Donald-DeWitt-Obituary

Donald R. "Don" DeWitt

Fairbanks, Alaska

1937 - 2017 (Age 80)

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DIED
November 22, 2017
AGE
80
LOCATION
Fairbanks, Alaska

Obituary

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Donald R. "Don" DeWitt joined his fellow dinosaurs Nov. 22, 2017, at the age of 80. Don was born in 1937 at the height of the Great Depression near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but escaped with his family to Dayton, Ohio, in 1946. There, he attended Fairmont High School (go Dragons) and The Ohio...

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Mr. Dewitt was one of my teachers at the boarding school in Arizona he taught at. I´ve always thought fondly of him and a phrase he said once crosses my mind multiple times a year (Don´t be distracted by distractions) I decided to finally look him up and am sorry to see he passed away. I wish I had told him he made a difference to a young girl that was lost and away from home.

082023: DON, I'm thinking of running up to Fairbanks next week. Since you are a life long friend, although we do good to talk once every 10 or 20 years; there are a couple of things I want to discuss with you. You do remember the 3 caribou we killed on Paxson lake, frozen over Paxson (it was 40 below). I was freezing, were you? And that hunting trip to Chicken and Eagle; the solution to the cards mechanical problems was quite unique, don't you think? Anyhow, meet you at the COOP! MICHEAL...

My favorite teacher so far, he was my math teacher for 3 years straight 77-79. Thanks for all your lessons in math and life.

Farewell Boom-Dee-Yay Boy. Those were the days, my friend. We thought they'd never end...

Over 45 years ago, two young newlyweds stationed in Fairbanks met a high school math teacher named Don DeWitt and life was never the same again... from the Big I to FDA to the Palace Saloon we were all part of a huge family. We have incredible memories of plays, cast parties, dancing the Hora at the Palace and the ever-delightful (with the exception of cinnamon oil!) Friday night sauna gatherings until 3 in the morning! We loved our time in Alaska and Don was a major reason.
We did our...

Don Dewitt in 1981West Valley yearbook

The feelings of helplessness can seem unbearable when coping with the loss of a dear loved one. May you find comfort and hope from the Inspired Word at Psalm 9:9.

Don was my very favorite teacher.
He truly was always interesting, enthusiastic and was so engaging.
He will be missed!

My deepest gratitude, Don. Like others here have remarked, you sparked my passionate and lifelong interest in math.

I admire your generosity to past students, and to the many future students who will benefit from your scholarships.

And I have no doubt that all of the many canine friends you loved over your life are wagging and jumping and licking in joy to see you again.