Don Wald Passes Away -- Sad News [Archive] - HuntAmerica.com Talk Forums

LampLighter

07-23-2009, 10:58 PM

Wow. I had no idea. Don got me started here. The forum has started over 2x since then. He encouraged me via pm . I was disappointed I didn't get responses to my first post, and it took off. It was about rubber boots. He told me my name then ( Warden) may be a little scary.

I remember that well. I remember that cowhorn, that box stand he loved so much, and of course that 280 mountain rifle. I remember he was a retired psychologist. I remember he spoke once about his dislike for the hustle & bustle of NYC. I will never forget him.

StringJumper

07-24-2009, 12:27 AM

I had my first run-in on HuntAmerica with Don about 1998. I made a comment that a modern in-line muzzleloader with a scope, 150 grains of blackpowder, and a sabot had ballistics that more resembled a singleshot centerfire rifle than a muzzleloader. Don's response was that I had "a very elementary understanding of ballistics".

I stood behind my original assertion and Don stood behind his. He did not enter the bowhunting forum and I rarely ventured into his "whitetail deer" forum.

I think we had a mutual agreement to disagree and left it at that. We never butted heads again.

Don Wald, may you rest in peace comrade. And my condolences to the family if they see this.

Smokey

07-24-2009, 02:22 AM

It was here many years ago I ftrst encountered Don. We talked numerous times back then on the internet on the old days and the old hunting camps in PA. He was a good guy and will be missed.

Bill Gunn

07-24-2009, 03:10 AM

I'm very, very sad to hear this.
Don was a kind of guy you don't meet anymore.... a honest to God true gentleman.
NC said Don was never one to complain, you have no idea....

Back in October '02 Don had a liver transplant. He was lucky in one way, as they found out he needed a liver even before he had any idea he had a problem. Before he even got sick, his hunting buddy/son-in-law donated a part of his liver to Don for the transplant. The transplant itself went pretty well, but then for the next 8 months Don was very sick in bed from complications. Nobody here would have ever know it, except when Don heard I also had a transplant in Jan. '03, he sent me a get well card, and was on the phone with me immediately to help me through the difficult time I was having. That was the first time I ever even talked to Don.
I was stuck in bed 24/7 for a total of 2 years. 1 1/2 years before the transplant (other than trips to the hospital), and 6 months after. And suddenly, there was Don to help me. Just as sick as I (and much worse at times) coaching me through the post transplant difficult times with the medication reactions (their really bad), the painful healing , and rehabilitation that follows. I could call Don day or night, and he was there to help with his 3 month head start of experiences for me to lean on and learn. You have no idea how he helped me through this difficult time of my life, he was going through the same without a whimper, and a hand held out to help me down the path.
Don had told me he had cancer, and that things were going bad. I called him a couple times, and watched for his posts every day for a sign that he was hanging on.

Don, thank you old buddy, I'm going to miss you.....

This is a very sad day for me,
Bill

Don's Wall....

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee86/DWald_photos/MauserM9465x55mm.jpg

Herne

07-24-2009, 04:45 AM

It is very sad. Always the gentleman and such a contribution to this forum.

My thoughts to his family.

venado

07-24-2009, 07:20 AM

Thank you for letting us know about Don. As has already been said, he was a gentleman, and one of those people that we cross in life that make us realize that basically we are all in this together as brothers.

May the Lord of us all gather him in and help his jamily and loved ones through their personal loss and sadness.

alan

07-24-2009, 08:21 AM

Not to disparage any current moderators but Don was the best. He took his job very seriously, was sincere in his remarks, and I don't believe he ruffeled any feathers; A difficult task with all the prsonalities on the forums. Prayers for his family!

DaveHawk

07-24-2009, 08:47 AM

Don was a good man and I enjoyed talking with at the Harrisburg shows.

I will also be praying for his family.

southtexas

07-24-2009, 09:55 AM

Sorry to hear the sad news. Knew Don only thru his posts here, but it was very evident that he was a class act. Prayers to his family.

