  Don has been our very good friend throughout our lives! He will be sorely missed and never forgotten

I saw Donnie at my shop , two days before the last get together for 68 HHS  members. We talked about old times, our health.  He talked about his diabetes, and mine. We wished each other Merry Christmas and happy new year, and may we have many more. This tells me its true, we should live our lives  to the fullest, and forget hatred and negativity.  Donnie was a good friend and always will be, God bless him and his family forever. 

Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Donald K Atwood.  This day we, the Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia, salute one of our fallen brothers.  Don served courageously with F Troop of the 2nd Squadron in 1968 and 1969, and it was our privilege to have him in the ranks of the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment.  Our loss is that of another brother down and we will continue to honor his memory at out gatherings and reunions.  His name will be listed on the rolls of our honored dead and in our newsletter, Thunder Run.   But as our Burial Liturgy clearly states:  “life has not ended, merely changed”  and Don’s  soul continues on a loving path.  As we were together then (in Vietnam), we will be together again in the life hereafter, comfortably enfolded in the loving arms of our Merciful Father.

Chaplain Blandin W. Karabinos, 11th ACVVC  (Vietnam 71-72)



Dear Atwood and Nicholson Family
We are with you in your moment of grief.  Although we saw Don only a couple of times a year, our memory of him is always of laughter and friendship. He will look over all of you, of that we are certain. Don and your entire family are in our prayers.

Don was not just a regular customer but a dear friend. He and I were birthday buddies and over the years, we would send each other a birthday message. Chick-fil-A at Bearss Avenue is a better place because of him. He loved giving me suggestions or sharing his ideas, and he had many. Our hearts are heavy and his huge smile will be missed. Mary and family, our deepest condolences. You will be in our prayers in the difficult days to come. 

Donald was always a bright light from the get go! Not often in today’s world can you say you went to school with someone from first grade on. Donald was always real- friendly, kind hearted, and had that wonderful smile that greeted you! So glad our 50 th reunion was recent and we were able to chat and spend some time together!  Just wanted to let his family know how special I thought he was. Charlene Brown Malaluan

Don was my Big Bunny and the love of my life for the last 19 years. We had the best times together whether we were at a food festival, home cooking or doing yard work. We were a pair who loved life. 
Don enjoyed the cool nights where he could stand by his white truck and talk to the neighbors as they walked by. As many of you know,  Don never met a stranger. 
He loved working for Apple and anytime he saw someone wearing an Apple  watch or possessing any Apple product, he’d say 
“hey I work for Apple.”. And a new friend was made. I’m devastated to lose my big bunny but God needed him more. I’m sure he’s making new friends, listening to music and smiling. God bless you sweetheart. You will remain by my side forever.  Love you to the moon and back

Had so many fun and memorable moments working together at Apple I.P. for 8 years.   All were fun and made the time whiz by.  Couldn't have done it without you my friend.  We had a special bond that will be sorely missed. Thanks !

When I learned of my younger cousins passing it shocked me greatly. For the many times we talked through the years I never remember him speaking badly about anyone. I never did get together with him about my Apple. Rest in peace my cousin..
You will be missed.


Don was a terrific man who always made me laugh. I feel so blessed to have seen him last week. Rest In Peace my dear friend. Thank you for everything. Such an amazing man. He will be missed. 

Don, I’ll miss you. You were a light at our store, and a brighter light as a friend. I appreciate the wisdom you shared with me, and the things you taught me. 
Thanks for all the laughs.  
Bring the donuts in heaven. ♥️

Condolences to the family and friends of Don's. Sorry that I will not be able to come and show my respects to his family. 

Don and I met in October 2010 training for my first job. Through that experience we grew some of our closest and most enduring friendships. He left such an impression on us all.

Don’s heart was big and open. He was so loving and hilarious. He had inside jokes with everyone and his voice made it so that no one else could deliver them with quite the same punch.  He was a champion at work and dedicated to any cause that came before him. He showed up for people 100% no matter how different from him they were. 

The world could use more people like Don. Such a warm, genuine, memorable and kind soul. Deepest condolences to all those who loved him. 

