Obit of Chrysler, Donald Rea - Oklahoma County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Gene Phillips 29 Jan 2006 Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html ========================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ========================================================================== Chrysler, Donald Rea Donald Rea Chrysler, 76, of Sequim, Washington passed away at home on Thursday, August 4, 2005. Born August 15, 1928 in Fayetteville, Arkansas, he spent his youth in Oklahoma and was an accomplished polo player at Oklahoma Military Academy. He received his Degree in Pharmacy at the University of Oklahoma-Norman, and went on to complete his Doctorate in Clinical Pharmacology from the University of California-San Francisco. After serving as a Corporal in the USAF during the Korean War years Don settled in Amarillo, Texas, where his innate entrepreneurial talents took root. He was the founder of National Home Health Care, Chrysler Management Corporation, Pro Med Pharmacies, Buy Wise Pharmacy and the Wishbone Family Restaurant. He was a long time member of the LDS church. Civic minded, Don served as an Amarillo City Commissioner and his ardent support of Friends of the Library and the Amarillo Hospice brought him awards of appreciation. He married Janette Laurel Bruza in 1988, retiring soon after to enjoy their summer home on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The following is a composite of sentiments from Don's friends and family: Don was the best and kindest of men. Life is such a gift and Don certainly lived his to the fullest contributing so much during his time on earth. His was a life well-lived: worthy, helpful, kind, and generous, loved by those he loved, admired by all who knew him well. Don was a man of distinction and honour, admired for his wisdom, prudence, sympathy, understanding, good sense, decency, generosity, sharp wit and fine mind - a friend to all, foe to none. He was a man of grand stature and stood above the crowd, overwhelming in his gregarious friendship and generosity. He was one of those people that all you had to do was sit with him for about one minute and you really felt comfortable around him. He never met a stranger and was one of the most interesting people to talk to, leaving a legacy of spirited discussions and great stories - all true! It seems like at one point or another he had done everything. Always sharing his passion and commitment to music (chamber music, symphonic and opera) he provided tremendous support and great possibilities, sharing his home as a garden where musicians could blossom, making a difference in many lives. A magnanimous chef, Don was the cause of great feasts, great entertainment, great fun. 'Soiree Lane' became an art gallery/recital hall - the central gathering point for much of the arts community. The 'Duke of Sooke' leaves warm and vibrant memories to live on. Don was a special blessing to his whole family. Everyone could feel the love that was inside his heart. Being with him made one feel like living in the moment, smelling the roses. A seasoned warrior of life, his accepting attitude, courage and readiness in facing death is reassuring to anyone who might fear their own mortality. His intellect and courage will continue to be an inspiration to many. He had an attitude about him that we all wish we could achieve. A bright star has fallen from the sky. He truly lit up many lives. Such a gentle soul. He touched the lives of all who knew him in so many of God's finest ways, in tune with God's finest whispers. Survivors include his wife Janette Chrysler of Sequim. Two sons: Donald Chrysler, Jr. and wife Priscilla of Amarillo, Texas; Michael Chrysler and wife Vickie of West Linn, Oregon. Two grand-daughters: Michelle Chrysler Haney and husband Dewey of Beaverton, Oregon; Miss Lindsey Chrysler of Eugene, Oregon. One great grand-daughter Audrey Haney of Beaverton, Oregon. Three sisters: Gloria Caneen of West Point, Utah; Duane Anderson and husband Walt of Eugene, Oregon; Joann Rosiere and husband Ron of Port Charlotte, Florida. Sister-inlaw Carol Breitling and husband Jack of Amarillo, Texas. A memorial celebration to his life is pending and will be held at 'Soiree Lane', in Sooke, British Columbia. The family requests memorials be made to: Hospice of Clallam County, P.O. Box 2014, Port Angeles, Washington 98362. Published in The Oklahoman on 8/21/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to Oklahoma County Archives: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ok/oklahoma/oklahoma.html