Instructions: If you have a memory or a story or a message of remembrance to share with the community, please follow this link and fill in the form. Periodically, we will update this site with the memories and stories and messages that you've shared.

Memories, Stories, and Messages of Remembrance:

"When I first joined the Newberg School District, I remember thinking Don is a perfect characterization of the Newberg community. Our community is one often described as “service above self” and commitment to making a difference. Don has lived his life in the service of his community. He has been an incredible educator who has made the difference in the lives of so many kids. Every summer, Don gave his time to support special needs children through a camp experience. He is patient, caring and kind to everyone in his world. Don has also been such an influential voice in our district. He could always be counted on to take on some really challenging changes with calm, reflective, servant leadership. "

Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza

When I came to the district, Don was the first person to reach out and want to get to know me. During my daughters volleyball season, Don would come up to my office the day after a game, and he would know whether she played and how many assists, he had read the schools webpage to know what happened in the game. That was how Don connected with people. He cared about you and your life.

Dave Parker

Don was an immediate hit at his new assignment, helping the new administrator (me) through the peaks and valleys of his first year as a principal at a very large elementary school, which included three special programs. I learned later that Don attended Mabel Rush as a child and was Greg Abbott's favorite student. From working with Don, I learned the importance of relationships, patience, listening, trust and integrity — for these traits, there is not a greater role model. During our time together at Mabel Rush, Don and I worked to bring together a very experienced group of professionals. He worked closely with Stormy Kalick in the Academic Intervention program, building relationships and supports for students with behavioral, academic, and social challenges. Don's attention to detail and ability to connect with students helped many of the Mabel Rush students to thrive. The end of the year celebrations, which included lip-sync bands ("Out of Sync") and sumo wrestling were two such events that stand out. Working along-side Don was a great support for me and a great learning opportunity at the beginning of my administrative career.

Kevin Milner

Serene

Trustworthy

Authentic

Polite

Loving

Earnest

Sterling

You will be missed, sir.

Rena

A brush with Don was never just a brush with Don. It was never just a courteous hello. Don was always genuinely interested in what you were doing, and what you had to say. He wasn’t just interested in work, he would always ask, and remember the smallest details from your last conversation.

He had this air of calmness and confidence. No matter the problem, after talking to Don you knew things were going to be ok. He was a big brotherly protector that gave sound advice.

I’m going to miss those brushes with Don, especially the stories and advice that went along with them.

Jamie McParland

One of my favorite memories of Don involved his comedic timing. Don took advantage of the right action at the right time to bring the house down. The first time I experienced this was my first time speaking in front of the entire district. In the fall of 2013, senior staff had broken up the opening day introduction to all staff, and my part was to talk about some of the district goals and hand it off to Don. I was nervous speaking in front of the whole district, and I was supposed to say “the goals of the Newberg Schools District….” And instead, what came out of my mouth was “Here in the Hillsboro School District." The crowd started to laugh, and I was standing there perplexed as I hadn't even figured out what I did wrong. Don, with his sense of humor, jumped up and grabbed the microphone from my hand, and swatted me kindly on the back of the head and handed the microphone to Dr. Leblanc Esparza. The whole incident was hilarious, but there was something else about it that many people didn't understand. His actions allowed me to laugh at myself and enjoy what might have been a really embarrassing event. Instead, it is one of my favorite stories, and a favorite of many of you, because you will often remind me when we talk. Don was a special man, and someone I will never forget.

Dave Parker

I had been riffed and had spent a tough year in a temporary position in another district when there became an opening in Newberg at the school where Don was an assistant principal. He had known me from the previous district and made sure I got an interview. When I came back after being hired to get a picture taken with a special student that would be mine the next year, I felt like I was coming home. Don was a part of a transition that I know would have never happened if he had not gone to bat for me.

Barbara Mann