To hear the news of Dons passing simply broke my heart. Having sold Don his first Apple computer, I remember the days he would come in as a customer, cheerful as ever, and remind me of his great experience. 
Many years later I had the joy of working with Don and building a friendship. 
He had a way of telling stories and sharing life experiences that taught a lesson, were so engaging, and left a smile on your face regardless of the context. 
The way he could simplify situations that seemed so complex was inspirational. 
We shared passions around gardening and I’ll never forgot the day he invited me to raid his yard. As we walked around his garden, every plant had a story. A true testament of how Don placed value on all things. 
He had a way of valuing “life”, sharing what he learned from his experiences and passing on the lesson. A true Mentor! 

Rest In Peace my friend. Your memories (and plants) will forever be loved, cared for and valued! 

I had the pleasure of working with Don Atwood for approximately one year. As so many friends have already stated, he was such a kind and caring individual. I was a new employee and Don made me feel so welcome and was always ready to help and answer my questions. 
Our friendship has certainly continued and Don and I were actually supposed to meet for breakfast next week. I still see the entry on my calendar and it breaks my heart that he will not be there.

My most sincere condolences to family and friends that Don leaves behind.

Rest In peace my friend.....

I went to Edison Elementary School with Donald.  Even though I have had no contact with him for about 60 years, he remains in my memory as someone who was always making people smile and be happy.  This says a lot when you can remember someone so vividly after such a very long time. I pray you get comfort in the knowledge of how loved he is.   HE will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more....  Revelation 21:4

Don was such a sunshine in my life.  No matter how tough the situation, he was always smiling and making others laugh.  He genuinely cared about everyone he interacted with.  There was always a sparkle in his eye and such heartfelt joy in his laughter.  You will truly be missed.

Don, such a genuinely kind soul, and a great person through and through.

I worked with Don for several years and remember all of his stories, his laugh, and the energy that he carried with him. He would brighten anyone's day up and I can't recall ever seeing someone angry at him. 

You'll be missed, Don.

Don was a rare breed of human. When the stress of angry customers got the best of all of us, Don was there with jokes and a smile that was constant but most of all sincere. There was never a time that I did not want to communicate with Don. Even after I left the company we worked at, any time I visited, Don was there to greet me with that same sincerity. You will be missed by many and I pray healing over the hearts of your family members. 

Don was one of the most selfless people and without a doubt one of the most caring people I have ever met. I feel blessed to have shared years of my life working with him. He has made an impact on my wife and I that will never be lost. From his humor to his bringing in the best donuts in the world for us, I, personally, will miss him greatly. 

When a customer asked Don, “Do you work here?” Don always replied, “Nope! I just volunteer!” He would then reach for the customer’s hands and say, “I’m just kidding, how can I help you.” 

Don was and will always be a legend in all things. 

I haven't worked next too or seen Don in quite a few years, but I have certainly thought about him. He was one of the few people you could always count on to put a smile on your face. He new how much I loved donuts and would take the extra effort to put one aside for me if he didn’t see me when he brought them in the morning. What an amazing human he was!

Don was dear to me with his always available smile, contagious laugh, legendary hugs and his stories. He was kind and generous. He was thoroughly good.

I cherished the Sunday mornings at Apple when I would see Don’s call.. “I’ve got doughnuts.” Everyone loved Don for his doughnut days. We would always close out our download with a heartfelt “DON” from the team. Sure, the doughnuts were amazing, but it was really about Don showing his love of others and that amazing goodness he brought to his part of the world.

I always loved his stories. Don had a way of sharing a story that transported you into that moment. One of the most memorable stories for me that he shared was in a download. I don’t remember what took us to his story. He told the team about when he was being shipped off to Vietnam. There was such anger about the war and politics. He remembered walking through the airport with other soldiers in uniform. People in the airport booed and spit at them. The team fell silent. I was speechless. After the store opened, I went to Don to get one of those hugs. I thanked him for sharing such a vulnerable experience and he gave me a Don smile. I was so sorry that he endured such misplaced anger and disrespect.

