Donald Delinks

We say goodbye to a great man that lived a long and fruitful life. Don dedicated his life to animals and was a renowned veterinarian, who treated and cared for thousands of animals. One of his most interesting cases being treating a carnival's bear with an abscess on his butt. His greatest work achievement though could be the many veterinarians he mentored throughout his career, which he would often hire straight out of vet school.

Along with his beloved wife, Patti, he was able to successfully run two businesses, the Falmouth Animal Hospital and the Cape Cod Pet Resort. Through the Cape Cod Pet Resort, he also worked with Forever Home Rescue New England and was very proud of the rescue work they were able to do together. Many of his dogs were rescues themselves. His last dog was a chihuahua rescue, and even though he was older, he told his wife, "I have it in me to rescue one more dog!"

One of Donald's favorites activities in the world was traveling. This was born from traveling all around the globe with his parents while his father was a Civil Engineer for the Army Corps of Engineers. His all-time favorite place though was Paris where he completed his highschool degree. He received his Bachelor's degree in Munich at the University of Maryland Extension. In the Philippine Islands, he earned a doctorate in Veterinary Medicine at the University of the Philippines. Then in the United States, at Umass Amherst a Master's degree in Entomology. 

He was one of the Falmouth Four that ran all 47 Falmouth Road Races. His family would often joke that if his legs ever gave out, then they would wheel chair him over the finish line. Donald Delinks never gave up which is a value he instilled into his children. Along with the Falmouth Road Races, he also completed two Boston Marathons and one New York City Marathon. His passion for an active outdoor life made sure he was always doing something. He loved basketball, which he played in highschool and college, walking his dogs, and fishing. He often could be spotted in Woods Hole either fishing off a pier or his boat or talking to people about their catch of the day.

Donald survives on through his wife Patti, daughters, Jenni, Lizzie, and Linny, sons, Don Jr., Thomas, and Joe, grandchildren, Caroline, Matt, Eben, Ella, and Brady, and his sister, Carol Darling. Along with his many life long friendships he cultivated throughout his years.

His family wishes to thanks all the medical staff and caregivers, including Hospice, who help provided excellent care for Don and made it possible to keep him at home. In memorial to him, please give your pet an extra treat or snuggle or even consider adopting a rescue pet. Please also feel free to share any great or favorite memories you have with Don here. The family hopes to have a service for him in the spring of 2021.  

Donald Delinks passed November 17th, 2020 in the early morning with a smile on his face.