Condolences on the Death of CDR William S. Donaldson
September 13, 2001
As an eyewitness, I've been very disturbed by and unable to accept
the
official explanations of the demise of flight 800 for the past 5 years.
Bill's work gave me comfort since it more closely correlated with and
explained what I saw in the sky that fateful evening.
The official suppression of the truth only delayed a day of reckoning
until
this week's extraordinarily tragic events in New York And Washington.
Bill
is a great American hero whose work is now memorialized as an urgent
warning
to protect us all, our freedom and the country he loved.
Paul Angelides
September 11, 2001
This attack on NYC, etc could have been avoided if the work by Jim
and all of you had been heeded. It cries out for a public hanging
of Clinton, Kalstrom, and Hall and all those who suppressed the truth.
In sorrow,
B. Lee
pilot
September 11, 2001
As I watch with horror the destruction of the World Trade Center and
the bombing of the Pentagon, I am thinking about the downing of TWA 800.
If this country would of told the American people that this plane was shot
down, maybe we could of prevented these actions today. I will personally
hold Bill Clinton, Janet Reno and the FBI responsible for these terrorist
actions today. We as a nation should bring them to justice and held
accountable for their actions.
John Larson
September 10, 2001
It has been awhile since I visited this site. I was very saddened to
learn of the passing of Bill Donaldson. I also want to extend my deepest
sympathy to his wife Joyce and family and to his brother Bob. I am truly
sorry that I never met this great American. He served his country proudly!!
When I first visited the ARAP site I was very excited that there was
still a group trying to find the truth to the DOWNING of Flight 800. Then
I discovered that Bill had a brain tumor. I was saddened that he would
have to concentrate on his struggle with this disease.
I think there are alot of people in this country who truly believe
that the TWA 800 was brought down with a missile and that this is a MAJOR
coverup by the government.
God Bless Bill. He is in a better place now.
Sincerely
John Larson
LCDR US Navy Retired
Airline Captain
Jose Manuel Garcia - September
7, 2001
I recenlty made a non-comercial web regarding the accident of a CN-235
in
Malaga, Binter Mediterraneo Flight 8261..
I just found out that Cdr Donnaldson died.. And I decided to dedicate
it to his memory.. Because his merciless pursue in search of the truth
in the case of TWA 800 was a light that brought peace and strenght of will
to my live.. In a moment in which I was plenty of doubts about myself..
I wonder now.. Looking back.. If I followed Cdr Donnaldson's updates
with so much devotion as much for my interest in aviation as for my admiration
of his fidelity to the way he choosed to guide his path..
Anyway.. I think he would say we all knew this had to happen.. So what
is it to pretend to be suprised now!
Even thou I never meet him.. I'll miss him..
I hope it does not represents a problem to his family..
Thanks..
Tribute from a Friend - September
4, 2001
My mom (Nancy Koke) told me of Bill's passing. I truly loved him! Bill
was a hero and father-figure to me from the minute I met him over 25 years
ago in Virginia Beach. He was a dedicated dad, fearless flyer, honorable
husband, grateful grandfather, and a forever friend. His memory will be
etched in my heart for eternity. Please extend my heart filled sympathy
to Joyce, Teresa, and family.
Always, Julie & Cody Maupin
Gazing Skyward, with a questioning prayer.
We are deeply saddened, that our friend is not there.
He left so soon. We wonder why.
God took this spirit, who was meant to fly.
He danced the sky with so much joy.
With the excited heart of a little boy.
Not just alive, but abounding with life.
Happiest beside his loving wife.
For a man so alive there can be no end.
Though no longer near, he's still my friend.
Not hindered by wings of metal or wood.
He's flying in ways only angels could.
He'll roll around heaven, loop around a star.
But in our hearts, he'll never be far
For at night when you look into the darkened blue.
You will feel him looking back at you.
Keeping vigil over the sky he once flew.
Watching over me & watching over you.
Try not to mourn. Our friend can still fly.
On angels wings, through a limitless sky.
By Greg Youngs
Sincere Regrets
September 1 2001
-----------
As a flight attendant for TWA, I lost 18 of my very good friends on
this tragic day. Commander Donaldson probably did not know them. He never
had a beer with my good Buddy Ray Lang who was working this flight with
his girlfriend (also a flight attendant.) But yet, he dedicated his time
and energy to finding the truth about the downing of TWA Flight800 and
the government coverup of its investigation. I (and my fellow flight
attendants) am forever grateful for the Commander's determination and courage.
A true hero in my eyes!
