Donald H. York (known to his family and friends as "Big D") passed away at age 70.  Donald lived in East Bethel, MN.  He was born in Minneapolis on January 23, 1939, and passed away peacefully at home with family on July 4, 2009. 

His family reports the Donald was an honest, hardworking man who purchased University 76 in Fridley, MN (a service station) in 1970 and worked at that service business the rest of his life, retiring in 2006.  His family relates that, "The beauty of a life well lived never dies.  Thanks for the memories, Dad, you will be truly missed."

He was a father, a grandfather, a brother, and truly a great friend.  His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him.  He was preceded in death by parents Howard York and Ruth (Ingalis, York) Campell, a sister Jeanne Piehal and his beloved dog, Pup.  He is survived by his two sons, Noel York of Crystal, MN and Chuck York of East Bethel, MN and one daughter, Erika (Paul) Coombe of Virginia, MN, and their mother Nancy Wright; also a foster child, Joel (Stacy) Jacoby of Pipestone, MN and five grandchildren: Brittany York, Haley York, Taylor York, Sydnie York and Jacob Coombe.  Don was also survived by longtime companion Kathy Folta, a sister Bonnie (Bob) Quinn of Hopkins and many devoted nieces and nephews, along with their families, and many other friends and numerous customers of his service station business. 

In St. Louis Park High School, Donald York was a friend to many; but he did not choose to participate in any after-school activities.  He spent his spare time engaged in non-school activites -- likely honing the skills that would ultimately lead to his success in the automobile repair and service business.  It was said of Donald in our Echowan Yearbook, that, "Studies do not tempt me."  Yet Donald York obvious became a success story in his own life, and with his own family, that his high school days could never have predicted.