I got a text Wednesday night about this and was very sad to hear this. I reached out to Don about a year ago to check in on him and see how he was doing. I wish I followed up again more recently. Don was a good man. A father, husband, a veteran, poker player and trader. Don and I worked together briefly but we engaged for years on this forum. I first met Don in 1999 in Ontario, CA for the first ever daytrading expo. I ran into him quickly on ET when I first signed up in 2002. Don and I are a good example of how two people can behave as professionals and have discourse online at times but meet offline and get to know each other and develop a mutual respect for each other. I have openly criticized him over the years on hear when I thought it was fair to do so but always gave him his due when appropriate. I really enjoyed our back and forth over the years and I'm deeply saddened to lose him. It's rare when you can put a face to someone you are talking to on this forum. And I never said anything to him online that I would never say to him in person. I remember when I met Don personally for the first time when he came to Chicago and invited me and a friend out to dinner in the Printer's Row district. It was Don and a bunch of his traders. I openly went after his risk management policies at his firm and gave him a lot of shit for some of the stuff he was posting on here. Then we laughed, had some wine and enjoyed our dinner. I think it was an example of how two gentleman are expected to behave. Don was the consummate salesman. But there was much more to the guy then Bright Trading. Some of you would actually enjoy some of the people you converse with on here once you get to know them. I'm certainly a better person for having made the effort to meet Don in person and to get to know him. There are a lot of fly by night characters on here, trolls, and insincere people. Don had been in the business since the 1970's. From the floor of the CBOE to the poker tables of Vegas. Don has seen more and been through more market events then almost anyone on this forum or this industry. He never walked away from it. He was far from perfect and I never ran out of issues to complain about regarding his firm or his market beliefs. But he never attacked. He listened, responded and usually at the end try finish with a joke. Maybe he was simply trying to lead an example for me. If he was, it worked. For those of you who don't know Don, it would benefit you to go back and read some of his posts. You'll be better for it. For know, it's all that remains of him on here. I will never be able to not associate ET and Don Bright. New characters will show up and some will try, but no one will ever replace him. Rest in peace Don. God bless your family and thank you for your time over the years. I valued it deeply.
RIP Don. Unlike many of us, who don't have a face, Don was our face. He and his brother, Bob, an avid poker, represented the 2 things I'm most passionate about.
Wow! Very sad news. Don was a great guy! Always helped me out when I began. Took the time to help me out. Don will be greatly missed! Thoughts and prayers are with his family!
Never knew/ spoke to / met him Did read some of his stuff / watched a video with him in it one time Via Con Dios RN
RIP Don. I have fond memories of Don since around 1999. As the online trading industry changed, I often spoke with Don about change in prop trading firms, related regulations and tax compliance. Don was passionate about our industry and an advocate for traders. He made a difference and will be missed by many.
Don was always responsive and helpful to others. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.