Pat Hurley

07-24-2009, 09:56 AM

When Don Walk spoke, I listened intently. Good shooting.

Bushman

07-24-2009, 10:16 AM

Sad news indeed. I hadn't realized that Don was even sick, but did note his posts had diminished this last year. Don brought me over from the old F&S Forums like probably lots of us here. I'll always remember those pictures he would post of his deer stand and all the firearms over the mantle. I'm sorry to read of his passing.

dave-t.

07-24-2009, 12:06 PM

Shocking news. Don will be greatly missed, and I never knew he had as severe health problems as he had. Prayers sent for his family.

pepaw

07-24-2009, 01:51 PM

I am very sorry to hear the news. I only knew him through his posts, but always could depend upon his level headed answers.

Wish I could have shared a camp with him once.

Best wishes to the family.

pepaw

45seventy

07-24-2009, 02:01 PM

This is indeed sad news. Don....rest in peace..you are in good hands now. Your family will be in my prayers.

Altjaeger

07-24-2009, 05:56 PM

A man near universally respected, a contributor until the end, he gave much and took little. May he rest well in a place of old hunters and old United States Marines.

Alan R McDaniel Jr

07-24-2009, 06:14 PM

When I was at F&S and after I came over to HA, I would always see posts titled "Question for Don Wald". I remember thinking, 'who the heck is this Don Wald guy'? I hadn't recalled reading any magazine articles or books by Don Wald. I always read the posts and even got some good info from the answer. As time went by I grew to look forward to them. He always welcomed newcomers and with an exception I'm sure, but only one, was even tempered, positive and upbeat. He always found something nice to say to everyone. He will be missed.

I really wish all the posts hadn't been lost. A wealth of information is gone as well.

Alan

Just a Hunter

07-25-2009, 12:23 AM

I regret not having known this fine man beyond the confines of these forums.

May you find comfort
in God's words
and in the knowledge
that others sympathize with you
in your loss.

Fare well my friend,and you will be missed.
JAH

Scout

07-25-2009, 11:25 AM

Sad, sad news indeed. He was really one of the good guys. The forum most certainly will not be the same without him.:(

Hammerxc

07-25-2009, 05:19 PM

i think i'll shed a tear this fall. don was always a gent and so good at keeping his forum fresh and moving. hopefully he's enjoying that big hunting ground in the sky.

r.i.p.

MoMike

07-26-2009, 07:51 AM

Don was a class act. He will be missed!

Twanger

07-27-2009, 09:31 AM

That is sad news indeed. Thanks for letting us know.
He loved those rifles of his, and I really liked seeing pictures of them when he posted them.

I'll lift a single-malt in Don's honor tonight.

RMP

07-27-2009, 01:35 PM

Don Wald welcomed me to these forums back in 98. As others said he was a gentleman, an "officer and a gentleman."

Goodbye Don.....

swamp

07-28-2009, 11:51 PM

I am very saddened to learn of Don's passing. I got an email from him a few months ago and he stated that he had been sick but I was not aware that he was terminally ill. I guess I should have figured it out from his posts on the trading post forum but I assumed he was just trying to get rid of some extra hunting equipment. He was truely an officer and a gentleman. Don probably did more than any other single individual to put this site on the map; he served as a senior administrator on these talk forums.

I first came into contact with Don on the huntinfo.com forums probably back in 1995 or 1996. I spoke with him a few time on the phone and thru email and the talk forums but I never had the opportunity to meet him in person. He served in vietnam as an officer in the USMC. After his military career he earned a PhD in psychology. Don was a great friend to me and others on these forum. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies go out to his family.

Silvertip

07-30-2009, 07:22 PM

Don ....although I never met you in person it was easy to see from all the posts you submitted on here and all the support you gave that you were obviously a first class gentleman among sportsman,friends and family.I am very saddenned by your passing and give my sincere condolences to your family.

Silvertip

TJF

08-01-2009, 11:27 AM

Don was a great guy. I will miss him greatly.

