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David and Diana Wehner posted a condolence
Sunday, March 7, 2021
Don Waddington was a great friend to me and my wife Diana and mentor to me during our time in graduate school at Penn State and continued to stay in contact long after we left State College. I have fond memories of how he helped us during and after graduate school. One year he rode with us to the Agronomy meetings in Knoxville, Tennessee so that we could afford to attend the meetings and he gave us his mileage reimbursement that he received for the trip. When I finished my grad program, he helped us move from State College to Maryland, riding in the rental truck with me and helping us unload our furniture. Another time when I was a faculty member at the University of Illinois, he and Caroline babysat for our son when we were at a professional meeting in Canada so that we could attend the gala dinner. When I was still a graduate student I was asked to review a research paper that had been submitted to the journal Crop Science by another author. Don reviewed my comments and helped make sure my review was done in a professional manner. Don was just that type of person who helped people when they needed it. We witnessed the great love that he had for Caroline and his children. When we would talk on the phone after he retired, he would update what was happening with all of the family. He was so proud of his family. We are deeply saddened by news of his passing. There are not enough Don Waddingtons in this world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
David and Diana Wehner
San Luis Obispo, California
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Kathy Lirette Posted Jan 28, 2024 at 9:19 PM
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Akhil Kumar posted a condolence
Monday, February 22, 2021
I am very saddened to learn of Don's passing. I came to know Don in the summer of 2009 when I started playing badminton at Easterly Parkway School on Friday nights. Over the years I got to know him well. Don was very regular at badminton and I would see him almost every Friday. It became a ritual. Not only was playing with him fun, but often I would pull up a chair next to his on the sidelines of the court and chat with him. He imparted his wisdom along with his wonderful sense of humor. His badminton strokes were terrific and even into his 80s he was remarkably agile and fit. It was only in the last 2-3 years that he started to decline, and would often joke about his ailments. Don lived a full and happy life, he lived it well, and he touched so many other lives. He made a difference. Rest in peace, Dear Friend! I will miss you!
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G T lit a candle
Monday, February 22, 2021
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I still remember his smile when we played badminton together in Easterly elementary school. He talked about his big family as I can remember and he's a happy man.
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Art Gover posted a condolence
Saturday, February 6, 2021
It is difficult to briefly summarize Don because his impact sort of sneaks up on you, I think. I had the great fortune of working in his orbit when I had my first 'real' job at Penn State, and having him serve on my graduate committee. He was open, friendly, and took genuine interest in you and what you were doing. He wasn't too busy or too important to help you with something, whether it was professional or personal. He was a tremendous scientist and teacher, but you knew that because you saw him do it and he invited you to share the experience, rather than him conveying himself that way. It was a good day at the research facility when he pulled in with the current Buick, checked in with you then rated some plots or collected some clipping weights, He shared his attention and time freely. He really served as a steadying mentor figure for a bunch of young, unruly aspiring scientists. I'm now as old as he was when he 'retired', and I feel like I need another lifetime of effort to get to be the person he was.
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Katherine Lirette posted a condolence
Friday, February 5, 2021
It is still difficult to accept my father is gone. His dementia was progressing and compounded by a combination of chronic and acute physical illnesses. Richard and I visited in March 2020 and assisted with his move to Assisted Living. Sadly COVID took away the one major benefit of this move in his eyes- social interactions. That being said, my father made his mark talking to every staff member that would spare the time and fast became one of the “popular” residents. He was a dedicated husband, father, and scholar. I am thankful he is resting in peace.
Kathy
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Terry Buchen, CGCS, MG posted a condolence
Friday, January 22, 2021
Dr. Waddington was the most knowledgeable soil expert in the country, if not the world. He shall surely be missed as a great person, mentor and friend. PSU Class of 1968.
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Jeff Vietmeier lit a candle
Thursday, January 21, 2021
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My condolences to the family. I had Dr.Don for class at Penn State in 1985 and enjoyed his class! He was an excellent instructor and a genuine person.
Rest in Peace.
Jeff Vietmeier
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Norm Hummel posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
I can not put into words the impact your Dad had on my life and career. He was like a second father to me. Aside from guiding me through my graduate work he was always there to talk to. I was fortunate to have worked with him on projects after I left in 1982 and maintained a pretty close relationship with him. Don and Caroline always welcomed me and my family when we came to visit State College. They were both wonderful people. I talked to Don about a week before his passing. While his memory was failing I am glad now to have heard his voice one last time. Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss.
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Katherine Lirette Posted Feb 5, 2021 at 3:00 PM
Norm,
Some of my most treasured memories are sharing time with my parents which often included my fathers friends and colleagues. I recall the image of your face and the sound of my father's voice saying your name - as it was a common occurrence during the years I spent as a student at Penn State. His family extended well beyond the doors of our home on Pine Tree Avenue. Thank you for your kind words. It means a lot to know he will not be forgotten.
Kathy
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Jessie Bowman Barth posted a condolence
Friday, January 15, 2021
Don and Caroline Waddington were wonderful neighbors. Our family lived across the street from them on Pine Tree Avenue in Boalsburg. How fortunate we were. They were always ready to share their knowledge, zest for life, stories, and help, if needed. They were a beautiful team and reflected so many admirable qualities.
