Estes, Robert Donald "Don" of Minneapolis, died September 25, 2022, at age 79, peacefully but too soon in his home of 46 years, surrounded by his loved ones. Preceded in death by parents Hilliard D. "Don" and Dorothy N. (Gardner) Estes and sister Diane Herstein Monts. Survived by his wife of 46 years, Ellen (née Peterson) ; children, Kristin of Barrington, IL, Hillery of Brooklyn, NY, Erin (Mike) of Wayzata, Anne and Lindsay of Minneapolis; 7 grandchildren, Juliette, Charles, Hugh, Bobby, Oskar, Pete, and Margaux as well as many other beloved family members and friends. Don graduated from J. Palmer High School, Colorado Springs, CO, class of 1960. An extraordinary student and gifted athlete, Don was not only an Eagle Scout but also a state high school swimming champion and record holder in his junior and senior years. He continued his swimming career at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1964 with a B.A., emphasis in physiology and history as well as a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Don earned his law degree at Columbia University Law School (graduated class of 1967) and began practicing law in Minneapolis in 1968 with a focus on international business. In 1982 Don was a founder of Estes, Parsinen, & Levy, P.A. In 1989, Don formed Estes Law, P.A., where he devoted the rest of his professional life to serving his clients for the next 33 years. Don genuinely loved practicing law and was passionate about his work. He took great pride in always being at the forefront of his craft. Don's plans were cut short, but he had a zest for life and a sense of adventure that few could match. He lived an incredible life, with experiences too numerous to list. Still, a few highlights include living in Saudi Arabia as a child which sparked a lifelong passion for traveling the world, elk hunting in the Grand Tetons, bareboat offshore sailing, serving as a Naval JAG officer for 22 years, and he was even an "Iron Man" triathlete. Don loved his family, especially morning coffee and conversation with his loving wife, Ellen. He was proud of his daughters, and his grandchildren were his reason for getting up every day. Details for future memorial service will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, donations may go to the Golden Gopher Fund, directed at Swimming. www.goldengopherfund.com/ways-to-give/index.html