On Saturday morning March 12, we celebrate the life of a great man and American patriot, Don Dix, who lost a long battle with extreme ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune disease, on February 22, 2022. I was informed at noon and was devastated to the point of being incapacitated for the rest of that day.

I’ve known and worked with Don on a lot of projects since 2011 when he came out to defend me in my city of Villa Park. He was new to activism then, but soon took off like a rocket. His passion and infectious spirit drove him toward great success and caused others to follow this humble, but natural-born leader.

In fact, Don was the speaker at the first General Membership meeting of the Conservative Patriots of Orange County on January 20, 2022, just one month earlier. Don served as the highly successful chairman of the Republican Party of Riverside County. Gina Gleason picked him up and drove him to Orange County. The three of us did a tag team discussion on how the grassroots, faith-based community and official party apparatus might work more successfully together.

He had told me he was on the mend, was eating some solid food and had gained back some weight. Even though he had told me, he lost 70 pounds during the illness, I was shocked and taken aback by how frail he looked.

However, the illness did not dampen his effervescent spirit nor did it dull his sharp mind. He was wonderful and the attendees were very edified by all that he shared. He was transparent, inspiring, humble, resolute, quick-witted and precisely delivered …as always.

This is a terrible loss in a year where there have been many terrible losses. It was a huge blessing to have that precious time with him.

On the left, is a picture of the Don Dix I know, love and will always remember. On the right, is a precious picture of a man giving his last best for the sake of the country and fellow citizens he loved. He remained a joyful warrior to the very end.

Well done, good and faithful servant.