Everyday, our lives are touched by others.
We often take that fact for granted. We walk down the streets of Edmonds and smile and visit with passers-by. We know our merchants by their first names. We even know their pets’ names and their family. There are people who bring us joy just from a passing conversation.
Such a man was Don Chimini. Many of you won’t recognize his name, but you would recognize his smiling face. Or his bald head! Or the fact that he wore shorts summer and winter. He was a mail carrier in downtown Edmonds.
He was always happy, always sharing some story of his life. His latest was that he planned to retire next year and he had bought a home in Walla Walla. He was looking forward to remodeling it and spending his retirement there. He was infatuated by the historic buildings and the wineries. It would be a great surrounding for his cooking hobby.
He would often tell you about the play he was currently acting in. He talked to me about politics, local and national. He offered me books to read. He was always upbeat. I thoroughly enjoyed our chats on the streets of Edmonds or in my office.
His stops on his route were always welcomed by the merchants. It was more than a mail delivery; it was a daily “event.” His visits and chats were a part of our day. He brought us laughter. He made us smile.
And last week, he passed away, at too young an age. He had no family here in Edmonds. I believe that over the years, we all became his family. He did indeed touch our lives. I believe that he’s cooking a meal for somebody right now, and along with a good wine, he’s talking their ear off about something. We’ll miss you, Don. God bless!
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