By Christy Scott
The Alpine Sun

     ALPINE — Throughout the years, and many careers, Don Cockayne always carried a big, ready smile for friends, family, neighbors and community. From World War II soldier to long-haul truck driver, Don traveled the world and the country, settling finally and calling Alpine home.
     Don proudly served his country in World War II. In February 1944, three weeks after his 17th birthday, Don enlisted in the United States Navy and was eventually stationed aboard the SS Leonidas Merritt.
     On Sunday, Nov. 12, 1944, in Leyte, Philippines, the Leonidas Merritt became the first merchant vessel struck by a kamikaze pilot when it was hit by two planes in the same day. Don was severely wounded in the attack and was awarded a Purple Heart.

Donald Charles Cockayne Jan. 19, 1927 to Jan. 30, 2009

      His work as Director of West Coast Operations for Travelodge brought Don to San Diego in 1969. In April 1970, Don joined the local Alpine Kiwanis. He was president of the Alpine Chamber of Commerce in 1972-1973 and served as the 24th President of the Kiwanis Club of Alpine, 1973-1974.
     During Don’s term as President he purchased the first ambulance for the Volunteer Alpine Fire Department. Kiwanian Curly Collier served on the local Fire Board at the time, and recalls that they purchased a used Ambulance from the Santee Fire Department for $5,000. This was quite a financial undertaking for the then small club.
     Don loved the open road and in 2005, retired as a long line truck driver for Southern Pride Trucking after logging over four million miles in 25 years. After retirement, Don became actively involved in Kiwanis again and recently served as Interclub Chairman.
     Despite his vast number of logged driving miles, no amount of experience could have saved him when he was involved in a chain-reaction crash on Friday, Jan. 30. Don, 82, was driving a Ford F-150 pickup on Interstate 15 about 4 p.m., when he was rear-ended by another pickup that had been struck by a third vehicle with a flat tire.
Don lost control of the pickup, which rolled and landed in the center divide. The San Bernardino County Coroner's Office said that he died at the scene.
     Don will be posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service award, which is the highest honor any member of the Kiwanis can receive. The local club will also honor Don’s memory with his name on a plaque at the Kiwanis Club of Alpine/Woman’s Club of Alpine Gazebo and Memorial.
     Don is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one brother and three sisters.
Internment Services will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 11 a.m., and a Memorial Service will be held at the Alpine Community Center on Friday, Feb. 27, at 4 p.m.
     In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alpine Kiwanis, P.O. Box 306, Alpine, CA 91903. A donation to Rady's Children's Hospital will be made in honor of Don.