Donald E. Green

DONALD E. GREEN

Early Life

Donald E. Green was born on May 22, 1939, to Wrector “Rex” Green and Rose Alta Falls Green in Thayer, Kansas. He lived in Kansas with immediate and extended family members on a dairy and wheat farm until the age of ten. He moved with his family to New Raymer, Colorado, to continue with farming and ranching life.

Education

Don graduated from New Raymer High School and then attended Ames Junior College in Sterling, Colo., where he received his Associates Degree. He later graduated from Colorado State College with a B.S. in Geology and Geography, and then the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, with a M.A. in Geography and Earth Sciences. Don did graduate work at Harvard University, in Boston, Mass., and then taught at the University of New Hampshire at Plymouth, N.H. He went on to receive his Doctorate in Education, from Penn State University in 1984. He completed post-doctoral coursework at Penn State University for the World Health Organization. Dr. Green taught at Lock Haven University from 1969-2001; retiring as a full professor and University Emeriti.

Military

Don served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, in the Force Recon, Intelligence Corps division. He was awarded the Purple Heart and was honorably discharged.

Educational and Professional Affiliations

Don was a life-long traveler and explorer, working with universities and organizations such as National Geographic and Quark Expeditions. He circled the globe numerous times in his professional and personal life. He was a member and/or officer of the following organizations:

— The National Council of Geographic Educators

— The Association of American Geographers

— The Pennsylvania Geographic Alliance and Geographical Society

— The Association of Overseas Educators

— Member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity

— The Lock Haven University Alpha Omega Chapter of Phi Beta Delta

Honor Society for International Scholars

— The Lock Haven University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Professional

Educators Honor Society

— The Lock Haven University coordinator of the Polish Exchange Program to the Marie Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Poland for several years, starting in 1982.

— The Lock Haven University Director of Elderhostel Programs for Polish and Jewish studies during the summers of 1995 and 1996

— The Lock Haven University Advisor to the Geography, Geology, and Karate Clubs

— The Lock Haven University Advisor to the Black Student Union Council for several years (charter member)

— The Lock Haven University Advisor to the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity

— The Lock Haven University Chairman of the Department of Geography, Geology, and Earth Sciences for several years

— A two-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Education Fulbright-Hays Fellowships to India (1985) and Argentina (1987).

— A Presenter and attendee at several state, regional, and national

conferences of International Study Abroad programs

— A Pennsylvania Department of Education facilitators for geographic education for the northeastern PA region

— An annual moderator and judge for the local (Clinton County), state (Harrisburg), and national (Washington D.C. with Alex Trebek) Geography Bees

— A member of Mensa International

Personal Affiliations

Don was a member of Rotary Clubs in Lock Haven, Pa. and Pawleys Island, S.C.

He served as President of the Lock Haven Club. He was the Rotary Group Study Exchange Leader to Finland, in 1997, and he was the District Governor of #7370 in 1998-90. Don was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, signifying contributions to The Rotary Foundation, with the goal of protecting children from polio, fighting waterborne illnesses and creating safe environments for children. He was a four-diamond, major donor of the International Rotary Foundation. Don was a proud Masonic member of the Lafayette Blue Lodge of Lock Haven, and a 32nd degree Mason of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Williamsport, Pa. He also served as an officer and member of the Lock Haven Salvation Army Board and The United Way Board. Don was a past member of Faith Christian Church, Linden, PA and the United Church of Christ, Lock Haven, Pa.

Accomplishments

Besides his family, Don was most proud of his two explorations to the North Pole aboard the Russian nuclear icebreakers (the Kapitan Khlebnikov in1996, and the Yamal, in 1997). While on expedition, he was able to swim at the geographic North Pole, making him one of very few who have ever done an authentic “Polar Plunge.” He was also proud that his explorations had taken him to all 5 oceans and on all 7 continents.

Legacy

Left to cherish Don’s memory and legacy are his wife of 48 years, Linda M. Green, and daughter, Donnela Green-Johnson (Joshua), both living in Myrtle Beach, S.C.; daughter Ty Morris Burke (Doug) living in Lakewood, Colo.; his grandchildren, Kylie, Ryan, Rose, Nicholas, Erica, Connor, Donnilyn, Scarlett, Boston, and Jesse; brother, Dale Green of New Raymer, Colo.; sister-in-law, Rosalie Calandra, Wind Gap, Pa.; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding Don in death, are his daughter, Nicolette (09/18/2018 in South Carolina) and her son Otto Brown (06/06/2015 in Pennsylvania); brothers Everette (Maxine) and Virgil (Kay); and sisters Evelyn (Ken) and Irene (Harry).

Death

Don died peacefully on the morning of Friday, Sept. 13, 2019, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., at Embrace Hospice House.

Viewing and Burial

There will be a viewing held at Yost-Gedon Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019, from 5 to 7 p.m. This is open to the all who wish to pay their respects. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2019 at 4 p.m. in the Cedar Hill Cemetery, Lamar Twp., Clinton County Pa. with full military honors.

Contributions and Acknowledgments

Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to: Make-a-Wish Foundation, which was a blessing to the family during grandson Otto’s fight with bone cancer, in 2015. The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the Embrace Hospice House staff of Myrtle Beach, S.C., for their compassionate care and professionalism.

Online thoughts and memories can be made at www.yost-gedonfuneralhome.com.