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Dr. Donald Washburn,89

DONALD EDWARD WASHBURN

1932—2021

 

Obituary June 28, 2021

 

 

 

Dr. Donald E. Washburn, beloved father, grandfather, poet and professor, died peacefully at his home in North Adams, Massachusetts on June 17. He was 89 years of age.

 

Don is survived by his daughter Laurie Wiggins, and his sons, Jarrod (Jed) Washburn of West Newbury, Massachusetts, and Justin Washburn of Williamstown. He is also survived by his son-in-law Douglas Wiggins; his daughters-in-law Sarah Powers and Joy Washburn; as well as by seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his fourth wife Beverly Washburn, his brother Kenneth Washburn, and his son, Edward (Ned) Washburn. An incurable romantic—and eternal optimist—Don was married five times, and is survived by his former wives Nancy Ahern, Willie Tokarz of North Adams, Ellen Abbott of North Adams, and Judy Washburn of Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

 

Don was born on June 14, 1932, in Neptune, New Jersey, son of the late Albert and Sylvia Washburn of Easton, Pennsylvania. A top student at Easton High School, Don served as student body president and was a star player on the Easton High varsity football team. Accepted to Yale University on an athletic scholarship, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English in 1954, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in 1955. In 1962, he received his Ph.D. in Communications from the University of Denver.

 

Don began his college teaching career in Pennsylvania, first at Edinboro University, then at East Stroudsburg University. In 1971, he accepted a tenured position in the English department at the Massachusetts College of the Liberal Arts in North Adams, serving multiple terms as chairman, and retired from teaching in 2014. During his 43-year career at MCLA, Don was one of the college’s most admired and sought-after professors, teaching an extraordinary range of courses—everything from speech, business writing and composition, to unique, custom-crafted courses exploring the nexus of literature, philosophy and spirituality.

 

was a gifted and accomplished poet, publishing three volumes of poetry with the Poet’s Press: The Boy From Under the Trees (1986), In the Eye of the Red-Tailed Hawk (2009) and Prayer Beads (2016). Many of ’s poems were deeply personal, including two exquisite sonnets he composed in 2013: one for the memorial service of his eldest son, Ned, and the other for the wedding of his second son, Jed.

 

Don was a profoundly spiritual man, and explored many faiths and belief systems in his life-long pursuit of divine truth. Studying the Eastern mystical religion of Sufism for many years, Don became a Sufi spiritual guide and often led Universal Worship services at the Abode of the Message in New Lebanon, New York. Later in life, he returned to his Protestant roots and joined the First Congregational Church of North Adams.

 

Always creative and curious, Don’s hobbies and interests were many, including digital music composition, computer programming, and model building: constructing train sets, slot-car tracks, and a custom-designed, hand-built, fully-operational model baseball game. He dabbled in astrology and politics—running for Massachusetts state auditor on the Libertarian ticket in 1982—and was a devoted fan of classical music and the Boston Celtics. Don was also an avid animal lover, at one time having a menagerie that included two Shelties, two rabbits, 13 lovebirds, two cockatiels and a long-haired cat.

 

Known for his wry humor and razor-sharp wit, Don enjoyed wordplay of all kinds, quipping many a groan-worthy pun. A true “gentleman and a scholar,” Don was both a deep thinker and a captivating raconteur. He fell in love with books at a young age, and his passion for language and learning lasted throughout his long, well-lived life.

 

In two of the final poems in his third book, “Prayer Beads,” Don looked back on his life:

 

I do not stand voiceless and noncommittal,

who have enough words for every wild weather.

And if a truth should rise up, after all,

well, your truth and mine will dance together.

Ask me what I’ve come to. This is it.

 

And looked ahead, as well, to what awaited him:

 

Then we will grasp your hand and confirm

The promise of that solemn covenant,

wherein our quotidian intentions turn

to purest light, and heaven to earth is bent.

Coming among us, make eternity your gift.

 

A service for Don has not been announced at this time, but donations in his memory can be made to the Ned Washburn Memorial Scholarship Fund at Good Hope Country Day School in St. Croix—R.R. 1, P.O. Box 6199, Kingshill, USVI 00850. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.


