The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Very sad news indeed. Dawn and I send our most sincere condolences to his family. Paul Baker

The few conversations I had with Don were always pleasant and he was always so patient with every question I had about the horn he made for me.
Exceptional artisan in his craft.

A tribute thread with photos of his work would be excellent if allowed…

He was never afraid to draw outside the lines, which I think separates an artist from a technician. The only thing that we have in the end is how we are remembered. I think that Don still has a lot.

Lerria and I are very sad to hear this news. Don was a dear friend and always very helpful
any time we needed him. We saw him with Bobbie for close to 20 years at Union
and he will be sorely missed.
Our prayers to Bobbie and the family,

David & Lerria Rosamond

Don was such a great guy and fellow collector/craftsman. His artistic flair in making wood horns was unique and beautiful. He was always very friendly and helpful. It was a joy to greet him at phonographs shows from Union to Orlando to Wayne. We'll miss you, Don and blessings to your wife and family.

Stan Stanford
Portland, OR

Like, everyone else, I was stunned to hear the news yesterday. I first met Don when I was 30 years old while studying at Indiana 1998. Before finals, I decided to take a road trip and drive up to Milan to meet Don and buy my 2nd and 3rd phonographs, a Vic II and Columbia Q respectively. I spent the entire day with him and overcome by his warm personality, big heart and passion for Thomas Edison and all phonographs. We stayed in touch and I would always see him at Union when I could get there and he always greeted with me with a big smile and pleasant conversation. Thoughts and prayers to Bobbie and his extended family. RIP Don, you were instrumental in defining our hobby and will be greatly missed! Gary Stone

Above all, Don was truly a kind person. Imagine a world filled with people like him - there would be no wars, no hunger, no hatred.

Raphael

My condolences to Don's loved ones, our community gatherings at Wayne will never be the same without him. A terrible loss. RIP sir.

This is a huge loss not only to our phonograph community but to the many other groups that Don touched. I will never forget his sincere smile. I feel blessed to have known him as a friend. Rest in peace, Don.
Joe Filer

I never purchased anything from Don but I did meet him several times at the Wayne show and always enjoyed speaking with him. He will be missed by many and was a treasured member of the community. Very sad news.

Bill