In January, we were saddened to hear of the death of former Board Member and Treasurer Don Friedman. Don was a beloved member of the Gerber/Hart community, and he will be missed.
Don was a devoted board member who helped Gerber/Hart navigate through an especially difficult time in our history. Don joined the board in 2013 along with Carrie Barnett who became Board President later that year. Don worked tirelessly to help reopen Gerber/Hart and manage its finances for more than five years. We wanted to share a few words from community members about Don – his presence will be missed:
“I could tell you all the ways Don helped Gerber Hart: he was a devoted board member who helped the organization navigate through a difficult time in its history.
But for me it was his friendship and sense of humor I remember most. Don and I spent every Thursday night together at the library for 5 years, sharing the work and laughing as our friendship grew. His presence made each night a pleasure.
I miss his generosity of spirit and keen insights. I am grateful he was a part of my life and for everything he contributed to Gerber Hart.”
-Carrie Barnett, former Board President
“I took over as Treasurer of Gerber/Hart when Don stepped down from the role. He was vital, with Carrie, in keeping the institution strong while we reorganized into our current form. Don was engaged and invaluable even after he officially left the role. Most notably, he provided much needed guidance and led negotiations on our current lease with Howard Brown”
-Hal Shipman, former Treasurer and longtime volunteer
“When I started volunteering in 2014, I remember Carrie and Don the most – I always remember being happy to see Don and laughing with him in the library and in the office. As a new volunteer who was young and quite shy, Don immediately made me feel welcome and like my contributions to Gerber/Hart mattered. I can honestly say that I stayed at Gerber/Hart in large part due to how much I enjoyed spending time with Don and Carrie. I’m going to miss him a lot.”
-Jen Dentel, Programs & Social Media Coordinator
Don, thank you for everything you did for Gerber/Hart and our communities. We will miss you.
If you have memories you would like to share of Don, please send them to Jen Dentel (jen.dentel@gerberhart.org)