Donald T. Worth

Worth, Donald Traverse "Don", age 86.Of Kalamazoo, Michigan.Passed away peacefully on January 20, 2005, at the Manorcare Nursing Home in Fargo, North Dakota, after residing there briefly. Don was born in Kalamazoo on August 23, 1918, to Lefa Taylor Worth and Mark Lane Worth, both Kalamazoo College professors. His paternal grandfather, Earl N. Worth, served as principal of Kalamazoo Central High School for many years. Strengthening the family ties to these two schools, Don graduated from Kalamazoo Central in 1936, and Kalamazoo College in 1940, with a degree in math and science. It was at Kalamazoo College that Don met his future wife, Nancy Nycum, and they married June 13, 1942.During his time at "K", Don lettered in tennis for three consecutive years, helping to start a record 66 consecutive MIAA championship tennis titles. He continued his involvement with tennis at "K" and with the National Boys and Juniors Tennis Championships throughout his lifetime. After serving two years in the Army at an Air Force base in England during World War II, Don earned his masters degree in education from the University of Michigan, finishing up after the war through their extension program at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Eligible to play one more year of varsity tennis, he earned a fourth varsity letter by the time he graduated with his masters degree in 1947. Don began a teaching and guidance counseling career in the Kalamazoo Public Schools that was to span 36 years, most of which were spent at his high school alma mater, Kalamazoo Central. During the course of his career, he helped launch the Michigan Council of Teachers of Mathematics as its first secretary, served as president of the Kalamazoo City Education Association in 1962-63, and coached the high school tennis team. He retired in 1983.As a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Kalamazoo, Don served on the Deaconate as well as several music committees, one of which supported the installation of a new pipe organ and a grand piano in the sanctuary for church and community functions. Don was active in his community in numerous ways. As a resident of the Vine neighborhood for over 73 years, he became a charter member of the Vine Neighborhood Association. In his historic home, he hosted then Governor James Blanchard as he toured the area in the 1980s. Don also coordinated the "Habitat for Humanity" through First Baptist Church during a recent summer, sang in the Kalamazoo College/Community Bach Choir in its early days, and, recently, served as secretary of the Kalamazoo College Emeritus Club. Because of his sustained service to church and community, dedication to family and friends, alumni activities, and distinguished career as an educator, Don received the prestigious Emeritus Club Citation of Merit Award on June 12, 2004. Don was passionate about music. He inspired his four children and three grandchildren to share that passion. He was blessed by unlimited curiosity about the world around him and instilled a love of learning and teaching in others. He had an optimistic zest for people, and left a legacy of compassion. He advocated an unshakable confidence in the basic goodness of humanity and chose to expect the best from people. His character was noteworthy for enduring gratitude for all that life gave him, grace under fire, generosity of heart, and unflagging magnanimity. His sister, Barbara, and his wife, Nancy, of 32 years, preceded Don in death. He is survived by his four children and their spouses/partners, David and Pauli Worth of Moorhead, MN, Laura Worth and Robert Bornn of Vashon Island, WA, Janet Worth Harasim of Houston, TX, and Barbara Worth and Stan Olejczak of Nashua, NH; three grandchildren and a spouse, Lauren Worth Semerad and David Semerad of Dupont, WA, Sonja Worth Harasim of Houston, TX, and Christopher Worth of Moorhead, MN. Many dear ones gathered by him into his greater circle of extended family also survive him.