Donald F. Van Lare

Dear Van Lare Family,
I,m so very sorry to hear about Mr. Van Lare. He was my Social Studies teacher at Sperry in the 1973-74 school year. I'll always remember him for his kindness, humor, love of history, and gift of teaching. Anyone who was lucky enough to have him for a teacher learned a great deal! My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Take care,
Pat (Wilson) Lafleur

I was fortunate to know Don for the past 12 years. He could be stern. He was always factual, dependable. Don was one of the few people I've known in my lifetime who would always opine in the same way no matter the personalities or the politics involved. I always knew where Don stood. He did not check the weather before taking a stand. He truly was an old time faithful and dependable gentleman. I hope you play golf everyday for eternity, Don.

I always enjoyed our friendship as fellow teachers since 1962, especially your inside knowledge of state politics and your sense of humor. It was always nice on the job to have you around. I also always admired your commitment to involvement in civic and educational matters. We will miss you very much.

There is so much to honor and remember about Don. I remember his humor,his kindness, his devotion to his family, his students and his community. I join his many friends who will miss him.

Dan, So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Don,
I only wish I would have told you before your passing, how much I really appreciated you! You were my high school homeroom teacher as well as social studies 10th or 11th grade (don't remember which-Haha the 80's were a fine time)? Always looked forward to talking with you in the mornings before classes began, you had a ton of wisdom mixed in with your usually political/family humor. Later in life I was again blessed to see and chat with you on a fairly regular basis at the Town...

Don,
I only wish I would have told you before your passing, how much I really appreciated you! You were my high school homeroom teacher as well as social studies 10th or 11th grade (don't remember wich-Haha)? Always looked forward to talking with you in the mornings before classes began, you had a ton of wisdom mixed in with your usually political humor. Later in life I was again blessed to see and chat with you on a fairly regular basis at the Town Hall, once again, the same thinking,...

Diane and family, I just read of Don's passing. I always appreciated Don's sense of humor, his passion for education and American History, and his support for the Arts. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.

a respected colleague who made a difference with his life