Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Donald Black Obituary
Born May 9, 1939, in Gardner, Mass., Don was the son of Lawrence O. Black and Esther M. (Lindsey) Black. A 1957 graduate of Athol High School, he attended Boston University and then earned a basketball scholarship for the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where his teammates and he played in the Yankee Conference, which was a first in the history of UMass basketball.
Don shared his love and knowledge to the countless people he educated and influenced as a forester in South Dakota and for nearly four decades in Strafford County, N.H., as a UNH Cooperative Extension Educator. Don received recognition and numerous awards and was instrumental starting the Back Yard Tree Farm Program.
Affectionately and reverently known as "Tall Pine," Don "logged" many hours on woodlots, rivers, and the gym throughout his life; illustrating the example that dedicated hard work reaped immeasurable benefits.
Don is survived by his wife, Jessica Kenney; his sons, Adam Black and Josh Black; his stepdaughter, Erin Kenney and stepson, Ryland Kenney; his granddaughters, Sonata and Jaela Black; his three brothers, Richard and his wife, Marlene; Marvin and his wife, Ruth; Stuart and his wife, Brenda.
He was predeceased by his sister, Lois, and he has nieces and nephews who always speak of him with affection and respect.
He loved being with family, his land, cutting wood with his friend, Scott Hodgdon, canoeing, chocolate, maple sugaring with the Shones and Augers, competitive cribbage, relaxing on his porch with his wife, and singing and playing guitar with his sons, Josh and Adam.
A memorial service for family will occur at a later date.
@Online guest book:Visit www.fosters.com/obits for an online guest book.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Black
South Dakota
July 19, 2023
So sorry to hear about the passing of Don Black, expecially, sad to find out nearly 13 years afterward. I started working for the South Dakota Division of Forestry in the fall of 1970. Don was my supervisor. He was one terrific man with a postive outlook on life, and very supportive person no matter what your connection with him might have been. When he made the decision to return to his home state, I replaced him as the Area Forester, in Huron, South Dakota, and eventually became the State Forester. Blessing to to all of his loved ones. Yes, his memories still live on. Jim Verville, Traverse City, Michigan
Raoul (HANK) Noel
December 16, 2019
Donald and I were close friends He was a quiet and strong companion we only really spent 3 years as friends 5th to 8th grade because we lived in opposites sides of town but his presence instilled in me a lifetime of personal strength and guidance to move on and raise a fine and loving family to be a leader and effective parent and not a dictator thank you Donald Raoul Hank Noel
Atty. Gail Catalfo
January 16, 2011
I guess bad news travels slow to Gatlinburg ,TN. I just heard that Don has passed. I turned to my husband and said," My friend Don Black died",but of those who knew him who wouldn't say he was a friend no matter how long or short the length of time you spent with him.
I served with him on the Cooperative Extension Counsel and occassionally ran into him at the courthouse where we both did business. It was always a pleasure to see him and talk. My favorite subject was maple sugar either how is it shaping up or what happened to last years crop. He always had an answer. He loved his school sugaring projects.
It gave me peace to think that he had one last walk in the woods.It is my hope he now can walk in all the great forests of the world free of affiliction and earthly restraints.Don's was a life well lived and he will be missed.
My sympathy to his family and all who loved him.
Bambi Miller
January 6, 2011
Josh, Adam and all of Don's family:
I know you must feel a great loss and I hope you find confort in knowing that Don was a do'er and left behind his handy work everywhere with his advice and work on the landscape. The world was changed in a better way because this great gentleman was here among us. He helped me greatly when I first starting at the Conservation District and we work together on projects for almost 20 years. He new the woods well and loved them. None of us ever thought that Don would really retire, because he loved his work so much, and did so only because of health reasons. Don will live on through all the people that he educated and through the projects he made possiable. I will miss his friendship, guidence and smile.
Bambi Miller
Strafford County Conservation District
Cynthia Maltbie
January 4, 2011
Adam and Josh, Bruce and I were so saddened to hear of your Dad's death. What a life force he was. I love hearing the stories of Bruce and your Dad skating their rent checks across the lake, the time that Don fell through the ice but managed to pound his way to solid ice and pull himself up and walk into the shower to melt off the ice. And so many other wonderful stories. He was such a friend to Bruce and taught him lessons he will use for the rest of his life. I'm grateful I had the chance to get to know him. Our love and sympathy. What a man.
