Donald L. Boothman ’55

The son of Donald Lawrence Boothman, Don was born Sept. 6, 1933, in Cleveland, and died July 6, 2016, in Hardwick, Mass., at age 82.

After his freshman year at Princeton, he went to Oberlin and graduated from there. Don joined the Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants as soloist and announcer. Professional roles included Washington Civic Opera lead baritone, Washington radio commentator, professor at American and Clark Universities, private voice teacher, and Washington Hebrew Congregation cantorial soloist.

Our class troubadour, his beautiful voice illuminating so many of our class mini-reunions, Don was a singer, teacher, and musical commentator. He performed opera, oratorio, and concerts in 46 of the 50 states and in 38 countries in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America, and was broadcast across Eastern Europe.

Don was a talented woodworker, kayaker, and crossword aficionado. In 1983, he moved to Hardwick, Mass., and created a remarkable partnership by marrying Kaye in 1987. Together they raised llamas and cultivated beautiful gardens. He was a co-founder of the Hardwick Area Conservation Trust and Friends of the Gilbertville Organ. He took annual trips to England and Wales for concerts to support the Mathieson Music School in Kolkata, India.

He is survived by Kaye, daughters Barbara and Laura, and sisters Jeanne and Constance. His silver voice made ’55 reunions exceptional.

Mag er in unserer Erinnerung immer eingeflochten sein.