Eulogy for my friend,

Don Lenox

Not many times in your life do you feel the need to write down the things you remember about a close friend. The need seems to be the greatest right now for me to remember Don for what he gave us in life.

Don was always full of energy – volunteering for just about everything. He was always willing to go that extra mile for everyone – especially the kids. His love for the little ones was amplified by his love for the Soap Box Derby. More than 35 of his years were devoted to making boys and girls happy through derby racing.

It was at a derby race in Mercer County that I first met Don in 1983. And every subsequent year at Akron, we would talk and help each other out. I remember his last shot at the big prize with Darren in 1986. And of course, the big event that Don hosted every year was held rain or shine with ever increasing crowds. They would come in great numbers just to laugh like they never laughed before.

We know that the Polar Bears and the flea markets and the All- American Soap Box Derby and countless other events will miss him dearly. We also know that his wife Nancy and sons Donny and Darren cannot replace him. But he had such a great crowd of admirers, one cannot even imagine the number of people who will miss him greatly. His presence always made us feel good about life. And with his passing, I am sure that he would want us to feel the same way.

It is so ironic, for someone who has brought us so much joy and laughter, to now bring us so much sadness and sorrow. For all of the laughter and smiles that he brought to everyone he met, we will never forget him. He will always belong in our memories of happy days.