Tim

Idared

08-04-2009, 04:43 AM

I am very sorry to hear about this. I had several dealings with Don over the years on Ebay. I also enjoyed corresponding with him and as others state he was "As good as the best and better than the rest".

I would also like to extend my sympathy to his family and friends in their loss. May the good memories of this fine person help to heal your loss.

Bill Gunn

08-04-2009, 07:44 PM

Amazing what you run into when surfing the Net...

Read this to the bottom...

http://articles.latimes.com/2003/jul/16/local/me-wald16

We all miss you Don...

Hi Ball

08-04-2009, 10:20 PM

I am somewhat shocked by his passing, as I never really knew he had a problem. Don and I talked some through PM's and he always seemed like the kind of person you would want at your campfire.

My prayers and sympathy go out to all those family members he left behind. I am positive he will be hunting whitetail once again in that big wilderness country many call the happy hunting ground. Tonight I am going to take a shot of Wild Turkey in your honor sir! So long Don, you will be missed but not forgotten.

tommyt

08-05-2009, 11:07 AM

This is Terrible news ,Ive talked to Don years past via email and Pm's
God Bless and my condolence's to his Family

He will Be missed
Prayers sent

blaze

09-12-2009, 08:43 PM

I first met Don on HuntAmerica about 10 years ago when he invited me to go woodchuck hunting with him. I had been to Don’s house a number of times over the years, but do to work issues, I left New York in 2006 and I sort of lost track of how he was doing. I stayed away from HuntAmerica for a while and only recently rejoined. I know that Don had the liver transplant, and was not doing well. I saw him after his surgery when he was seemed at the time to be doing ok, but I know that this past year was not good. I had emailed him a few months ago, and when he didn’t reply I had a bad feeling.
Don was a great man, and as previously mentioned he was not one to complain. I feel bad that I did not get to speak with him before his passing, life is just too short. But I feel very fortunate to have met him in person, and will always treasure the times I spent with him. We both went on a couple of HuntAmerica road trips to the sportsman shows in Harrisburg PA over the years, and I loved to talk to Don about knives, ballistics, and old guns.
Rest in Peace Don..

Orion

09-12-2009, 10:50 PM

I also hunted with Blaze and Don and did get to see him at his house after he took sick again. He did receive a liver transplant through an awesome unselfish and courageous gift from his son. Things were looking good for a while but the cancer came back. Don was a very smart man, knowledgeable in the field and a great friend who would do anything for you. I will remember our times in the field together and hold those memories in high esteem.
Rest in peace my friend.

postoak

09-13-2009, 06:04 AM

I am glad someone resurrected this thread, because I had missed it before. I had no idea he had all those health problems, and certainly not that he had passed away. I *had* been wondering why he never posted. Yes, he was a real gentleman.

Young Hippie

09-13-2009, 09:04 AM

There was no stronger or wiser friend of the sportsman than Don Wald.

To say that Don was instrumental in the success of this forum would be an incredible understatement. Around here, Swamp is like dad--stern, strict... Don was like mom--loving, nurturing, understanding, caring.

I remember first seeing his posts back in the mid 90s at F&S and wondering who this celebrity might be. He had an amazing knack for answering the .270 or .30-'06 question in new, gentle and creative ways. I feel fortunate to carry some of his knowledge forward, and am glad for the few opportunities I had to meet him in Harrisburg.

A tremendous resource and irreplaceable ally has been lost. My deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and to all the people who will never know Don, or be gently guided by his expertise.

We should all go buy a[nother] .280 in his honour.

Mod 12

09-13-2009, 10:11 AM

Yes, somehow I missed this - it should be a sticky.

I never had the honor to meet Don personally but in our emails to each other it has been as if we were long standing friends all of our lives. I can't add to all the wonderful words already spoken, except to say I will miss him and am glad he is no longer suffering.

Big John

Iceman

09-13-2009, 09:15 PM

Don was a gentleman with immense knowledge in the subjects near and dear to this community. He will be missed. But, his life should be celebrated. I will remember honesty, good will, and unselfishness. I'm glad I had the opportunity to meet Don at one of the HuntAmerica get-to-gethers after one of the Harrisburg shows.

