Today our hearts broke into a million pieces. My beloved husband, best friend, business partner, and the love of my life, Donald, passed away in his home with his family by his side, following a 20 month, very private battle with a rare cancer. He never wanted to leave us and fought hard until the bitter end. Only 50 years old, he was a humble soul with a heart of gold. He was a modest man who never wanted others to share in the sadness of his disease. A man with a contagious laugh, always willing to lend a hand, and a gentleman through and through. Always opening doors, buying us flowers, and never missed out on an opportunity to treat a friend to dinner or a drink.

Don was born in San Diego, CA and resided in southern California for the first 30 years of his life. He enjoyed surfing, riding motorcycles, and had a love for vintage cars. He had a strong affection for the ocean and the mountains. Don began tattooing at the age of 18. When he moved to Wisconsin in 2002, he opened his first studio, where he and I first met. His goal was that we would someday return to California.

He was a well-respected businessman and an extremely talented tattoo artist. He was a generous and patient mentor who apprenticed many artists over the years. Don was always happy to share his skills with young artists. His artwork will live on, worn proudly by his dedicated clientele. He adored the artists that have worked for him over the years. He appreciated all of the customers who have supported his business over the years. He recently completed renovations on his newest Big Guns Tattoo location. He would have been proud to have tattooed there, though that opportunity never came.

My relationship with Don spanned 20 years. 20 years of love and support. 20 years of, "I'm happy to spend my time with you, my love." 20 years of fun with my best friend. I held his hand at the end just as I had done proudly for 20 years. It's never enough. There is never enough time.

Our daughter, Natalie, was the pride and joy of his life. He would move mountains for that girl! He was her best friend in the world. As a family we spent much of our time at our cottage on the Menominee River. There, he taught Natalie to ride ATVs and dirt bikes. We spent many days fishing and boating. Don was always the man behind the grill, ready to entertain friends and family. He was a wonderful father with so many amazing skills to share. She will miss the man that she loved with all of her heart and soul. I will love him endlessly until my dying day.

His legacy will live on in his beloved daughter, and the artists that will keep Big Guns Tattoo alive.

Don is survived by his wife, Sarah (nee Brandt) DuBois, Kaukauna; their daughter, Natalie; mother, Andrea (nee Lenski) DuBois, Joshua Tree, CA; sister, Holly Dorn, Menasha; nephews: Devin Dorn, Menasha; Mason (Ashley) Dorn, Brillion; Robert (Nicole) Dorn, Waupaca; and Steven (Ashley) Dorn, Appleton; mother-in-law, Jody (Brian) Hilley, Appleton; sister-in-law, Jackie (Cory) Skjervem and their children Connor and Annabelle, Madison; and brother-in-law, Michael (Jenny) Brandt and their children Blake and Dylan, Appleton. He is further survived by his friends and family at Big Guns Tattoo, countless friends and extended family, and his beloved family pets.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Donald Earl DuBois; and his father-in-law, Jay Robert Brandt.

A celebration of Don's life will be held on June 26, 2022 at X GOLF (W3208 Van Roy Road, Appleton, WI 54915) from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the EHE Foundation (www.fightehe.org/donate-now).

Don's family would like to thank Dr. Amritha Karkera and the staff at Vince Lombardi Cancer Center; Kristen Moen NP and the staff at Aurora BayCare Palliative and Hospice; and the dedicated directors and team members at the EHE Foundation.