Donna Garrett Boltz
September 29, 1959 - February 21, 2021
Donna passed away February 21, 2021 on a beautiful, sunny morning in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She was surrounded by love in the presence of her sister and me.
Those who knew Donna would agree that she resisted putting demands on others. By all rites she was always very self-reliant and took pride in carrying her own load. Donna made a request of me around the time she acknowledged that her prognosis had made its dramatic turn. She asked that I not remember her as a victim of cancer, as weakened and frail. I wrote and read the following lines to her to assure her otherwise.
Who I Will Remember . . . ?
I will remember . . . Cadet Garrett – in Dress Grey, Gym-Alpha, FD over White. Always standing tall, head held high, defiant of the forces that tried to steal who she was. Bob-cut bouncing, rosy cheeks, maybe a bit too much sashay? A girl of words, intelligent, thoughtful, and fun. Not at the fringe, but at the center. Sometimes alone and reflective. A struggling runner because she had to be better. For a few years, a long-distance love because she wanted to be. I was blessed from the start.
I will remember . . . Lieutenant Garrett – only for a few days and on a long drive home. A tanned Florida girl, her love of the beach, sun, and blue skies. Proud of her family and its roots. Making a wedding dress beautiful. Carrot cake would do, Kermit in attendance. Her words were our words – Forever.
I will remember . . . Lieutenant to Colonel Boltz. For the love of Soldiers. Perma-press fatigues, BDUs, Army Greens, Dress Blues and Dress Mess, MOPP-4 in the field. It was not meant to be, yet it was. She excelled, because of raw talent, passion, and exerted effort. Loved by many, protected by hers, respected by all. Always the brightest, always the kindest. The intellect was polished; the ability to convey and communicate unparalleled. Multi-dimensional, worldly, empathetic. The Dog-Momma many times over. She ran because she could; it was a comfort zone now. She knew when others struggled, and she would be there for them to succeed.
I will remember . . . Donna, Dee, Dale, and teamboltz. From denim to silk, or jeans to gowns, or Fluevogs to hiking boots. Some say, some do; she always did. A reader. A student who never stopped learning. Always challenging herself. I can, I will, I do. A listener and coach helping others to overcome their challenges and adversities. A lover of art and artistic expression. Colors, textures, and design – they helped her find a piece she had lost. Interested in and respectful of the beliefs and culture of others. Refined and dignified; yet not afraid to get dirty. She ran because she wanted to. And swam and biked. A proud Ironman. And she hiked and she climbed, and she trekked. No corner of the world was too remote, no trail too rough, no mountain too steep. Committed to preparing and training for the journey – so that it could be absorbed and enjoyed.
To steal a line, she made me a better person. I pray to feel her touch when I say or act improperly; that touch, a reminder – to let it go. Not as planned, but not short-changed. I am the luckiest man alive to have had the full friendship, love, and devotion of the most beautiful woman and soul on Earth for over forty years. As long as I endure, she will be alive and with me. I will remember her. Forever.
