Donald “Donnie” Joseph Bossuyt, a beloved resident of Lake City, Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at the age of 61. He died at Haven Hospice – Suwannee Valley Care Center after battling a prolonged illness. Donnie was surrounded by family in his final days, leaving behind a heartbroken community of loved ones.
Born on August 27, 1963, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Donnie grew up working on his family’s hay farm in O’Brien and later graduated from Branford High School in 1981. He built a reputation for being tough, hardworking, and generous. After years of working as a truck driver and raising his family in Lake City, Donnie retired and became a dedicated volunteer at the American Legion. He was a proud member of the Sons of the American Legion and Rolling Thunder, enjoying motorcycle rides, yard sales, and trips to the mountains.
His daughter, Sabrina Colunga, shared her grief on social media: “My heart is SHATTERED… He fought hard… but it was time for him to rest.”
Donnie leaves behind his former wife, Leslie Bossuyt, three children—Sabrina, Darla, and Andrew—and his granddaughter, Emily Knight. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Harriett Bossuyt, and his sister, Wendy Touchtone.
A celebration of Donnie’s life will be held on September 18, 2024, at the American Legion Post #57 in Lake City.