This is very late that I write this several years later but I just learned of Don’s transition to another realm. We met at a Parks and Recreation conference in the early 90s and had a great relationship and many amazing adventures together including a trip to Alaska, A private tour of Karchner caverns before it opened, camping, mountain biking, boating, skiing, hiking, running,  trips to Florida, Georgia, Steelers game in Pittsburgh, romping around state parks... etc. his dog Moe and my Bassets Wilma and Delilah. As I write this, the Steelers are playing the Cleveland Browns in a playoff game. I am from Cleveland and he was a die hard Steelers fan we always had fun with that! At least three of these pictures that are posted on this site I took! So sorry to the family  for the loss.  He was a good guy I will always remember.  The T-shirt in this picture is from a run that I managed , we were at a state park in Sedona here, and I am wearing this same T-shirt right now, no accident!

It has been a year, yet not a day goes by that you are not on my mind.  Gone, but not forgotten.....you will always remain in my heart.

On your Birthday .... as always, missing you.    You will forever be my kindred spirit.

Pam's note reminds us all of just how very much someone is missed, especially during the Holidays.   I've thought of Don frequently since his untimely and unexplained passing.  I used to chit-chat with him at the gym when we'd see one another.  I do miss that.   While I did not remain in close contact with Don over the past many years, we never seemed to miss much as we kept each other pretty well updated in the brief chats we had.   I am praying for Don and his family during this Holiday season.   Doug Gray

Today is Thanksgiving and my thoughts have been on Don all day.  It's been almost 5 months - sometimes it seems like just yesterday, sometimes it seems like an eternity. Its been six months since he last walked through my door and held me close, but I will forever hold him close to my heart.  Today I give thanks for knowing Don.  He is missed but he is still loved.

Don was my first true friend after he and I both moved to Arizona many, many years ago.   We learned a lot together and had many fun times together.   While we did not maintain consistent contact after High School I did see Don on a regular basis at the gym.   We both liked to get our work-outs in early; before work.   I was deeply saddened to hear of Don's untimely passing.  I offer my deepest regrets to his family and friends.     Respectfully, Doug Gray

To Don's family and many friends, I am so very sorry for your loss.  I have known Don over the last year when he moved into our townhome association.  It was always nice to stop and talk with Don or to run into Don over at the pool taking an evening swim.  Casey (my Schnauzer) and I will miss seeing Don.  Don would always say to my barking Casey (and Casey really did love Don) "you're so silly."  All of us who got to know Don in our complex are very saddened and will miss having his magnificent presence among us.  My deepest sympathies to all.

Thank You Don for being such a great neighbor and friend.  Your smile always brought happiness to everyone you encountered. I will miss the sound of your Motorcycle and Porsche coming and going from our Townhome Community, and not seeing you enjoy your new home you had just purchased. Thank You for being a friend. You will be so very missed!!!!

I have cut Don's hair every two weeks for the last five years and I can tell you the man knew how to live life to the fullest. I always called him my adrenaline junky. I'm really sorry he never got to run with the bulls. I will dearly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Don you are one of my best friends and I feel blessed to have had you in my life.  The one thing I can say about you and all of the adventures you experienced is that you really lived.  A lot of people can't say that their lives were filled with all of the experiences, and the wonderful things in this world you witnessed.  I want to thank you for your friendship, and one day I will be there on the other side with you, and see you again.  Jeff

It is so hard to realize Don is no longer a phone call away.  He was my teacher, advisor and great friend.  We planned exraordinary year-end parties and I cried recently going by the store where we once picked up the food together.  Don loved life and made it fun!  He will live forever in all our memories.

Farewell my "Steelers" buddy. I will surely miss you, but I'll think of you during every game. If there are any fan clubs where you're going, it'll be the Steelers!

Don here's hoping you have, Fair Winds and Following Seas.  Peace

Don was such an awesome person!  Very fun, intelligent and caring.  It is not going to be the same watching our Steelers play without him sitting with us at our table.  There is an empty space in our hearts right now.  He will be deeply missed.  All you had to do was mention scuba diving or Steelers and Don had a huge smile on his face!  He would play finger football with our son at every halftime during the game.  Great memories.  Love you so much Don!

Mr States  You were a true gentleman in all that you did. It was my honor to have worked with you.  You enjoyed life to its fullist an example all should follow. I shall alway keep true to the values you shared with me.

