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DONALD BOTT Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for DONALD BOTT
Susan Golgosky
November 26, 2017
The Goodwill Store in Roseville, California has a vintage photo album of what appears to be Air Force (or Army Air Corp) members. One is named Col Bott. Is this your relative? They are holding the album in hopes of finding a rightful owner, or member of photos. Story appeared on Good Day Sacramento, a local TV show. Check the website Goodwill Sacramento Valley, if interested.
Ted Muendel
July 2, 2017
Dear Mim,
Just learned of Don's passing from a LU alumni activity e-letter and was sadden by the news. My best to you and your family in this time of grief. God rest his soul!
Where to begin....Don and I became acquainted when I was President of the Annapolis area alumni club in the late '80s. What followed was a most positive relationship when I was elected President of LUAA and one of his last Presidents. That year was '93-'94.
During that time, we spoke weekly it seemed and we became close in his preparing me for events and presentations to alumni and our Board... he wrote most drafts of my speeches. At the time, I was always appreciative of his guidance & encouragement - here he was a decorated retired Colonel coaching me in alumni affairs with his university staff. I was somewhat humbled to say the least.
During that time and under his watch, LU was ranked among the top 4 alumni associations in the US based upon a "satisfaction index" that he and Peter Likins developed together. Moreover, this achievement made us proud as it did for many alumni - and at that time, LUAA was a separate organization with its own unique charter and was not under the development structure as it is today.
I will always remember the clippings and articles Don would send - reflecting his conservative commitment for excellence and continual life learning.
We often played golf together and our scores were about the same - if we broke 100 it was a great day.
Don once gave me a WSJ cartoon about a person marooned on a tropical island with a row boat approaching and the caption " Hi, I am from your alumni association". He enjoyed humor like this. And he signed the cartoon which I have kept on my wall in my den with his words ..one of Lehigh's great alumni association presidents. I will continue to think of him as I look at this framed picture.
I also remember well the many times I was a guest overnight at your home in Saucon Valley when I would drive up from Annapolis. Your and Don's hospitality was superb!
I last saw Don (and you) at his 60th reunion and my 50th. We talked for a long time and he was always giving and reaching out to inquire about my family - this was a unique character trait he displayed always, of course with an underlying passion for Lehigh.
After I left the LUAA and moved on for several tours as a Trustee and he retired soon after, I wrote him a letter thanking him for his coaching and guidance during my term. Am sure he provided the same to other Presidents. For me, Don was a unique individual and was a most positive figure/influence in my life as I look back on that close experience of working together.
Don knew my family - Dad '30, step mother Ruth, sister Melissa '73 and daughter also Melissa '94. My wife Diane always enjoyed seeing you both and together you were a most gracious couple.
There is no doubt that Lehigh will long remember his influence, style and giving of himself. I have been a better person because of Don.
Am sure he is already gathering alumni who proceeded him and we will all some day be reunited. Go Mountain Hawks!
Ted and Diane Muendel
USAF Retirement, Lowry AFB, 1983
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
Hong Kong, 1971
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
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U-Tapao, Thailand,1971
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
Refueling the B-52, 1971
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
Capt. Bott, 1963
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
Glamorous Couple at Air Force Dining Out
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
TDY to Guam, 1955
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
Boeing B-47 Stratojet - Quite the aircraft in 1955
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
Pilot Training at Marana Air Base, Tucson, 1954
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
USAF ROTC at Lehigh University, 1953
Suzanne Bott
May 26, 2017
Suzanne E. Bott
May 26, 2017
Dear Family and Friends,
Thank you for your loving memories and kind words. Mom and our family are deeply touched by your thoughtful words. I will be adding photos in the coming weeks, and if you would like to add yours, we would welcome them. We know Dad would be delighted, too. Thank you again for your wonderful thoughtfulness.
With our love, Suzanne xo
P.S. We would kindly request strangers to please not post comments. Thank you.
Celebration!
Suzanne E. Bott
May 26, 2017
Best Friends!
Suzanne E. Bott
May 26, 2017
A wonderful partnership!
Suzanne E. Bott
May 26, 2017
Lovely Couple!
Suzanne E. Bott
May 26, 2017
50th Anniversary!
Suzanne E. Bott
May 26, 2017
Karen E. (Bott) Snyder
May 16, 2017
Uncle Don has always been my favorite uncle. :) From the time when I was young, I've always looked up to him as my Dad's older brother and felt proud that he was a Colonel in the USAF. I was especially aware of how his exemplary military service had a positive influence on both of my big brothers, who also chose to serve their country. I have fond memories of Uncle Don singing fun old German songs with his Dad (my Pop-pop) and his brothers in the Brooklyn family home. In his later years, he relished being a part of his community choral/barbershop group and would often share updates and pictures (and even some DVDs) from their performances. Uncle Don was an example of Christ-like service and one of his favorite ways of showing that was when he, Aunt Mim, and their beloved family dog, Lady, would go on special visits to local medical facilities to give love, support and cheer. I loved my Uncle Don's soft side, which he shared frequently through family emails, along with his unique humor. As our Patriarch, he imparted thoughtful words of wisdom, gleaned from his myriad life experiences. In closing, I'd like to share three favorite memories of my Uncle Don. I remember fun times in the Brooklyn kitchen, one during which he taught us, as young girls, to play "Hearts", while he shared jokes and we ate delicious Ebinger's treats. I also recall, at a time when I was a rather fragile young teen, when Uncle Don lovingly took me aside and gave me a much-needed hug and sweet words of encouragement. That special moment has stayed in my heart and mind all of these years and still gives me encouragement. Lastly, Uncle Don flew in from the west to attend the memorial of my dear niece, Abbey, and he was thoughtful enough to speak a loving tribute to her at the service, on behalf of the Bott family. Thank you, Uncle Don, for all of the great work you did and the love you shared while on this earth...I know I will see you again and get more of those warm hugs. Your legacy goes on in your beautiful family and many friends. All of my love, Karen E.
