The obituary notice of Donald DYKES

I truly saddened to hear of Donalds passing a truly remarkable gentleman. Although I had the privilege of caring for him for only a short time, the impact he had on my life was profound and lasting. His kindness, wisdom, strength, and gentle nature touched me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have known him.

In such a brief period, he taught me lessons about dignity, resilience, and the importance of treating others with compassion. His stories, his smile, and his presence will remain with me. He was the kind of person who left a mark on people’s hearts without even trying.

Even though you were a Leeds fan and I may not have always agreed with your football loyalties, I truly enjoyed our chats about football. Those conversations, filled with laughter, friendly banter, and your passion for the game, are memories I will cherish. I also loved listening to your stories about your amazing life and your family. The pride and love you spoke of them with was clear to see, and it was a privilege to hear about the people and experiences that meant so much to you.

It was an honour to care for you and to share even a small part of your journey. Though our time together was short, the memories, lessons, and influence you leave behind will stay with me forever. Rest peacefully, knowing that you were deeply respected, greatly admired, and will be fondly remembered.

Thank you for the privilege of knowing you. You will never be forgotten. ❤️
Jayney Lax
🕊️ x

To Don, my lovely friend
who taught me so much about life - about gratitude, staying positive no matter what, acceptance and love of life.
Thank you for our friendship, my lovely friend.
Always in my heart,
love Liz xxx

I’d like to leave a message regarding Don – my good friend.

It is very rare in life you meet someone who shares your birthday. When Don casually mentioned he was born in June, one day during the coffee morning at St.Hilda’s Church, I said: “ What day in June ?” “ The 9th,” he replied, with a cheeky grin.

We were both astonished.
I’d already realised, during frequent chats with Don, he was a remarkable person with views and opinions akin to my own. Don looked delighted at the news; we got on like a house on fire, and I always looked forward eagerly to his visits on Tuesday, with daughter Nicola.
All of the character traits we heard at the funeral from Don’s loving grandsons, and daughter Jill, he certainly had – in abundance. But the thing was, you didn’t have to be family to see these qualities - you could be a “ stranger” he had met in line at the church coffee shop.
Don struck me as the ultimate “ people person.”

With his captivating engaging way, chatty, friendly approach and always-sharp sense of humour, he got on with everyone. Always, Don tried to encourage me, and give support. He knew I had been through some trials and tribulations which have thrown a major curveball in my life.

He took joy in the fact I am, though a Teessider, also a US citizen.
We used to banter endlessly about the President, the political issues of the day, his beloved Leeds United, Don Revie’s legendary team; his games of chess or bridge – Don always won -- the trips out with family, to Whitby, or to see his pal in Northallerton.
In the last few months he visited Elland Road, and was given a tour. I was thrilled his family had made that possible.
Don was Leeds-shining-white. Through and through.
On his last birthday I sent him a card with messages from “all his American buddies” – Robert de Niro, Barrack Obama, Joe Biden, Clint Eastwood.
Don, according to Nicola, loved that card.

Rest in peace Mr. Donald Dykes, the legend.

Now reunited with Margaret.