Donald 'Coach T' Tillson

A sister's memories I've loved him all my life. We were always buddies. I had his back and he had mine. Don left for college when I was 17 and I missed him immensely. We saw each other over the years and the closeness was always there. In May, 2013, I received a call from Don. "Coach, he said, the test is over, come get me please." I replied, "Ok Coach, but it might take me a couple of days to get there." He then realized he had called me instead of "Coach." That's when I found out about the cancer. Don swore me to secrecy. I never told anyone, even when I was tempted to confess to my sisters. He came to visit in July and the toll from the disease as well as the treatment was apparent to all. As he was sitting on my bed, I sat next to him and held his hand. Don remarked that he was in a war and asked if I would be on the front line with him. "We're going into battle and at times it's going to be tough", he said. I assured him that although I might stumble, I would be right next to him. I met him at Matt's in November and we had an awesome road trip back to RI, cumulating in a 4 day visit to Gettysburg. Man we both were in our glory. We LOVE Gettysburg! Since his arrival in RI seven months ago, he managed to climb Mt. Guadalupe in NM, attend the NCAA finals in TX, visit his precious son and girls in KS so he could have "one more time" with them. He was an inspiration to his fellow Livestrong patrons at the South County YMCA. He could be seen on his daily "marches" from Olivo's to Black Pt. or Pt. Judith to Galilee. He was a spiritual teacher to my children and he gave them the gift of faith. He lived life every day to the fullest and he never lost faith nor hope. Never gave up and unto the end went on his terms. I am grateful to my family for our closeness, our dedication and love for each other, especially throughout this last year. Although it was the worst of times, it was also the best of times and I am humbled by the experience. And so in closing, I say to you Big Brother, I was there on the front line with you the whole time, to your very last breath, nary a stumble, and taking one for the Gipper.

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