Obituary Posted By:

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
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I assumed Don was immortal, and perhaps he is. His presence among us fortified me with purpose, grace and equanimity. A creative soul, he never pushed his art to the front, but was always delighted to share it. I will return to his poems, looking again for his gentle spirit. Peace to you, Don, and your family.
from: Ben Jacqueson: 07-07-2021

This man, so bright and funny himself, is responsible for a big ole love-filled chunk of my heart: all you kids. So sorry for your loss. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
from: April Claggetton: 07-07-2021

Always collegial and sharp in his perception of the world around him, Don would frequently engage in a critical discourse with students and faculty everyday. I was lucky to receive such communications though you never quite knew what was coming! He kept you on your toes. Also, his classes were very much designed with a student-centered learning process in mind. Students knew they would be stretched and that at the core of his classes, their progress was very much his concern. Rest in peace.
from: Mike Birchon: 07-06-2021

Don often expressed eagerness as he pondered the next big step in his journey. While he has left this physical realm, we who knew him, learned from him, and loved him can rest knowing he must be dancing in glee. He hasn't really left us. Laurie, Jed, and Justin, you are blessed to have him as a dad.
from: JMWQon: 07-06-2021

Correction: Everyone has reason to mourn losing his presence among us.
from: David Langstonon: 07-06-2021

I am so sorry to learn of Don's passing. As a colleague of his at MCLA, I enjoyed my occasional interactions with him in meetings and passing in the hallway in Murdock Hall. He once told me his secret to continued health as he aged was goji berries! May he rest in peace, and may you find solace in your memories.
from: Nancy Ovitskyon: 07-06-2021

Don Washburn was a treasured colleague at MCLA. Our offices were adjacent for years, and he regularly — sometimes daily — stopped by with thoughtful observations about the college, our common interests in literature, and public questions where his wide-ranging, imagination could see embedded ethical puizzles, religious questions, and recurring human dilemmas. He had a generous, welcoming mind that sought the goodness in others, and he resisted rushing to judgment or to finding easily available solutions. His long experience as professor and departmental leader made him a valuable resource for thinking about the changing character of education. When he retired, I missed his counsel and hearty good will, and with his passing everyone has reason to lose his presence among us.
from: David Langstonon: 07-06-2021

Jed and Justin, my heart goes out to you and your families during this time of deepest loss. I had the pleasure of taking Speech with your Dad at North Adams State College in the late 80’s. His humor made the class a pleasure and I remember him fondly. May his memory be a blessing to you.
from: Molly Gueston: 07-05-2021

Don was a true intellect and a mensch. His greatest teaching was by his example. He touched many lives and passed forward to many students and friends his key traits and interests: kindness, respect, curiosity, love of learning and quest for spirituality. There are pixels of Don embedded in me and I am better for it. Thanks Don. And, for all we know, maybe your journey is just beginning. I hope so. Enjoy.
from: Peter Mayon: 07-05-2021

Jed, so sorry for your loss.
from: Don Pecoron: 07-05-2021

Deepest condolences.
I took several courses at MCLA/NAPS with "Professor Washburn"...to this day, having him as professor is one of my best experiences at college. Even after graduating, when I returned to the area, I sought him out just to say "hello"
from: Deniseon: 07-04-2021

Dear Jed and Justin,
I was surprised and saddened to learn of
your dad’s death. Like him, I believed he’d
go on teaching forever. You have my sincere
condolences, and may the good memories sustain
you during these difficult times. 💜
from: Diane Parsonson: 07-03-2021

I am very sorry to learn of Don's death. He was a kind and fun loving soul. We used to spend our lunch breaks at North Adams State College playing badminton in the gym and have interesting talks about his spiritual beliefs. I will always have fond memories of our friendship. I pray that he is at peace with the Lord. God bless you, Don.
from: Carl Villanuevaon: 07-03-2021

With so much love from our family to yours.
from: The Elder familyon: 07-02-2021

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