Donald Raymond Holtz

Still another year passes and my memories of my friendship with Don have not faded. We not only taught side by side for so many years, but we developed a long term social and personal relationship which helped us both support each other during difficult times in our lives. Our families grew up around the same ages and we shared so many good times. I can't believe it has been so many years since we lost one of the most sincere and generous and smart friend and dedicated professional. His work with the WTA supasses all his predecessors by miles, and they were all very good. Don taught me one very important value...... and that was learning how to be patient and flexible in an atmosphere we taught in with "no walls". He always managed to make things work and encouraged me to do the same. I went through some very difficult years and I could always count on Don to have my back. I so much wish he were still here nearby, but I do still sense his spiritual support and friendship.
To David and the rest of his family, I wish you much peace in the memories of what a special person he was to so many others.

Hardly a week ever goes by That my dear life long friend Don Holtz Doesn't enter my daily thoughts and often my evening dreams. So he must still be there somewhere playing a role in my dreams . Just last night He and I We're moving into a new classroom as students ourselves of a teacher who was clearly Our former last and late principal Jon olson. Don gave so much to our teachers organization, his students, and his many friends. As each other's best friend, His memory And are our many years together Will always be cherished .

Don was a fighter to the end. He lived and breathed history, and Parkinsons slowed but did not stop him. He was the most even-tempered man I have ever known. Don was a long time WTA president and classroom teacher. I can not recall him ever raising his voice! Williamsville is a far better school district because of Don.

David and family,
I was so sorry to read about Don's passing. I had the privilege of serving with Don in the WTA. He was such a kind and gentle man. I have so many fond memories of him. He was legendary in Williamsville. My condolences to all of you.

Carolyn, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Bob, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I had the privilege of working with Don as fellow social studies teacher in the 90s. Don taught me a great deal about the profession and what it meant to be a teaching professional. Don was a caring and gentle man who certainly did not fit the stereotypical notion of a union leader. He always found time to help others even though he had a very busy schedule. He was generous with his time and talent. Please accept my condolences and know that Don lived a purposeful life that touched the lives of the many students and staff he worked with. He will be missed.

Dave,
My thoughts and prayers to you and yours. You were always there when he needed you and I know that will comfort you.
Judy Sharkey

Don provided outstanding leadership and support to the WTA. He was a masterful negotiator. We appreciate his many years of dedication and service to the Williamsville School District. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the Holtz family.

During one's lifetime, we may have the good fortune to meet someone who will become one's "best friend". This was my good fortune some 43 years ago when Don Holtz walked into my world as we were in the infancy of our teaching careers. For all you have meant to me, Don, thanks for the memories of the great support we were to each other during times of stress as well as the enduring value of the many shared life events. I know that we will somehow once again "have each other's back". May we both find eternal comfort in knowing that. My deepest sympathy to David, Donna, and Kathy and his other family members who will so miss his gentle and generous qualities.

I had the pleasure of working with Don in the Williamsville School District. He was a dedicated social studies teacher,calm leader and a true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

My deepest sympathy to the Holtz family. I always admired Don and his quiet leadership. We shared a love of history and sat in the audience together at many school board meetings. He was a perfect gentleman.

Don was a sincere, honest professional. He worked very hard to represent the WTA and did so with dignity and class. God bless his soul. Chuck Osborne--Heim Schools Principal ret.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

To the Holtz family,
I was a faculty member with Don in Williamsville. He always impressed me as a knowlegeable and respected teacher and faculty leader. Please accept my sincerest condolences at this very sad time.

I was sad to learn of Don's passing. We were in High School together in Newfane-even dated for a couple of years. We also were at Fredonia College at the same time, but lost touch when I left to get married.
I have many fond memories -my sincere sympathy to all of his family.

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Holtz. I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher at Williamsville South. He made learning the material fun and exciting. He was such a sweet and kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

To all the Holtz Family we send our sincerest sympathy from the Carlson Family.We have been the best of friends since college and shared and enjoyed the many unique experiences that Don nurtured as a hands-on-history teacher. Our family shall never forget Don and the great times we had together as families!

Margaret and family,
So sorry about the loss of your brother. Don would be very proud he had such a loving sister. All my thoughts and prayers always.

My most sincere condolences. Colleen Granger