J.P. Licks is devastated by the loss of a founding member of our family this week. Don started making ice cream with Vince in 1981 in our very first store at the corner of Moraine and Centre street. Don and Vince randomly met at Flannigan’s (JP supermarket) and began to share their love of food, and flavorings. For 40 years, Don created ice cream, toppings, basically anything Vince could dream up, he created. From Pad Thai to the best Vanilla. No challenge was too small or flavor too weak. He was Mr. Fix it and "Doctor Don," so passionate about books and knowledge that he would often joke he should have become a doctor. Outside of work, he loved playing guitar and banjo, singing folk music, performing in his church choir, and spending time with his beloved wife and daughter and his many pets. He was a best friend, mentor, and a wonderful person to lean on. He met you every day with a “don joke”, a “howdy partner”, and most likely his “snake boots" and latest Goodwill find.

Every flavor of ice cream at J.P. Licks was influenced in some way by Don. We will miss him, and he forever will be a part of our JP Licks lives. He was a legend in his own way. So, if you see someone who needs a laugh, in honor of Don, make sure to take the time to tell them a really bad joke or treat them to an ice cream. Everyone deserves a smile!