In Memory of Raymond (Don) Warner

CWP recently lost a long time member: Raymond (Don) Warner. Our sympathy and thoughts go out to the family of Mr. Warner.  Below is a tribute written about Mr. Warner by his daughter Linda.  Thank you Linda for sharing your father’s story.

I LOOK TO THE HEAVENS FOR A SIGN

By Linda Warner

Raymond (Don) Warner (husband, dad and papa) worked as a chemist for Anaconda Uranium Mill for 33 years. I once ask him he had to do it all over again know that he would become sick. He said he wouldn’t change anything. He and mom raised 7 children and made a wonderful life for all of them.

Dad became a client of Professional Case Management in 2003. Ron Elmlinger and Mike Niesbet came to Grants to do a Town Hall Meeting. They happen to come by the DME office I was working at. I was excited to meet them and I was going to be at the town hall meeting for my father because he and other people I knew need help. My dad and mom got into a car accident and I didn’t make it. Ron and Mike came to see my dad in the hospital. Dad started nursing care soon after he got out.

Dad was known as a miracle; he had been in the hospital but always pulled out. The last year had been a battle for him. He had some wonderful nurses to help. His nurse Rochel would make sure he ate, exercised and tried to keep him strong so he could dance with his wife Clara on their 50^th Wedding Anniversary. That day came and a lot of prayers went up for him. With his wife in his arms, Rochel and the Grandchildren around to help if they needed. They danced! The place was filled with tears of joy from family and friends watching. Little did we know it would be the last dance for them on earth.

Dad was always supportive of the Cold War Patriots organization. So when I was asked to help open an office in Grants, he was very happy. He told me to go out and help other like the Lord wanted me to and to make him proud.

Dad took a turn for the worse a few days before Christmas 2010. He told my mother he would be here for Christmas. Christmas Morning came and his great granddaughter Cai-Leigh which he called Car-Leigh helped him open his gift surrounded by family. He very first nurse Jessica was there to take care of him. He responded to the gifts with a smile and even raised his arms when she opened Old Spice deodorant. That afternoon with his wife, daughters, son(via phone) and Jessica singing Christmas song. With a me too for his children and a smile to his wife, Daddy went to be with Jesus on his birthday.

As I sit here in the Cold War Patriots office. I remember how he wanted the organization to grow and help lots of uranium miners, millers, haulers and nuclear workers to a better life at home. I look out the window, still look at the heavens for a sign. Dad can you see me and am I making you proud.