Help create a lasting tribute & celebration of life for Don!
Donation protected
Help Us Honor Our Dad in the perfect way!
Daddy always said he did not want people fussing over him, he even hid being in the hospital until the very end. Once we found out, we rushed to his side, as he lay there in a coma, we all confessed our darkest secrets of drinking all his tea, sneaking out windows, stealing his cigarettes and more. The doctors of course said he would not make it through the night let alone wake up and be himself. Daddy must have told God, “No, I need to tell my girls I heard that and that I love them first.” Because surprise he woke up even through some of the strongest meds this planet has. It was a big shock to us all, especially since we had all snitched on ourselves!
His first words? “I’m hungry!” and then complaining about not getting his ice cream “How are they gonna bring me a cookie and no ice cream?” glaring at his male nurse who kept calling him “bud.” (I was sincerely worried for that nurse.) I would leave Daddy still wanting more ice cream, I had to promise I would bring some with me when I returned, but before I could get back our dad would suffer a heart attack and pass away. We lost our daddy on Friday the 13th December 2024—seems fitting.
He raised I cannot count how many of us, The Mayford girls are some strong women and so much of it has to do with the amazing man we all call Dad! We plan to take Dad and Mom of course and help them live forever as part of the coral reef. very fitting with his naval background! we would like any donations for his celebration of life party (he said no tears and it has to be a party!) and our trip to take Mom and Dad down to the ocean together to become the reef.
Raven, Emily, Kendra, Briana, Amya, Autumn, Baby Frank, and Baby Free will take their ashes which will be formed with concrete and a coral ball( hopefully in the shape of a D) (Donald & Dawn)) and place them into the ocean. We will send their exact coordinates to everyone so they can visit anytime. Thank you so much!
We are asking for donations to help us:
Pay for the cremation and associated costs,
Host a Celebration of Life Party (as Dad insisted—no tears, just a party!)
Take their (Dawn & Don's)ashes to the ocean to become part of the Coral Reef.
With love,
Raven, Emily, Kendra, Briana(Danica), Amya(Josie), Autumn, Baby Frank, and Baby Free
Organizer
Raven Mayford
Organizer
Granite City, IL