There are several things that draw me to auto racing. Yes, fast and beautiful cars is indeed one of them, but more importantly it is the people. I have met so many interesting people over the years and each of them brings a unique thread to the fiber of my life. One of those people was Don Souter.
When I first met Don, I have to be honest - I did not know what to think of him. He simply walked right up to me with a big smile on his face and said, "Hi! I'm Don. You are?" I remember stepping back a bit and shyly saying my name while thinking to myself, "who is this guy?" But that was just how Don was. He was always the first to make an introduction and ask you how your day was going.
The last time I saw Don was Rose Cups weekend this last June at Portland International Raceway. I worked the turns on Friday, but Saturday was my graduation day from Marylhurst University so I could only join my fellow workers in the morning. I told everyone on Friday night that I would show up to the morning fire school and meeting even if I was walking in my commencement that day.
As I pulled up to the morning meeting, Don was one of the first to say "Hi Kim! Is that your cap and gown? You should put it on!" And I did.... walking right up to the morning meeting with all my cap/gown glory. Everyone was all smiles and I got some flowers and a big balloon. I then heard, "Kim - look over here" and I could see Don focusing his camera. Not sure where that picture went, but he generous enough to take another one of me using the camera I brought that day. Again, that was Don - always smiling and generous to help. That evening when I returned to the track, Don took me to the side and showed me pictures of his private plane. You could tell it was his pride and joy.
When I heard of Don's passing early yesterday, it simply did not sink in. I was told it was a plane crash happened at 5pm Sunday August 2, but I kept saying to myself, "Don was so meticulous - this can't be real." By the end of the day yesterday, it was indeed real and I sat there shocked. As I cried last night thinking about his death, I then turned my sorrow to thoughts about how brave he must have been as the plane went down. I am 100% sure he fought that plane as it disintegrated in the air and spiraled downward toward the ground. I believe he fought the plane to ensure it would crash between the 2 houses in Courtenay, B.C. rather than hitting one of them and possibly killing people in the homes.
So while I am sad, I am remembering Don Souter as a hero. And the picture attached captures exactly who he was - a generous and sweet soul. Pictured l. to r.- Mark, Francois and Don (picture taken by Sandy Meggyesi).
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