Donald "Big Don" Roy Hakala

Don Hakala died in his home Friday night, January 23rd, at the age of 78.

He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, family-man, and friend. Don was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (The “U-P”) where he learned to play Euchre, hunt white tails at Stush's, and generally developed a character that can only be conveyed with an understanding of ‘Sisu’.

His natural leadership drew people to him from all walks of life and from a very young age. While clearly conveying his views without hesitation or sugar coating, he would share his home, his wisdom, his boundless encouragement, and the shirt off his back to help anyone willing to also help themselves.

Don had an engineer’s mind and a poet’s heart. He gently and not-so-gently guided those most important to him to believe in themselves with an infectious confidence. He built friendships that endured his entire life, nurtured champion athletes and engineers, national champion equestrians and directors in higher education, Navy SEALs and counselors.

He served his country with honor and, most importantly, he raised a family that gives and receives so much love that it almost makes his death bearable. Almost.

And he could never have accomplished so much without his wife Patsy, who he loved more than we can ever know.

Don will be missed fiercely and loved always!

To share a memory of Don, visit www.keithandkeith.com.