My name is Steven Bronstein, married to Sandy, Don's
Son-In-Law.
Not long after meeting
Sandy, I was invited to dinner with Don and Ann at the Johnson house. We were
eating Shrimp Wiggle and talking around the table. I made some comment about
the way of the world and Don looked at me (count to 5) and did not say a word
and went back to eating. I was thinking, “What was that?” What was he saying by
his silence? Was he annoyed or disinterested? I did not know and I was totally
unnerved. A few minutes later he looked up from his dinner and asked me a
question about what I had said. By his question it became very clear that he
had been thinking about what I had said and had something very insightful to
ask and we continued talking about that issue. It took me a while to realize
that he had not been dismissing my comment, he had been thinking about it and
when he had something to say, he did. It was the first time I came to really
understand what a “considered opinion” meant. Don was comfortable with quiet
and did not feel the need to fill the space with words. He always listened
carefully and spoke with clear and careful thought. Over the next 20 plus years
Don and I spoke about a great many things and I benefited from Don's wisdom and
good consul. I am grateful for all of his support and encouragement.
He was also a troublemaker. After his long silence he
might ask a question that poked at the heart of a troubling issue and know that
he was about to start something. He would have this little smile, thinking to
himself, “this is going to be fun” and looking forward to what might come.
He was challenging, playful,
brave, adventurous, and honest.
Don was a rare and beautiful
person. I miss him very much.
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