Don, you will truly be missed, you always had so much fun.  I'm so sad that I wouldn't be seeing you for awhile, someday our paths will cross again.  Love you

I came to know Don through our Steelers fan group that gathers at Gallagher's for every Steelers game. Don was  great guy who always had a fun adventure to share and he packed a lot of life into his short time on earth. The Steeler Nation has lost a great friend...You will be missed!

this is for donald - http://youtu.be/Z3X5mY2tf8A
(hopefully the link will work for anyone else, too)

Don was a very private person but he shared many adventurous stories.  He definitely  lived his life to the fullest.  He was a great coworker and Warrant Officer.  Many prayers for him and his family.  He will be dearly missed.

Chief States was an outstanding officer.  Willing to do whatever was needed while also finding the joy in everything. He had always wanted to drive a fire truck, so I'm glad our little section had a chance to buckle ourselves in and respond to an emergency call with Fire Captain States at the wheel of the fire truck (simulator that is) at the MCC Virtual Incident Command Center.  It was a hoot.

Don was a good friend to me. He always asked about my little one. I will miss him. My thoughts a prayers go out to his family and friends.

Don was a great guy, and I enjoyed working with him throughout my years at ADEQ.  He was quiet in demeanor when at work, but loved a good time and especially his diving.  It was a pleasure knowing him, and I know he will be sorely missed.

I know all of us on the Joint Staff at the Arizona National Guard are going to deeply miss Chief States.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

My thoughts and prayers are with Don's family and friends. We have lost a great guy. I will always remember his smile.

Donald came into my life and it was love at first sight. I remember his tousled hair, his beautiful blue eyes that were my own private ocean.  His hugs, his kisses, his touch made me long for more and I have never been more loved in my life.  I will miss him beyond reason!  I love you, Sweetie and always will!

Don was a class act. We had many conversations in the ADEQ parking lot about his goals and things he wanted to accomplish in life. He was a beautiful person. I will miss him. I am grateful for his friendship. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Don was an exceptional officer in the Arizona Army National Guard and on our Joint Staff team.  I am proud to have known him, to have worked with him and I will miss him dearly.

I worked with Don at ADEQ.  He was always interesting to talk with, a great guy and co-worker.  I would see him sometimes at WIFA.  He will be sadly missed; my prayes go out to his family for their loss.

Thanks for being my friend and sharing your lifes adventures with me.

It was my pleasure to know Don for 24 years starting at the Dept. of Revenue.  He was one of the best things about going to work, his smile and beautiful blue eyes.  He had a great sense of humor, and there was always something mischievous going on!

We would meet over the years for lunch and I would love to hear the stories of his many adventures. He did enjoy life.

There will never be another Don States, and I will miss him greatly.

Don, will be missed, such a good friend and cooworker, my deepest condolences for Don's Family.

I have known Don since we worked together at State Parks,  He has lived with me and my two daughters and has always been a big part of our lives.  I have loved him for many years.  Though my heart is aching, he will always be with me.  My sincere condolences to his family.

I am proud to say that Don was my friend.  It was an honor and a priviledge to have known Don.  I always looked forward to our weekly game night so I could  hear about his newest adventures and just spend quality time having fun with my friend.  Deuces up...you'll be missed.

Don was a friend that loved his Pittsburgh Steelers while I was a Cleveland Browns fan.  I will miss the friendly rivalry and football pundit dialogue we used to have.  He used to greet me with "how's my favorite Steeler fan".  My sympathy to Don's family.

I met Don at ADEQ and thought he was a super guy. He was always talking about his adventures diving etc. His previous employees loved him dearly and he would visit even when he was on a different floor in our agency. I enjoyed listening to his adventure stories he shared with his old unit. He will be missed greatly.

Don will truly be missed by all his friends here at ADEQ and WIFA.  My deepest condolances to Don's family.  You will all be in my prayers.

Don you were the greatest supervisor and person overall.  Your zest to do the challenging things in life made you special.  You will always be remembered by me and all your friends here at DEQ.  It's so hard to believe you are not with us any more.  You left us much too soon.

I'm proud to say Don is a friend of mine for over 34 years.  Each week I was blessed to hear about his adventurous life and how he enjoyed it to the fullest.  He deeply impacted many people by his charismatic yet shy personality.  He will want everyone to enjoy their life by whatever best fits their beliefs or limitations. He would never judge them or persuade them to do otherwise.

Don will be deeply missed and the world will be a little more empty without him around.

Thank you Don for being such a great friend to Ray! His life was better because you were in it. He will cherish all of the great memories of some very cool adventures...you will be missed!

I am so very sad.  Don really knew how to live his life to the fullest. He will be dearly missed.

Great guy, always had a smile on his face, just a cool guy. Always had a great attitude. He will be missed dearly.

OBITUARY

Donald James States

April 12, 1963 – June 24, 2012

West Resthaven Funeral Home

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