He will not be alone in his new surroundings as our "TWA Angels in the
Sky" have already met and thanked him for his hard work. May I present
his family with my deepest condolences and assure them that he will be
remembered by the TWA family as a great Officer and Gentleman.
Jean-Louis Millot
An Officer and a Gentleman - courage
and honesty
September 2 2001, 1:20 PM
I agree completely with AUBRAC about Bill. I only met him once (AIM
on Conn.) but I admired him and his family even then. Particularly his
son's inputs which were never adequately recognized, I felt. And Bob's
selfless efforts.
The wedge attempted to be driven between the two 'missile camps' was
from outsiders and narrowminders. Bill and Sanders knew that. Whatever
the missile cause, terrorist or navy contractor goof, or even other, the
concern is the same. The fed crime is the same and must be addressed as
best we all can safely.
Courage and honesty are extremely rare in fed service. Due to the corrupt
fed culture few feel they can afford these rare qualities. There is no
accountability by the citizens. We all suffer as a result. Bill knew that,
I feel.
There may be a magic spark after all in this and it may be Bill. His
courage and honesty may enflame others of us to have more courage and honesty
to make our government more accountable and less corrupt. Possibly even
someone in government. I don't know of a current elected official on this
issue.
I still hope to drop by for a mess of apples and talk about the past
five years and keep Bill's project alive.
Warmest Regards,
Stan Clark, a retired navy civilian
So long great Warrior
September 2 2001
-----------------------
With the passing of Commander Donaldson, the mystery of TWA800 is over.
He who fought for the truth the hardest now knows what the rest of us must
wait to learn.
Until then, we must continue, in his honor, the fight for the truth
so that all of us will be able to rest easier knowing that the cause of
the 800 disaster was not a scenario of unexplainable events that led to
the explosion of a center fuel tank. Rather, a finger that pulled a trigger,
that fired a missle, that caused the tank to explode.
Commander Donaldson, you represented your family and America well, more
than once and with the highest amount of respect. I never knew you, but
I know that there are people like you and you like them. There are many
and there are few. You were both. We shall never forget and we will never
give up. In your memory we shall prevail in our fight and you will be our
beacon of hope. Rest in peace.
John Rozatti,
SSgt, USAF 1976-1981
With regrets......
August 23 2001
My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Commander
William Donaldson, USN/Ret.
"And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by". Rest
in Peace
Michael Delaney
August 24 2001, 4:54 AM
A great man who will be very sadly missed by one who never even met
him.
Goodbye Commander ... and thank you.
May the family of Commander William Donaldson USN(Ret.)
take comfort in knowing:
He has slipped the surly bonds of earth,
Flying truly unlimited, to finally
Touch the face of God...
Rest in Peace, Bill...
MICHAEL POTTER
TO A GREAT AIRMAN GONE WEST
August 24 2001, 3:33 AM
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep. I am
a thousand winds that blow. I am
the diamond glints on snow. I am the
sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s
hush, I am the swift uplifting
rush of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there. I did not die.
--Anonymous Quotation
Invisible People
August 24 2001
To the friends and family of CDR Donaldson:
CDR Donaldson has made an impact on the aviation world through his undaunted
persuit of the truth regarding the fate of TWA800. I have sat largely silently
by, probably much like many other people who are largely invisible, absorbing
the information presented on this website. As a professional pilot and
aircraft mechanic myself, I have NEVER believed the government's account
of the TWA800 disaster. I am committed to furthering this investigation
as I am able, based on the great inspiration of CDR Donaldson.
May you have peace, and the knowledge that CDR Donaldson will be missed
even by those of us that never met him, but have been positively impacted
by his work, nonetheless.
GR
To the family of CDR William S. Donaldson, III,
Please accept my sympathy and deepest condolences upon the passing of
CDR Donaldson.
He will be missed by all who seek the truth.
Sincerely,
Richard S. Rynar
Dear Bob,
Please accept my truly heartfelt condolences. I've had Bill in my prayers
since I first wrote you and we found out about his condition. My only consolation
is that God figured Bill had toiled enough here on earth and thought he
deserved early rewards. Bill was a truly great man.
Bob, thank you so much for the work you've put into this. I commend
you on your decision to keep this fight alive and I think it be the highest
tribute we could pay to Bill to eventually win this battle especially in
the light of the battle we have already lost. If there is anything, and
I stress that, ANYTHING, I can do to personally help, in any way I can,
please, please do not hesitate to ask. I would consider it an honor to
help, and to contribute in any way that you could use me. Your brother
will be sorely missed, and I pray that your heart be eased and healed.
You are far from alone, thousands of us sympathize and we all feel the
loss.