The photo of Don above in his jacket and tie is exactly how I remember him. He had a quiet dignity, a keen eye that revealed his intelligence, and a smile that always seem to lead the way. Of course, it was fun to know all the Waddington children, and I send you all my warmest regards, and condolences on Don's passing. He will reside in my Pantheon of Heroes.
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Robert Malcom posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 12, 2021
We kept the balcony pews warm together at SC Presby. Our sympathy to the family. Ellen and Bob Malcom
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Dave Stillman lit a candle
Saturday, January 9, 2021
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I was sad to hear the news of Don's passing. I spent a lot of time in the Waddington house when I was growing up, and Don and Caroline were like a second set of parents in those days and always made me feel welcome. Upon reading the obituary for Don it occurred to me that he had just about everything one could ask from life. A long life, a nice home, a great career, a loving wife, sons and daughters he could be proud, grandchildren to dote over, and surrounded friends and even neighbors that held Don in high regard-it seems a person could ask for little else from life. Rest In Peace Don
Dave Stillman
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Randy Gibboney lit a candle
Saturday, January 9, 2021
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R.I.P. neighbor and friend.
I wish we had spent more time on the porch.
You are forever returned into the arms of Caroline, who you missed so much. Good life, good man.
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George B Thompson CGCS posted a condolence
Friday, January 8, 2021
Rest in peace Don,He was my Turf one instructor at U.Mass ( Stockbridge School of Agriculture ) in 1962, he opened my eyes to Turf Mgt realizing there was a career possibility as a Golf Course Superintendent. Before attending college grass was just something I took for granted - just something to mow. Since 1962 I was fortunate to be successful as a Superintendent at two famous county clubs total forty years - retired in 2001 and taught golf turf management for fourteen years.I am now retired and can thank Don Waddington for encouraging me in a business that I loved.
Very sincerely,
George B Thompson CGCS
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Bob Reese posted a condolence
Friday, January 8, 2021
I worked closely with Don as an assistant scout leader at the wilderness camp on several occasions. I found him to be helpful, intelligent and cheerful. I cannot say enough good about Don. His contributions to scouting were amazing. Please accept my condolences. Bob Reese
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Henry C. Wetzel posted a condolence
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Dr. Don was an excellent teacher. He taught us to always look closely at the data before making decisions. He encouraged me to go onto graduate school. Dr. Don was just an overall really nice, genuine person that I always enjoyed talking with. I know that he will be missed by many of his students and especially his family. Rest in peace, Dr. Don
Henry C. Wetzel III, Ph.D. Class of 1992
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Keith Folk posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
So sorry to hear of Don's passing.
My condolences to the Waddington Family. We grew up in the same neighborhood.
Your dad was a great person, a good father, a good husband and a good friend.
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Hobie Kistler posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Dear Waddington/Ryder family,
"The Don" was one of the most formative characters in my Scouting experience (1998-2009)--so much so that I asked him to serve as MC for my Eagle Scout Court of Honor. I (we all, really) admired him for his upright character, easygoing manner, sense of humor, and ability to effortlessly put an out-of-line Scout in his place with just a few sharp words.
I'll never forget one time at Wilderness when we built an "incinerator" in which we proceeded to burn all manner of plastic and other trash. The cloud of noxious blue smoke drifting through camp aroused "The Don" from an afternoon nap in his camp chair, and he hollered up the hill "what the hell are you guys burning up there?" "Just leaves, Don," we called back. "Well, stop burning the ones off the artificial plants, then!" he responded.
Don also played an important part in my admission to the U.S. Naval Academy, writing one of two letters of recommendation that won me a Congressional appointment. True to form, he was modest to a fault. He wrote of our time together in Scouting and my other achievements, but only grudgingly included (at my urging) the fact that he was a Korean War vet, which I thought gave his recommendation more credibility.
He was a great man, and will be greatly missed!
Lt. Hobart Kistler, USN
Norfolk, VA
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David DeWalle posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Nancy and I were deeply saddened to learn of Don's passing. We knew him from our Boalsburg neighborhood as a dedicated parent and community member. Don volunteered to help coach when our sons were on the same township baseball team. It quickly became apparent that his skills were essential during batting practice. I was a terrible pitcher and Don was quite good! In fact, the kids were frightened when I pitched. When Don pitched they were able to concentrate on batting skills and not dodge ball. With his skills and patience we were able to turn the team into a good hitting side and have some good times as well. Through the years, we kept in touch mainly by chatting at Penn State football games. We enjoyed that almost as much as the games. Our deepest sympathy to Doug and the entire Waddington family for the loss of their loved one.
The DeWalle Family, Dave, Nancy, Steve Joe and Dave Jr.
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V. Diane Collins posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Mary and Family,
Sincere condolences over the loss of your beloved father and grandfather. May the memories created over his lifetime bring you peace.
Sincerely,
TJ and Diane (Mullen) Collins
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Milt Madison posted a condolence
Monday, January 4, 2021
Don was a good friend of my family. We met through the badminton club. My daughters often came along to badminton and he always made them feel welcome and tried to get them interested in the game. He was a great coach and helped me improve my game.
As a fellow professor at Penn State I was impressed by Don’s reputation as a teacher and advocate for students. His work with the turf grass industry was also well respected.
All of his accomplishments seemed to be surpassed by his love of his family. He always had pictures and stories to share about his kids and grandkids, their cats and his kids pets.
We will miss you Don!
Milt Madison and family
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