewood, SC 29016 Phone Number: 803-714-6480

Comments: Ruth and Don: As I am a friend of Ruths I knew more about Don than I really knew Don. The first time we met was at our Horse Farm in Ridgeway, SC about four years ago. Ruth and J.D. were visiting for a Carolina Cup Horse Race and Don came over later in the evening. Fr m the moment I met Don I instantly liked him. I will always remember how much love he displayed for our farm animals. He actually got in the stalls with each horse and loved on them and kissed them. He rolled in the hay playing with the Great Dane. It was as if I had know him forever, such a tender soul with a ton of insight. Later in the evening we engaged into political dicussions where Don was very clear on his views and stood up for what he believed. He played in the floor with my, then 6 month o d son, Harrison as if he were his Uncle. He spoke better spanish than my Spanish husband....lol and although I ususally like people instantly, my husband is a bit more reserved and even he liked and was impressed with Don. My other observation was how mu h Don loved his Mother, Ruth. It was very clear that they were not only Mother and Son, but friends too. We then had the pleasure of being in Don's company a few more times before his passing. Ruth, never ever ask yourself if you did enough or meant enough to him! It was very clear to an outsider the impact you had on Don's life and the love you had for one another. I belive that everone you meet in life is for a reason, a season or a life time. Sometimes we don't know which of the three until much later in life. I believe that Don was one in the "Reason" section for my particular situation. His physical body may e gone but his spirit will live on for those he touched FOREVER! Ruth please believe that through the Grace of God your spirits will reunite one day and all of your questions answered. Until that day comes thank GOD for everyday he gave that precious GIF to you and continue to keep his spirit alive as you have done. Love and Hope to you & God Bless you, Laurie Pineda

RICK LEWIS - 11/19/00 15:20:01 My Email:[email protected] Mailing Address: 3874 Covington Hwy.Dec.GA. 30032 Phone Number: 404-288-5404

Comments: ...Great site... I think Don and I viewed it once when he was over here...Yor doin' good Ruth!!!

Ruth Ellen Crisman - 11/18/00 22:38:55 My Email:[email protected] Mailing Address: 3570 Weeping Willow Lane, Loganville, GA 30052 Phone Number: 770/466-9373

Comments: To the love of my life, my dearest and beloved Don, You will know I am writing this to you, and you would criticize if by my side. If I could please just take this opportunity to express my heart and soul to you, your friends and loved ones, and many others so as to try to communicate how I completely liv d for and loved you, my dearest and beloved Don. Unquestionably, I am extremely devastated. What ever went so wrong with my beloved Don Corleon that fateful August 1st night into the day of your passing or what ever went so right that I just cannot comprehend? August 10, 1975, I was too young and disoriented to understand the meaning of my pregnancy. I only knew I was to be a mother and that I had a job to do. I was not really thrilled, but soon after your arrival, I instantly fell in love with a healthy, hap y, frisky, loving baby, who soon took complete hold of my life. However, as a single mother, I tried, I failed, I cried, I laughed, I fought, I succumbed, and sometimes I succeeded, and one day, I wondered (and again and again) in amazement how such a un que being was to be my son. Don, you loved, you lived, you suffered, you learned, and you understood. You took me places no one will ever take me again. Your mind was racing to take and make life and you conquered in all that you pursued. You wanted me to learn and learn, and some imes, I could barely keep up. I was so involved with my day-to-day, and I did not relate to you sometimes, which I will forever regret. Your inspirations were incredible, not just as a mother but also as a devoted and loving friend. For you see my darl ng, I had no one but you. And oh how God blessed me with you. Your departure will be forever complicated to understand. In some ways, I know God wanted you for other purposes; you certainly were brilliant and talented. In other ways, I am so sick of what our world has lost. I know all things happen for a reason. For this reason is the most crucial I must learn. I will forever live my life for this understanding. Don, you loved me. Sometimes you disliked me. You challenged me. You tortured me. You made me live. You made me laugh. You made me cry. You completely confused me. But who else did I adore being with more than you? I am lost for more than your mo . I am lost as your biggest and most adoring fan who made you her life. Ruth Crisman�s life was all about Donald Frank Cole, Jr. Now, I must be Ruth without Don. Your spirit will forever guide me, and I feel you are with me now. I hope to move forwar . Many people speak of what you meant and where you took them, and I experienced all that and much more. I am not sure whether to be deeply depressed or deeply joyed. The latter seems to be my inclination, even though I tend to also feel very sorry for my elf. My Don, my dearest Don, if anyone could ever say they loved you most, I hope it would be me. You were my life, my joy, my everything. I try to be strong and understand, but your departure has left me totally perplexed and lost. Oh what happened to my b by. I hope you did not suffer. I pray you died peacefully, as indications appear to be, in your sleep. This gives me some comfort. I could selfishly say I invested my life into you and lived my life vicariously through you as many others certainly did. What really does that mean? Where did you invest your life? Dear God, I pray Don is reaping the ultimate benefits he invested with you. If I ever laugh and genuinely smile again, it is because I understand, accept and know your peace, my Don, and I will forever delight in the joy and love you brought to my life as well as to so many others. My adoring deepest love and affection to you always and beyond. Your devoted mother and friend, Ruth Ellen Crisman

John Stewart - 10/03/00 12:39:33 My Email:[email protected]

Comments: Great site, my only regrets is that I first looked at it after Don passed. I love you, Don. BAGATW 1861

David Love - 08/09/00 04:59:55 My Email:[email protected] Phone Number: 678-596-6615

Comments: This is a great website. Selma Hayak has visited it!!!!! View the guestbook and see for yourself.

Kim Shields - 08/09/00 01:57:43 My Email:[email protected] Phone Number: 404) 284-4118

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- 08/07/00 16:49:50

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todd Davidson - 08/06/00 14:45:27 My Email:todd_30075 Phone Number: 7705187194

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Denitra Darby - 08/04/00 16:09:23 My Email:[email protected] Phone Number: 770-785-6947

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john w. cole jr. - 12/24/99 05:10:34 My Email:[email protected] Mailing Address: 860 atlantic st lindenhurst,ny 11757 Phone Number: 516-957-1982

Comments: very nicely done the best I have look at so far searching for family.we come from upstate ny. columbia,county hudson,copake lake,catskill,new city,nyack and long island. I hope that I do as well as you in my search and come up with as much info as you did are you a traveling man like your forfathers. i am captain of the motor corp of KISMET temple new hyde park,ny.I race drag boats to raise money for the shrine hospitals. some of your people died 100years and 11 days before me. my family are all long lived nobody P>T>E>R> before 86 years old. we also have a trate of one ear the left one sticks out more than the right it holds through the family.have a very merry christmas and a happy and healthy new year john... ..

Selma - 10/22/99 18:15:49 My URL:http://www.selmahyak.com My Email:[email protected] Mailing Address: Los Angeles, CA

Comments: Don: I just love your site. You are too sexy, and I hope you and your latin babe have a great life! Just for the record, I think latin women are hot too! Kisses, Selma