In Memoriam
Donnie Richard Dingler
December 17, 1948 - July 29, 2016

Donnie was born in Pensacola, Florida, the third child of seven, with two older sisters (Nancy and Shirley) and three younger sisters (Carol Jean, Dewanna and Melinda). He and his brother Jerry were right in the middle.

His baby sister, Melinda, was born on his birthday, and his parents told him that she was his birthday present and he got to name her. This was so special to him. 

His father was a Pentecostal minister and he developed  strong personal values and work ethics.  His childhood was spent growing up between Florida and California.  Donnie was a track star, winning awards and breaking records at Arcata High School (Class of 67).  He had a love of cars, especially hot rods and classics.  Besides his five sisters, the love and joy of Donnie’s life was his step-son, Nikolas Hobart Brown, the grandson of local renowned artist Hobart Brown. 

Donnie cared deeply for his friends and talking about their adventures would bring tears to his eyes.  Donnie was always thinking of others; everyone knew they could call on him for help and they did.  Countless nights he would be awakened by a friend in distress, needing a ride home or to the hospital, or a meal; and he would be there for them; NEVER complaining. 

He loved people.  The world will miss Donnie. 

A memorial will be held in remembrance of his life at 1 p.m. Saturday, August 6, at 1520 McCullens Avenue.

###

The obituary above was submitted by Donnie Dingler’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.