Donald K. "Don" Highland

Donald K. “Don” Highland, 69, of Roscoe, died Monday October 29, 2018, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 11, 1948, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of William and Dorothy (Bouray) Highland. Don proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, 1968 thru 1970. He died of stage IV prostate cancer related to his exposure in Vietnam to Agent Orange herbicide.
Don graduated from Boylan Catholic High School, class of 1966. He married the love of his life, Sandra Thibedeau, on June 5, 1971. He was a self-employed expert craftsman and owner of Accents in Wood. Don cherished the time he spent with his grandkids, teaching them to fish and passing on his passion for sports.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sandi Highland; children, Chad (AnnaBeth) Highland, Bryan (Abby) Highland and Andrea Highland; grandchildren, Nick, Lexi, Nate, Ally, Josh and Jack; brothers and sisters, Harry (Pam) Highland, Mary (Carl) Cacciatore, Marlene Highland and Janet (Brad) Trent; mother-in-law, Mary Thibedeau; brother-in-law, Ron (Stephanie) Thibedeau and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Highland; and father-in-law, Patrick Thibedeau. The family wishes to thank the UW-Madison Oncology Department and the wonderful staff at Agrace Hospice Care, especially Brandon, Edward, Jen and Christine.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 5, 2018, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. prior to service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice Care, 7290 Argus Drive, Rockford, IL 61107. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.