I’d like to leave a message regarding Don – my good friend.
It is very rare in life you meet someone who shares your birthday. When Don casually mentioned he was born in June, one day during the coffee morning at St.Hilda’s Church, I said: “ What day in June ?” “ The 9th,” he replied, with a cheeky grin.
We were both astonished.
I’d already realised, during frequent chats with Don, he was a remarkable person with views and opinions akin to my own. Don looked delighted at the news; we got on like a house on fire, and I always looked forward eagerly to his visits on Tuesday, with daughter Nicola.
All of the character traits we heard at the funeral from Don’s loving grandsons, and daughter Jill, he certainly had – in abundance. But the thing was, you didn’t have to be family to see these qualities - you could be a “ stranger” he had met in line at the church coffee shop.
Don struck me as the ultimate “ people person.”
With his captivating engaging way, chatty, friendly approach and always-sharp sense of humour, he got on with everyone. Always, Don tried to encourage me, and give support. He knew I had been through some trials and tribulations which have thrown a major curveball in my life.
He took joy in the fact I am, though a Teessider, also a US citizen.
We used to banter endlessly about the President, the political issues of the day, his beloved Leeds United, Don Revie’s legendary team; his games of chess or bridge – Don always won -- the trips out with family, to Whitby, or to see his pal in Northallerton.
In the last few months he visited Elland Road, and was given a tour. I was thrilled his family had made that possible.
Don was Leeds-shining-white. Through and through.
On his last birthday I sent him a card with messages from “all his American buddies” – Robert de Niro, Barrack Obama, Joe Biden, Clint Eastwood.
Don, according to Nicola, loved that card.
Rest in peace Mr. Donald Dykes, the legend.
Now reunited with Margaret.
Peter Kent
09/04/2026