God Bless you and yours. Please extend our aloha to all of yours and
Bill's family.
Sincerely,
Ronald W. Stanford Sr.
What heart breaking news. I am terribly, terribly
sorry.
Thank you for letting me know.
I am so sorry Bob.
My condolences to the brave brother of a very courageous
man. Hope you
continue to keep his work and the board alive and that it brings you
consolation to do it.. Sincerely, J1L8C27@aol.com
Bob...
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your brother. I want
you and other members of his family to know that he meant much to
many of us who never actually met him face to face.
Bill served his country well. Thanks to him -- and to you for the support
you provided.
Bless his memory.
Peter Viemeister
Dear Bob,
You and all of Bill's family have our heartfelt condolences on the occasion
of his passing.
Bill and I had our differences but it never kept us from working together
and he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I truly loved him for
his persistence.
I would have contacted you earlier except on the l8th I had another
heart attack and spent the next eight days in the hospital. One of
my by-passes had plugged up and the "Cardiac Magicians" had to drill it
out and install two stents. The procedure went well and I have not
felt this "up" for several years.
Once again, kindly express our condolences and thank the Lord Bill did
not suffer any longer.
Best regards,
Howard Mann
Dear MR BOb,
I dont know really what to say,or what to write, I know that words don't
change anything. This is Life. I dont know if MR William told
you anything about me or not, but I lost my dad on EgyptAir flight 990,
and Mr William it happened and he was trying to help me really to
get to the truth of this crash, What can I say!!!!!!!He was really a very
kind person alhough I did not meet him but I felt as if I know him long
time ago or somehow relative to me. He was so close to my heart,
I felt that he tells me,he feels how I was suffering and he was trying
to help me in any way. He is a brave man Really, I did not find somebody
so sensitive like him,God Bless him Really,and let him settle in peace
after fighting all those years on Earth...
MY Heart Goes to you and your family,and I was going to the states next
december and I was planning to go and meet him but This is Life,We dont
know Whose Turn it is ........We have an Egyption exaple it says they are
the first but not the last,and we will also follow them sooner or later.
So GOD Bless him and bless every brave man who was faithful to his country..
Regards,
MaiRaouf
Dear Donaldson Family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences
regarding
the passing of Commander Donaldson.
Bob and Family:
I'm truly sorry to the receive your sad news. We all know that Bill
and I didn't see eye to eye on all subjects but just know I will have fondist
memories of our "chats" in Lot 7...or was that Lot 2.
I guess the irony of our situations is that we both have experienced
the passing of loved ones and it is real tough to handle. I just feel fortunate
that I will be able to replace my loss with another life. By the
way "Winston" is the name of my new dog who will re-arrive in about 10
days. I say re-arrive because I went to pick him up on Thursday and one
of his litter mates had poked him in the eye and he needed surgery to fix
it... deau j vu all over again. I'm really looking forward to Winston and
hope he will help fill the void left by Bucy's loss. I hope you will be
able to find something to help fill the void Bill's passing will have in
your heart and soul.
Cavy
DEAR BOB AND FAMILY, MY WIFE JOAN AND I WISH TO SEND YOU
OUR DEEPEST REGRETS FOR THE LOSS OF BILL. I HAVE FELT HONORED TO HAVE MET
HIM LAST YEAR AT THE PRESS CLUB, HE HAS DEMONSTRATED HOW TO BE A HERO AMONGST
MEN AT PEACE AND WAR. HE HAS BEEN IN OUR PRAYERS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE
ALONG WITH YOU FOLKS.
THANK YOU FOR ALL THE WORK IN KEEPING HIS FAN CLUB INFORMED.
GOD BLESS, MIKE WIRE
Bob:
I am greatly saddened by the news of Bill's death and send to you and
Bill's family my prayers and thanks for his courageous life.
Although I never had the honor of meeting Bill in person, I continue
now in his death to know him as a friend and colleague.
Sincerely,
Michael
Very, very sad... 56 is young. His resume is very
distinguished. A huge loss to his family... FIRO, ARAP, and the American
public as well.
Sincerely, Mark L. Berry
Bob, We are saddened to hear of Commander Donaldson's
passing.
We are rededicated to his unwavering pursuit of the truth in this matter.
His courageous devotion is an inspiration to many including myself.
Phil
What a fine human being and what a tragic loss.
He will be deeply missed, even by those of us he didn't know personally,
but who admired him deeply for his extraordinary, integrity, intelligence
and courage.
My condolences to the family,
Debbie Keil Holtsclaw
Dear Bob:
Please accept my condolences on the sad news of Bill's
passing. Bill and I worked together on several TWA Flight 800 news stories
here at News 12 Long Island.
