Obituary of Donald Sandy Hawk Nevalsky

DONALD B. NEVALSKY, a.k.a. Sandy Hawk, 88 of Walpole, Maine, died Monday, August 19th. He was born August 3, 1925 to Benedict E. and Mary M. (Grimala) Nevalsky. Don was raised in Worcester, Massachusetts in the Depression era, the grandson of Lithuanian immigrants. His grandparents arrived at Ellis Island in 1902. Donald served in the U.S. Navy WWII – Gunners Mate 3rd class (GM 3/c) in Europe and the South Pacific Amphibiances Force 1943-1946 and also as Chief Warrant Officer Two (CWO-2) in the California State Military Reserve. He received a commendation for survival efforts in a freeway disaster while in the Reserves in 1989. Don worked as a ranch hand in his younger days. He rode in rodeos and was a noted “calf roper”. As the years passed, he migrated to sunny California. He held many positions in his lifetime. Real estate and security were the highlights in his life. He worked with American Protective Services Inc. and Shell Oil for many years. He also held a pilot’s license and flew on many movie sets. He co-piloted the lead plane in the movie “Catch 22”. Don also worked painstakingly on a replica of the Spirit of St. Louis. This replica was used in the movie “The Life of Charles Lindbergh”. This project was a childhood passion from his pre-teen days when he made model airplanes. Donald vacationed in Maine and in his later years made the solo move across country. He worked security at Pemaquid Campground, Dana’s Charthouse and was assistant farm manager at Clark Cove Farms under the direction of Just W. Wold. In the winter months on a snowy day, he could be found shoveling at the South Bristol Town Hall when he was well into his eighties. Don had a strong love for the ole’ West. “Hawk” was his Indian name. He was an avid reader of Louis L’Amour, and his interest in Native American culture was another passion. He attended many Indian pow-wows and was often a participant in the Veterans War March. His dream was realized in Carroll Plantation at his God-daughter’s camp – he met and befriended a true Indian Chief, Chief Aurelius “Big Eagle” Piper. He and the “old one” had many a private council. Nicknamed “Sandy” in his youth at a dude ranch, Chief Piper combined this nickname and his Indian name and called him “Sandy Hawk”…and so he was known. The old days and the old ways are treasured…the spirit of the cowboy lives on… Donald was a member of the VFW Post 10694 in Santa Ana, California, a lifetime member of the National Rifleman’s Association and Retired Officers of the Military Reserve Battalion 304th Santa Ana, California. He is survived by his brother, Edward F. Nevalsky of Northboro, Massachusetts, his sister-in-law Marion C. Nevalsky of Worcester and many, many nieces and nephews in the Worcester area. His Maine family: sister, Eleanor M. Gray of South Bristol, his Goddaughter, Judith Nelson Farrin and her husband Bruce, his nephew James H. Nelson Jr and his wife Jacky and his grand-nephews and grand-nieces. He was predeceased by his older sister Lennie Neval of Sherman Oaks, California and his younger sister Lorraine A. Greenwood of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Sandy’s wishes were to have his ashes scattered. A family memorial service will follow on a warm, sunny, windless day…. Arrangements are under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast. On-line condolences may be offered at www.directcremationofmaine.com.