Donald Nyman, 85, was born and raised in Gardner, MA. He met the love of his life, Elizabeth, in high school and they were together for over 65 years. His childhood was marked by World War II and the Korean conflict. These had a profound impact on him, and Don joined the U.S. Navy upon graduation from high school.
Elizabeth and Don were married on July 19,1958. Their honeymoon included a road trip across the United States from Gardner to his duty station in San Diego, CA.
Don rose through the enlisted ranks and retired as a Chief, Aviation Machinist's Mate, in 1977. His duty stations included San Diego, Pensacola, Bermuda, Norfolk, and Rota, Spain. During his time in the Navy, Don and Elizabeth raised two lovely daughters, Deborah and Donna. Don chose to retire from the Navy in Rota, Spain, and he and his family chose Pensacola as their new home. Both girls finished high school in Pensacola. Don’s talents and abilities were again needed by the Navy, and he began his second career at the Naval Air Rework Facility (later renamed Naval Aviation Depot), Pensacola. Don was recognized numerous times for his ability to improve the production processes in his department. He rose through the civilian ranks, and he retired as a Supervisory Production Controller, in 1993.
Don was a keen wood worker and craftsman as he parlayed this innate talent into a 3rd career as a part time handyman, who traveled all over Pensacola. Don with calm demeanor was adored by his customers!
Don and Liz enjoyed four Winnebago motorhomes over the years and crisscrossed the USA, seeing almost every state. They would make instant friends in the campgrounds they stayed at. He was nostalgic for the time he spent in the Navy, and if you could get past his reserved demeanor, he would open up with detailed accounts of his career as an aircraft mechanic and Crew Chief, in several transport aircraft.
Don was immensely proud of his grandchildren. He was there for Kara, when she received her Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering and he gave the first salute to his granddaughter, Mikaela, upon her graduation from the United States Naval Academy. He was able to share his love of woodworking with Mikaela, leaving a legacy, while she was in flight school. Don was there for Christian, his youngest grandchild since his birth and spent much time bonding with him, be it trips for ice cream or donuts, or woodworking. A special event for both was Christian’s Boy Scout troop’s flag retirement ceremony.
He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth, two daughters, Deborah and Donna, and three grandchildren, Kara, Mikeala and Christian. Don had an older brother, Leland, and three surviving siblings: Claudia, John, and Robert.
The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. with services beginning at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, August 09, 2023 at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.