Pat
May 14, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss. May you gain comfort as you pour out your heart in prayer to God. Please know that He cares for you and wants to help you during the difficult days ahead.
Carol Dimopoulos
May 13, 2017
Dear Mim and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I knew him well when he was President of Bethlehem Rotary, and, of course, you were our neighbors in Saucon Valley as well. Sending you much love and our prayers for strength at this difficult time. It was an honor to know him.
Carol & Harry Dimopoulos
Naples, FL
Ami Adams
May 11, 2017
Though I didn't know Don very well, I do know my dear friend Suzanne - Don's only daughter. The strength and leadership skills you possess, Suzanne, at least partly come from your father. Please know I am grateful for his amazing service to this country.
To Miriam...I can remember being at your house in C Springs in the Girlie Girl junior high days for a sleepover/slumber party. I can still see you sitting alone in the living room. As the daughter of a retired Air Force officer, I recognized that underlying sadness and loneliness. I knew Don was away from his family and serving remotely. The strength and courage of the military wife is equally if not stronger than the man. Thank you for your huge contribution.
Your entire family is in my heart and in my thoughts.
Sleep well... love , Ami
May 10, 2017
The Bruyn family were always updated on Cousin Donald Bott's amazing activities and very sad to hear of another USAF veteran passing into the blue up yonder.
Honor Flight 1000, 9/16/2016, USAF veteran & PUFL Post 1308 American Legion, Don Bruyn, Pine Bush, New York
Candy ( Martha) Bruyn King
May 10, 2017
I am saddened to learn of cousin Don's passing.
Candy Bruyn King ( Ellie's daughter)
James Lynch VL '90
May 10, 2017
So sad to receive this news and wish for God's mercy and grace for the entire family. Many young men received Don's good counsel at the Kappa Alpha house at Lehigh. "The Colonel" always offered unique perspective transcending fraternity life to inspire and provide an example in our llives well beyond Lehigh. Our deepest condolences to his family are coupled with great love, respect and fondness for our dear friend and mentor.
Sandie Kirchner
May 9, 2017
Most sincere condolences to the Bott family. He will be remembered.
Carol Magliochetti
May 9, 2017
Dear Mim and Family,
Vince and I are so sad to hear of Don's passing.Our family was so lucky to be filled with the Bott clan. Don was always the one in charge of the cousins and he remained our leader through-out his life. I will never forget the music and laughter that we shared in our Beechwood Avenue home and in Brooklyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Uncle Herman, Don,Bill and Herm are together again. There is music in heaven!
William Bott, Jr
May 9, 2017
A small tribute for a great man:
Uncle Don was our blessed Patriarch throughout the many decades in which he proudly shared his thoughts, love, joy and generosity among the Bott immediate and extended family.
We were all blessed to have him as our mentor, senior life coach/adviser; imparting his wisdom, amusing Brooklyn family anecdotes and lessons learned over the years. Don was always a man you could count on to be at the ready as a B-52 pilot in war-time and in peace-time as well as sharing his heart and mind with us during family hardships in which he delivered a calming, positive, loving/wise Solomonesque approach, proving us with much needed comfort.
Uncle Don was the last of the fabulous three Brooklyn Bott brothers to pass and he leaves a lasting legacy of peace and joy. I was so very proud to have him as my Dad's older brother and thankful that he always had an open door and an ear to bend whenever/whatever the circumstances.
I loved Don and will miss him greatly. He was good man!
I share my deepest sadness and joyous celebration of his life with Aunt Mim and family.
God Bless,
Love, Bill Jr.
Lawrence Stecker
May 9, 2017
Deepest sympathies to the Bott family. We knew Mr Bott during his tenure with the Lehigh Alumni Association, especially with respect to Leslie's father, the late Harry B. Ramsey, '50, who worked with Mr. Bott for many years. Peace be with you in these difficult times.
Larry & Leslie (Ramsey) Stecker
Alan Zink
May 8, 2017
Dear Mim: I am greatly saddened to learn of Don's passing. He was such a fine gentleman and straight up guy, whom I respected so much. I also recall fondly how he and you so warmly welcomed me into your home when I visited him at Lehigh.
It seemed to me that he lived a very happy, full and wholesome life with you as his partner. I regret that I haven't communicated with him and you in recent years.
With warmest regards and best wishes for you,
Alan Zink
Columbus, OH
[email protected]
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