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<p><em>Kenneth Lee Donaldson</em> peacefully passed away on June 4, 2023, living to age 89. He is survived by his two sons, Kenneth Scott Donaldson and Kevin David Donaldson, and his grandchildren, Brandon Donaldson and Justin Donaldson.</p>
<p>We invite you to walk with us through his life’s journey and get to know him a little. </p>
<p>Our Dad was born on December 20, 1933 in Steritz, IL. His life could not be described as easy. He grew up poor but was determined to help make ends meet through odd jobs as soon as his age would allow. While attending Tuley High School in Chicago, IL, he somehow managed to find time to study, take on a newspaper route, wash dishes at a local restaurant, and open a hot dog stand. As was our Dad’s nature, he unselfishly took his earnings and bought his father a new car. Even at his youthful age, Dad was guided by his dedication to his family, putting the needs of others before his own. Such a man was our Dad!</p>
<p>Although he stayed quite busy, he did make time for fun activities as well. He joined the Tuley High School rifle team, which went undefeated and won the district championship during his senior year. Dad was also colonel on the cadet corps staff, an ROTC cadet commander and president of his senior class, Class of 1951. All these roles set the foundation for the next chapter in his life—acceptance into the United States Military Academy.</p>
<p>His years at West Point had him engaged in his studies, with which he did quite well. Playing soccer and being a member of both the German Language Club and the Weightlifting Club helped balance his rigorous schedule. Dad graduated in 1955, again starting another chapter in his life.</p>
<p>During his time in the military, our Father took an interest in studying the art of tai chi and tae kwon do. After only a few years, he achieved the rank of 1st degree black belt and developed a passion for furthering his understanding of these mental and physical challenges. Dad began to learn Oyata Shin Shu Ho, a type of martial arts training specifically taught for life protection. He practiced as often as he could and soon became quite adept with its teachings as well, learning to strive to attain true moral goodness by expressing it through every action. After earning his 7th dan black belt in Oyata Shin Shu Ho, Dad received the coveted Shin Sho Ho Scroll personally from Grand Master Taika Seiyu Oyata. The lessons Dad learned, he carried with him always.</p>
<p>He did not discuss much of his time while in the military. He left those memories where they were and lived for what was ahead and what was needed at the moment. </p>
<p>Much of our Father’s ex-military life was spent as a sales engineer and taking care of us, his family. He did his best to shield us from the poor upbringing he endured, making sure we stayed in school; making sure we attended college. Although we had a plain life, it was rich, filled with the essentials and necessities of everyday living.</p>
<p>He was not always an easy man. He was not one to think much of small talk but would rather celebrate people who worked hard and made something of themselves, believing that through perseverance and self-motivation much could be attained.</p>
<p>Our Father was incredibly intelligent and well spoken; however, he preferred to let others speak. He was compassionate and kind, funny yet stoic, bubbly yet reserved, and quietly bonded our family together through difficult storms and joyful moments. He was an enduring figure in our lives, the foundation that stayed true no matter what was thrown at him. </p>
<p>In his quiet manner, he showed us how to navigate through life and how to be resilient and generous, teaching us the meaning of what it takes to be a man by living as an example. We hope to instill and pass on his lessons to our children.</p>
<p>We did not realize how lucky we were to have a father like him. Without his example, encouragement, advice, and love, we would not be the people we are today. Our success in life is attributed to his teachings. We are eternally grateful for the standards he set, not only for his life but ours as well.</p>
<p>We thank you for reading and letting us share our Dad’s life story.</p>
<p><em>— Kevin Donaldson, Son</em></p>
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