Cynthia Maltbie & Bruce Mays
January 3, 2011
To Don's family:
Our thoughts are with you. We took the chainsaw safety and cleaning training at Farm & Forest taught by Don. Whenever we took the chainsaw to be repaired we would mention we learned from Don and that meant that the repair shop owners knew not to pull a fast one on us girls. In that one class he made such an impact.
Charlene Andersen & Cheryl Smith
Bill H
January 3, 2011
Jess, Adam, Josh and family,
condolences on your loss of a great guy.
Barbara Mays
January 1, 2011
Josh and Adam,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of your dad and your family brings to mind many happy memories. He was such a big part of all that. I hope your own memories of him will bring you peace and a smile soon.
Barbara Mays
Davis&Carolyn Clarke
December 31, 2010
Our love and prayers for all of Don's family. Davis and Carolyn Clarke
Peter Lindsey
December 30, 2010
Adam and Josh I am sorry for your loss. Although its been awhile I have fond memories of spending time with you at the Bow homestead. God Bless
Martin Harty
December 29, 2010
There are some beautiful tall red oak trees growing on the land I used to own in Barrington. Donald Black came out in 1980 and told me how to shape my woodlot. He was a decent guy and really knew his business.
Sorry to hear of his passing but glad he was here for 71 years.
Erin Garven-Goodnight
December 29, 2010
Josh, Adam and Family - I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember your Dad early when hanging out with Josh as kids (the bag of dinos!) and later seeing him now and then at the gym. We keep you in our thoughs as you move through this painful time.
Shaun Lagueux
December 29, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a great forester and helped countless people manage their woodlots. He will be missed.
Adam Black
December 29, 2010
I am overcome with all the warmth, kindness and energy sent to my family and me. My dad loved life and shared with many of us. Thank you for giving back to us with your memories and kind words. Your efforts help guide me through this difficult time.
Adam A. Black
The Doirons
December 28, 2010
Jessie,
We were so sorry to hear of Don's passing. I remember him playing guitar and singing with the preschool students, "In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight". He was such a gentle "giant", a kind man and he will be greatly missed. As his suffering is gone, I know you are enduring a new suffering. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cathy Miller
December 27, 2010
Adam (and family),
I was so sorry to hear of your father's passing. Even though I never met him, I could tell by the way you spoke of him, your dad was a very special man. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this most stressful of times.
With Sincere Condolences,
jennifer Moholland-Black
December 27, 2010
so sorry to heard about donald. he was a great man. he lead me and my family to plant many trees, and to participate in the conservation commitee in strafford county. Thank you for the wonderful times you share with us. Jennifer Moholland-Black (James N. Black's daughter)
Joe Carbone
December 25, 2010
To Don's Family: I was a student at UNH when I met Don and worked for him while going to forestry school as a co-op student. He taught me about listening to what landowners wanted to do with their lands and gave me confidence to be a forester. He was a gentle giant who gained the respect of landowners because he was so genuine. I have memories of walking the woods with landowners and sitting in kitchens and by woodstoves linstening to family histories. I remember Don buying me pie and coffee at the Rochester Rotery. I remember Don talking about his love of his sons and music. Thanks to Don Black, a father, a mentor, a forester, and a dedicated public servent. - Joe Carbone, US Forest Service
Lisa Ball
December 25, 2010
Adam and family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. He sounds like he was a great man and father.
Love Lisa , Greg and Cassie Ball
Laurie (Scott) DiGregorio
December 25, 2010
Adam,
I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family at this difficult time.
December 24, 2010
Josh and Adam,
My most sincere condolences to both of you and your family at this very difficult time.
Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron Caplette
Bill Brady
December 24, 2010
Many years ago, I had the privilege of working with Don on a series of "phone-in" shows on Channel 11 (NHPTV). Don was a wonderfully talented performer with a warm personality and an impressive store of knowledge that made even the most difficult subject easy for the viewer (and the often not-too-well informed TV host)to understand.
More than that wisdom on so many subjects -- and the seemingly endless supply of expert friends that he was able to recruit for our programs -- I remember most vividly his kindness and enthusiasm for life. NH has lost a genuine treasure.
My sincere condolences to Don's family and friends.