 I don’t know what the rest of the team thought after that morning download and Don’s story. I saw several people wipe away tears. I saw countless people connect with him throughout the day. I only know what I took away. Beyond the story, Don was also sharing his wisdom and giving us a life lesson about judging others... about understanding that what you see isn’t always a sign of alignment or blame... of seeing others innocence. I’m sure that wasn’t Don’s intention. Despite the atrocious things he had been through, he chose kindness.

I’m going to miss Don, a lot. I’ll always cherish the time with him. Thank you for everything, Don.

Don was a man who’s wisdom was matched only by his humor. With a heart as big as any other god could make.  He loved his country as well as his fellow man and made sure to fill every day with as many smiles as he could get out you.  
 His legacy is secured as one of Love, Laughter, Kindness, and Wisdom.  Rest easy Don.

Rest easy, sir. 

You were a pleasure to work with and talk to. 

For Don’s family and those closest to him, I am so sorry for your loss. Don attended a holiday gathering with friends from Hillsborough High School in early December. He was smiling, sharing hugs, laughing and having a good time.  Don’s big smile and personality will be greatly missed. 

Don! What words can describe a great man! My best days at work was because of you! On my worst days Don was the only one to get a smile on my face. Still remember the many chats and conversations on life, family, and our jokes! What a well of wisdom and definitely of humor! You will be sorely missed! God bless you buddy and your family, my condolences. Don you may be gone but the impact you left on everyone that you came across will live on! 

May the memories of good times give comfort to Don's family and  friends. He will be missed by many.

I was lucky enough to know Don through work for several years. As we can all see, he made our jobs that much more special and fun! Don would always make me laugh especially about myself, he was a constant source of happiness and gave the best hugs. Don had such a great memories to share when we worked together, he was always a source of either wisdom or if I needed a laugh he could give that too. I’m  grateful to have known him for the time I did. I’m so sad for this families loss. You’re in my prayers. 

I was lucky enough to know Don because of work. Even after he left, he was always one of my absolute favorite people to see. I loved when he would visit and I could hang out with him or when we could find time to hang during work. He had the best hugs and a great smile for all of us. I feel better for having known him and I’ll always be sad that our last hug was the last. 

I worked with Don for a number of years. If there was one thing you could count on it was Don getting a laugh out of his coworkers. He had a way of lightening the mood and creating humor even in the toughest of moments. Don was a wonderful coworker and an even better person! You will be missed. 

Don and I worked together for the 4 years we were in Tampa. From the beginning, Don would pull me aside and we would crack jokes back and forth at each other and just have lengthy conversations about sports. I left Tampa and moved to SW Florida with my wife and had to go through cancer treatments at Moffitt in Tampa, I would still stop in the store to say hi to a few friends and for a conversation with Don. This man was not only a kind soul, he was a great friend, someone who if I haven't seen in months, I could see him and we could pick up right where we left off. Don, you are truly missed, we all love you so much, thank you for making such a positive impact in my life and being a good friend. Love you Don, may God bless you and your family.

“Wild Man” Don was what I called him when we worked together. He had this side of him that he loved to share with those who would take the time to get to know him. 

I am so incredibly grateful that I met Don. We bonded over food, cooking especially. Don taught me about the holy trinity of food. I still have the original article he sent me, bookmarked. 

Don you will be so dearly missed. Thank you letting me be a part of your world for a moment in time. You left a mark on my life. Cheers “Wild Man”. Until we meet again someday....

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear of my dear friends passing. We worked together for 7 years and then even after he left a year ago we still talked weekly. He would come and visit and text me to make sure he didn’t miss seeing me. I loved this kind soul so deeply. I am just heartbroken. 

Don, you were an icon at work, you were a special kind soul who could make anyone smile, you gave the BEST hugs, you told the best stories, and you always asked whatever question was on your mind. May you Rest In Peace and know that your work family misses you and will always love you.

After our friendship from school, Don and I got together after he formed a Pony baseball league for the temple terrace area, he was the leader for years to keep it running. My son played some of his baseball career there and it was some good. The man will be missed.

Don was always a sweet and kind friend!  You will be missed!  Prayers for you family. 

OBITUARY

Donald Kenneth Atwood

October 20, 1949 – December 30, 2019

Blount & Curry Funeral Home-Carrollwood

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