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We will greatly miss and forever remember Don Carlyon, who after 100 incredibly impactful years of life, has passed away on Tuesday. For over 60 years, Don Carlyon has served on our Board of Directors, guiding our orchestra through two thirds of its 90 years of existence since we were founded. We have come to know Don as family, as a good friend, and as an inspiration for all of us. Even in his 100th year of life, including last Wednesday, Don has attended nearly every board of directors meeting, giving his guidance and encouragement through the difficult times and the beautiful times alike. As a board member, one of Don’s primary concerns was making sure that all of our musicians feel not only respected, but celebrated as one would celebrate their own family. Just this last December, Don had the beautiful idea that every musician in our orchestra should receive a wrapped Christmas gift as a sign of appreciation at our holiday concert. He worked with our staff, board, and Herman Hiss Jewelers to provide each of the 65 musicians at our holiday concert with a wrapped ceramic 10” Christmas tree during final rehearsal. To say that Don was and always will be an essential element of the spirit of our orchestra is an understatement. With every step forward that we take, we hope to carry on Don’s wisdom, courage, and deep sense of caring. We are forever grateful for Don, not only for his involvement in our orchestra, and for his immense local impact in education, but as a friend, a mentor, and an inspiration. Thank you for everything, Don. Words cannot describe how you will be missed. (fb)