Ed Collins
December 23, 2010
An ermine crossed my path this morning as drove to work on rt 4 in Springfield, N.H. It was slender, all white with a black tipped tail. A slender agile creature well adapted to it's home in the forests of N.H. It reminded me of your dad Adam. A gentile, yet agile and cunning person. he will be missed however, remembered for his teachings and love of the outdoors.
Brian Warburton
December 23, 2010
Dear Mr. Black: I didn't know your Dad the way so many folks did, but I met him once on a canoe trip down the Isinglass. I think he and you pulled me back to safety when I lost my footing on the clay bank trying to get in my kayak. I'm very sorry to learn of your family's loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very hard time.
Darlene Brown
December 23, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, the Black family for the loss of Don. I am a Tree Steward and always enjoyed it when I would find out that Don was going to be at the event I was going to, since I knew I would be learning more that day. He will be truly missed in the forestry/environmental areas.
May God give you all peace at this time.
Sincerely,
Darlene H. Brown
David Leonard
December 23, 2010
Jessie, Adam, and Josh,
I am deeply saddened by Don’s passing and your personal loss. He greatly enriched the lives of so many as a father, spouse, friend, forester, and musician.
Don’s life was marked by many outstanding achievements, but, as a work colleague, I am most deeply touched by witnessing the patience, courage, grace, openness, and good humor he displayed over the many months of dealing with a serious chronic illness and its hardships. His family was a precious source of comfort to him. My heart goes out to you.
Don's retirement party
Lisa Kennedy
December 23, 2010
Don driving the tractor.
December 23, 2010
Don Black on the sugarin' tractor
December 23, 2010
Don Black & Julia B - 1996
December 23, 2010
Don Black and Maria B
Anna and Dana Boudreau
December 23, 2010
Dear Jessica, Adam and Josh...and to all of Don's extended family members,
Words cannot express how much Don will be missed.
Our family will treasure the many memories of being out in the woods with Don, whether maple sugaring with him at the Shone's every year, measuring Big Trees with him as a Tree Steward or flying down the Cochecho River in a canoe, hoping my life-vest worked properly in case we tipped over.
Thinking of you at this difficult time and sending our thoughts and prayers your way.
Raoul Noel;
December 23, 2010
My name is Raoul Noel. I went to school in the 7th and 8th grade with Don He was a great individual to associate with and though we never associated outside of school he was a great friend in school and in the school yard. His manner and personality was a model for all of us who knew him My condolences to his family and our prayers to you all I met him briefly at the last reunion He spoke highly of his family and especially his boys and their music
Ray Lundborn
December 23, 2010
My condolences go out to Adam and the Black Family.
Nancy Stone
December 23, 2010
To all of you,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I have known all of you for many years and know how much Mr. Black will be missed. He will be greatly missed.
December 23, 2010
Dear Jesse, Josh and Adam,
We are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was a great man and will be missed.
Sincerely,
Paul and Kerri Jenkins
Don Black, in his element. In the woods teaching about forestry.
Bob and Denise Edmonds
December 22, 2010
Jessie, Adam and Josh,
Our thoughts are with you. You and Don meant so much to each other and brought each other joy and happiness. You all freely shared that family joy with many of us.
Don has touched the minds and hearts of a lot of people. Don made a positive difference in the lives of many people that he influenced and made giant strides in shaping a stewardship ethic among those who influence the forested landscape in New Hampshire.
Our memories are filled with smiles that Don always brought to us. We will truely miss this good and valued friend.
Mark Rainey
December 22, 2010
Adam,
I'm very sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers go out to you and Josh. He was a great man, and I feel privileged to have known him sence you and I were in kindergarten together.
Brian St. Laurent
December 22, 2010
Adam,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Though I did not know him personally, I just know he was a great man as he raised a fine son. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
December 22, 2010
Sorry to hear of Don's passing.He was a great man.
Loren Pierce
Lee Russell Jr
December 22, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Dons passing. He is a great person with a kind word for everyone. He was a very dear friend of my fathers for many years and i got to know him well.
jan thorne
December 22, 2010
Memories of him playing at the "Grange" event.
Our Condolences
The Laura(Gerald)Thorne Family
December 22, 2010
Mr.Black, sorry to here about the loss of your dad.
