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Donald Carstens Obituary
On August 28 Donald P Carstens, 71, passed away peacefully at Gilchrist Hospice in Towson Maryland. Born in 1945 in Illinois he was raised by wolves in the Tampa Florida area. At 17 he enlisted in the US Navy and worked in DC as a photographer and filmmaker. He later studied and received a degree in Fine Arts from Halifax University, beginning a life long love of Nova Scotia and fishing. Returning to DC he successfully worked as a commercial photographer before moving to Baltimore to expand his growing business. Always interested in images and details, in later years he created a body of work both artistic and journalistic. Included in this later work was a fresh editing of an early series of photos documenting the now defunct cod fishing industry on the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. The resulting book, "One" is a beautiful black and white testament to a great eye and a lost time. The book and negatives are now in the University of Halifax archives. Don will be remembered for his talents, his humor and his generosity. Having left his estate to My Sister's Circle to fund college education for Baltimore City women, he opened his heart to the city he loved. He is and will be greatly missed. Memorial for close friends to be held privately.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Carstens
Sponsored by The Baltimore Sun.
Howard Davis
November 14, 2022
I first met Don, in the mid 1970's. We occupied studios on the same street for a short time. I did not get to know him well, but I observed that he was a man of few words, and he had a keen eye. In his best photographs, he played games with perception. In one, an artist is floating feet first toward the ceiling, as he holds onto his drawing table. I admired his work, and I am very sorry to hear of his death. Rest in peace Don, and may you go with God.
H Davis
adam mac donald
April 15, 2018
a really true friend and a great fishing buddy. I miss our days fishing at the Big Mac Daniel pool on the margaree river
Richie Hall
February 14, 2018
I introduced Don to fly fishing in Michigan in the 80's . Don being Don took his new obsession to the highest and most noble extent in his casting and fly tying taking these arts to higher creative grounds. One of the best casters on the Margaree. My strong suit was handicapping the standard breds on Wed. night and Sunday at inverness. Don and I had a falling out later in his life he chose not to reconnect. I hope he finds peace in his next existence.
Don Carstens.<br /><br />Margaree River, October 2011.
January 4, 2018
Michael Hilton
January 4, 2018
My Condolence and Sympathy to the friends and family of Don Carstens.
May the path that you are now on Don my Friend will be everlasting, I was so Lucky and Fortunate to have met Don on the Margaree River where he would later In Life spend his summer months chasing the Atlantic Salmon, Tight Lines my friend. You have now made the Hall Of Fame,at the "Gillis Pool" on the Margaree River, Nova Scotia, Canada!
Will miss his Sense of Humor,that he never lacked of and his stories of his Life that he shared, with so many.
Margaree Mike.
Ms
October 18, 2017
To the family of Donald Carstens I would like to express my condolence to you may the God of comfort bring comfort to you with his right arm extended to you Isa.41:10
Lisa Davis
October 17, 2017
Don, I'm sitting here sipping tea from a delicate purple tea cup and saucer set. It was yours. We never met, but through Joe, you always felt like family to me - to us. Joe always had a special place in his heart reserved just for you, even when you both wanted to wring each others' necks!
I felt a deep loss when we woke and learned you had moved on to wherever it is that awaits us in the great beyond. I am grateful for your presence in our lives and for the life lessons that I'm sure were not your original intent.
I'll always regret that we never met, but I'll never forget your determination, perseverance and zest for life.
B H
October 14, 2017
My sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Carstens. He will be dearly missed. May God comfort your hearts each day. Ps 86:17
P D
October 14, 2017
So sorry for your loss. I didn't know Donald but from reading about him he was a very talented man. May the God of comfort bring you and family comfort in this time of grief. My deepest and sincere condolences to your families and friends.
October 14, 2017
I am so sorry for your lost. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort because he cares for you. 1Peter 5:6-7
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