I always found Bill to be a courageous "teddy bear" who
loved his family, loved the US Navy and his country. His actions in the
past few years proved he was a true patriot.
Sadly we may never know what happened to TWA Flight 800,
but thanks to Bill's efforts, it wasn't swept completely under the rug.
Please express our sympathies here at News 12 to Bill's
wife and entire family. He will not be forgotten.
Drew Scott
Bob, My deepest condolences to you and your entire family.
I have been praying for Bill that if God was going to take him he would
have a peaceful passing. I hope that was the case.
Regards,
Marilyn
Thank you Bob.
My mother (Nancy Koke) told me of Bill's passing yesterday. Bill was
a great man and he will be missed. Please let "Mrs. Donaldson" (as
I know her) and Teresa that we are thinking of them. They are like family
to us.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey S. Koke
This is a wonderful tribute to Bill, Bob. I am surely
thinking of all of you. I can see Bill so clearly, standing next
to the car, chatting about so many interesting things. I will keep
that with me always
Ginny
To the family of CDR William S. Donaldson, III,
Please accept my sympathy and deepest condolences upon the passing of
CDR Donaldson.
He will be missed by all who seek the truth.
Sincerely,
Richard S. Rynar
Bob, I am truely sorry for your loss. I didn't know
him personnally, however, I have kept in touch with his crusade on TWA
800 and continue to believe and voice my opinion that it was shot down
based on all the evidence that CDR Donaldson has discovered, organized,
and published to the American people. Even though I know the followers
and the remaining members of ARAP will
continue to carry on his work, he will be greatly missed by all.
My prayers and thoughts will continue for you and your family. God
Bless! Brent Joray
I was most fortunate to hear Cmdr Donaldson on the Art
Bell Show. This is just ONE of many cover-ups our government has conducted.
PLEASE' DON'T LET TWA-800 JUST 'DIE ON THE VINE'.
We were sad to hear Bill lost the fight,and at such an
early age,was there anything unusual? Thanks for the message. Someday we
may understand the why of Cancer. Our best to the flt800 team,we will be
monitoring progress. Who will lead the show now?
I am so sorry. I know we all have our appointed time,
but I considered Bill a courageous man that we needed for many more years.
Is there an address so I can send a card to his wife? Is she the one to
whom I should send condolences? I know you'll be inundated, but I would
like to know. Thanks for putting me on the list. David Hendrix
I am so, so sorry - My God - what you all must be suffering.
He was a true hero and always will be. God Bless you and the family,
Kay Pennington
Bob - A great loss for Bill's immediate family and for
his extended family. I, for one, take renewed dedication to the cause
for which he sacrificed so much. Ray Lahr
I want to offer my deepest sympathy and prayers to you
and the family. A
truly tragic loss. Joe Flynn
Sorry to learn of this. He was a good seeker of
truth and I admired him greatly. semper fi
It happens all too often to people who try to effect change
and it happens all to many times to people that can achieve these changes.
I feel he would be proud to realize how many of us out here he has touched
with his efforts to reveal the truth.He would be proud to know he has led
others with the same intent but don't yet know how to achieve results...I
hope this gives the rest
of us that feel the way he did the power to pick up the ball and continue
to run with it.
My deepest sympathy for passing of Commander Bill Donaldson.
He carried the flag his whole life but he now has peace. Don't worry
for him, when he got to heaven the angels saw those golden wings and said
"open the gates for a Naval Aviator, and don't worry about the flying lessons
he's an expert." Bill Taylor
Please accept my condolences on the loss of Cmdr. Donaldson.
I have been following his work and research on TWA 800 for several years,
and believe he has made an enormous contribution to the real events surrounding
the tragedy. I never had the honor of meeting the Commander, but
I held very high respect for him, and I'm absolutely sure he was a gentlemen
of the highest integrity. He will surely be missed by us all.
Hutch
Your brother's name came up several times at the recent
Vegas reunion as people thumbed through yearbooks. I know his buddies from
Nouasseur will be deeply saddened. I'll try to get all of the impressive
obituary in the September Nouasseur newsletter.
With sympathy,
Sharon Ray Renno '58
Nouasseur Alumni Association
Dear Bob, thanks for the note, please give my condolences
to the relatives. We did have a bond as those that fly off of Navy Attack
carriers into aerial combat. He was passionate about his interests.
The upcoming Air India Flight 182 trial about another 747 that died
in a similar mysterious fashion to Trans World Airlines Flight 800
should be interesting. It starts in February 2002 in Vancouver, Canada.
