Donald Aitken

Don had a profound influence upon my education. One of the most inspiring classroom lecturers I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing in te classroom. I took environmental studies courses from him at San Jose State University and as a result devoted my life and career to protecting the environment. He and John Muir became my role models. I worked at the San Francisco Chronicle as a writer/editor for 22 years and taught at City College of San Francisco for 28 years in the Journalism...

Wonderful Professor, inspiring early environmental awareness and personal growth. I´m proud to have worked under his guidance on the first solar energy project within the California State University system.

I knew Don from the mid-1970´s when I was NCSEA newsletter editor, then as one of his SJSU Solar Energy students, and then from working with him on the 3rd National Passive Solar Conference. I hope my grandchildren will get to know someone like him in their lifetime. In this photo from around 1976 Don is taking the first "shower" on top of the new SJSU solar hot water tank. I believe this was the first day the system was running. Through the water he´s throwing over his head, you can see...

Don was my advisor at San Jose State in the Environmental Studies Department. I was lucky that I could spend many hours talking with him. He took me on trips where I met many of the leaders of the Environmental movement at that time. He encouraged me. He saw that I lacked self confidence since I was the first in my family to go to college. With his gentle guidance I managed to finish the program. He made a lasting impression and changed my life for the better. I haven't seen him for...

Don and I were very close as first cousins born the same year, We shared countless memories of times together throughout the years, including our challenging battles with prostate cancer. I am feeling a profound loss with the passing of this loving and accomplished man with whom I was privileged to share life in an up close and personal way. The photo is the two of us at age 11 on a golf course in Madison, Wis.. For Don's family, may you cherish the sweet memories of life with Don in the...

Don was one of the GREAT Solar Pioneers. He played a major role in making this the Solar Century. He was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. He truly made this a better world. He will be missed deeply.

Don was a wonderful part of the solar community. His presence will be missed. May his memory be a blessing.