Mackenzie Dias
Pati Frew-Waters
December 22, 2010
Don's Family,
Many years ago I first met Don while hosting my radio show in Rochester. Over the years I had the good fortune to meet up with Don from time to time as we were going along on our busy life roads. Truly an amazing human being who found his purpose early in life and fullfilled his dream while touching others along the way with his grace, knowledge and kindness.
Don took the roads less traveled and turned them into better places for all of us to know and enjoy, treasure and tend.
"The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way. Some see Nature all ridicule and deformity,and some scarce see Nature at all.But to the eyes of the man of imagination, Nature is Imagination itself." William Blake
Carolyn & Gordon Page
December 22, 2010
Jessica, Our sympathies to you and the family. I was lucky enough to inherit Don's big, black Big Tree binder. I think of him every time I have to go to it to look up info on a tree (mostly measured by him) and will continue to do so. But now I can't ask him the hard questions about trying to find some of them. He will be dearly missed throughout Strafford Co.
Tom Powers
December 22, 2010
Don was a good man. Never in too much of a hurry to stop and chat for a moment, a genuine, warm person. The world is poorer in his passing.
Nancy Kierstead
December 22, 2010
He had such a huge presence, and not just with his obvious height. He did so much to make the world a better place, educating, helping, making music, bringing happiness... My deepest condolances.
Keith & Linda Blaisdell
December 22, 2010
Adam,
So sorry to hear about your dad. I always enjoyed times at the gym with you and Don. God bless him, you and your family.
Brenda Nelson
December 22, 2010
Don Black's musical talents were so enjoyable. He was a larger than life man, friend and inspiration. Happy Trails, my friend.
December 22, 2010
Dear Jessica, Adam and Josh,
So sorry to learn of Don's passing. I know this has been a tough spell for you all. And so glad he had that last visit with his trees. He has been part of our lives for so long. He signed Becca's Dr. Seuss Birthday Book as her tallest friend. He hugged many of our oaks while guiding us in our woodlot. But what I will remember most about this big man is his booming voice and his terrific smile. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Pat Frisella
Sue Hoey
December 22, 2010
Don had a tremendous influence on my personal and professional life. He will be sorely missed but his spirit will thrive in the hearts of those he touched so deeply.
Don Black doing what he did best.
December 22, 2010
Don Black, my friend and colleague, was a big man - not only in size but in heart. He had such a passion for life, for family, for friends, for co-workers, and for the profession of forestry. Don never did things on a small scale, it was always pedal to the metal - full speed ahead. If you could convince Don that something was worth the time and effort then you would have 100% of his enthusiasm and support.
Jessie, Adam, and Josh - Our hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow. Don will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
JB and Anne Cullen - Strafford
December 22, 2010
Adam,Josh and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time!
Chris & Jenn Dias and family
Sandy Baker
December 22, 2010
Moved from Strafford in 1999 but remember Don very well. He assisted in our wood lot. A very special person.
Kitty & Gray Cornwell
December 22, 2010
Don was one of the first people we met when we moved to this area. What luck! He generously shared his time and expertise with us and always left us smiling. Haven't seen him in a number of years but we will continue to think of him fondly and send our thoughts and prayers to all who are missing him.
Jean Miccolo
December 22, 2010
My sympathies and prayers to the family and friends of Don. He was a wonderful man, loved by all who knew him. His kind, gentle, and giving ways will be greatly missed.
With thoughts and prayers,
Jean Miccolo
Laurie Bernier
December 22, 2010
Thank you for all the knowledge and time you spent with myself and then my children Don, you will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family in this tough time.
December 22, 2010
In memory of a great man and friend. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Sincerly,
Bill Andrews
Dennis Rand
December 22, 2010
To Dons family, my sincere condolence. Don was very helpful when I started out, during and just after finishing my forestry degree. I am very sad to hear of his untimely passing.
Ernie Shipman
December 22, 2010
Our family would like to extend it's sympathy to the Black family in your time of mourning. Don was always a pleasure to be around and will be missed by so many. What a blessing you must have in all the pleasant memories.
Ernie, Wendy, Sam & Emma Shipman
December 22, 2010
Our thoughts and sympathy to Jessica and family on the passing of Don, who was always a friend and good neighbor.
Sincerely,
Cheryl and Mike Roy
Showing 1 - 60 of 60 results
Make a Donation
in Donald Black's name
Memorial Events
for Donald Black
How to support Donald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donald Black's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