Sincerely, John Barry Smith
I'm so sorry about Bill. This is a tough time for
all of you and you are in my thoughts and prayers along with Joyce.
I can not make it to the funeral but am going to try to make it to the
funeral home on Sunday. Can you give me directions?
Thanks and my deepest condolences. Love, Sally
I'm truly sorry to hear of Bill's Passing. As a
fellow Vietnam Veteran I extend my deepest
condolences for your family's loss. Bill was a patriotic American
and a fighter for what he
believed in. He did more to shake up the status quo of the TWA
800 investigation than anyone. I am sorry that he wasn't able to
pursue it until the truth came to light. Bill Serrahn
The Aviation and Safety community as well as the nation
has lost an honest and determined seeker of THE TRUTH! We mourn your
loss, and send you our best wishes at this difficult time for you and the
family. I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.
Thanks to his family for letting him help us so much on TWA 800!
Stuart Rohre
I was extremely saddened to hear about the death of your
brother. He was far too young to leave us. I am a great
admirer of his work and his courage on the TWA800 fiasco. I hope that other
will continue his work and you can be assured that I will contribute if
I can. Please let me know who will be the leader in this effort.
With condolences to you and your family members. Carl A.
Davies
Dear Bob,
Your brother was a fine man, solid as they come. I came
to know him, not well, but as a result of his first TWA800 letter to the
Wall St Journal. You didn't have to accept his scenario in total to respect
him as the only guy who stood out in that whole swirl with a theory that
actually made sense, rationally framed and free of paranoid nonsense.
The world is poorer for losing him. My condolences to your family.
Richard Pyle
Many thanks. And our deepest condolences... Joseph Farah
WorldNetDaily
That is a blow, on a personal level. I'm so sorry,
and yet so proud of this guy, he gave me a lot of guts by his example,
I sincerely hope that there is a place for people like Bill, a better place.
Bill Donaldson, I always respected and loved your spirit, your guts,
your tenacity, it can't have been easy for you. I won't forget you
ever, nor the lessons I learned from you - be safe, be well, be happy.
For those who loved him, as I grew to, he will not fade, he has touched
so many with his work, his heart, his sincerity. He touched me, and
I will not forget him. Trevor Johnston
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry
to hear about Bill. His courage and work will live on! God Bless,
Dave Forman
Just returned from Hook and 3 days of follow-on business
in STL. Really sorry to hear of Willie's passing. I know he
is up in the Big Ready Room, with a big shit-eating grin on his face and
looking at the flight schedule for our arrival. He truly was "one
in a million" and his friendship and love of life will be missed by all.
Please convey my deepest sympathy to Joyce and the family.
Thinking of you all, Lou Lalli
To Cmdr. Donaldson and others,
I have expressed my support before for what
you and other like minded patriots have been doing. It has been particularly
frustrating for me, because I have been a mainstream media
member, for more than 34 years.
Something horrible happened that night but
we must honor the lives of those who were killed by relentlessly pursuing
the truth. I have expressed my dismay/outrage to both of my U.S.
Senators and to my Congressional Rep., Jim Davis, but received nothing
but cursory
responses.
I am heartened by the involvement of Reed
Irvine to force this issue out of the darkness and into the light where
truth is always found.
Please continue. I will also continue
to add my voice to this scandal.
Sincerely,
Chris Thomas
WFLA TV Sports Director
Dear Bob and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
I can't believe Bill is gone. He has a wonderful family that was with him
to the end. You are, indeed, a very special brother and you have a wonderful
family. Bill and Joyce are very lucky and fortunate. I am sorry but we
won't be able to come back for the funeral. It was bad timing on my part.
Just know that we will be there in spirit and will always remember Bill
as the very special person he was in our life and family events.
Let me know if there is anything that I can do for Joyce or family. I wish
I could be there for her now but I know she has a wonderful family and
lots of friends to comfort her now. Give Mike my love and sympathies. Just
know this. Bill told me that he loved his brother soooo
very much and was so grateful for the time you all had together!! Keep
in touch and get some much needed rest. With love, Nancy & Herb
Koke
Sad, sad news but the boy is at peace at last, not that it does much
for Joyce or the family. Anyway, please pass our best to all of them
and remind them of the huge presence he was when he was alive. He (and
Joyce) welcomed us into their life when we came to Naples - it was wholehearted
, without frills, and in proper Southern style. The world is a poorer planet
without
him. Richard and Tricia
The aviation world and the search for truth are both diminished
by his
passing, but his contributions will long survive. I only met him once,
but
followed his research closely and admired him enormously. My sincerest
condolences to you and yours. Trevor Armbrister