RIP Don Wald.

Wismon

09-13-2009, 10:41 PM

Bill Gunn, somehow I knew of Don’s brother through a post he made on this site, I think. And I'm sorry to hear about your liver troubles; I hope all's well there.

Young Hippie, I can never hear about a .280 Rem without thinking of Don.

Don was a good guy; condolences to his family.

blaze

12-08-2009, 08:15 PM

I hope no one minds, but I wanted to bring this post back up to the top for anyone that may not have seen it earlier..

I have been thinking alot about Don lately. I am going to miss the funny e-cards that he use to send me every Christmas, and I know that this Christmas is going to be a tough one for his family.

R.I.P Don

GF.

12-09-2009, 10:08 AM

I was thinking about him yesterday myself, up on the hill....

Apple in the pack to freshen up my breath a little... Thinking about erecting one of his whitetail penthouse deer stands in a new spot I had found.... Looking at the end of rifle and the begining of ML season and recalling his gorgeous, period-correct .54 and his tackdriver in-line...

The world is a better place for him having been in it, and none of us know much about his years helping troubled kids.... Think of all the good he must've done there as well...

DaveP

12-09-2009, 07:31 PM

Thanks for bumping this. First I've seen of it.
I was around from 2001 on, thru the reboots, but have been away the last few years.
I ALWAYS made it a point to read Don's posts.
RIP

tommyt

12-10-2009, 02:51 PM

I'm not reading Back
But when I found this
I could not believe it was not a Sticky with his Name up Front
I emailed with Don way back when this page had 100 members and on and off over the years I liked all he wrote Love the Single pictures he posted of the gun on the wall
Its so awful for me (shameful)too think how much he put into this page
and There was not even a Named POST in his Honor
He'll be missed by a lot
God Bless him again my condolences to his Family
Tom

ncboman

12-10-2009, 11:40 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v50/ncboman/Guns%20and%20Ammo/Pedersoli12gaugeML.jpg

Whelen Nut

12-11-2009, 04:25 PM

RIP Don. Say "Hi" to the Col. for me!

Don was the very first contact I made here on HA way back in the 90's. We traded many PM's and emails about 35 Whelen loads and rifles. Sorry to hear of his passing.

WN

southtexas

12-11-2009, 05:46 PM

ncbowman and tommyt: thanks for posting those pics. I was just thinking as I opened this thread that I miss seeing all of Don's guns over that fireplace.

tommyt

12-12-2009, 08:11 AM

I'm really glad to see its a sticky maybe those who just read and don't post or the ones who haven't signed back up, but remember Don can at least say a Prayer for him and his Family
God Bess you Don

NCbowman posted the Picture I copied his

Doug S

12-12-2009, 08:25 PM

I have not been around these boards but I'm glad to see this thread and all the nice comments about a fine man.

I started chatting with Don in the 90s @Huntinfo, we found out that our daughters were going to the same college, same major and they knew each other. Don was instramental in getting my daughter her first teaching job up near him.

Semper Fi Don, god bless

LeeInSC

12-15-2009, 09:40 PM

I just saw this thread and had to read every post.

The word "gentleman" is one I see used most to describe Don Wald.
I was not posting much on the Internet, just a few posts on F&S. Don invited me to come to HuntAmerica, and I really liked the group here.

All I ever knew about Don Wald was that he was an Upstate New Yorker, who loved to hunt deer. He was not someone who owned a lot of rifles, or traded rifles. He struck me as a minimalist, who had found what he liked, and had one of each, and was satisfied that was all he needed to hunt the game in his home state. He didn't try to be an expert on anything more than what he really knew and enjoyed.

The trouble with electronic clubs like this is there is no cabin or lodge where we can hang a plaque on the wall.

Just a Hunter

12-15-2009, 10:31 PM

The trouble with electronic clubs like this is there is no cabin or lodge where we can hang a plaque on the wall.

Very true, but then again I think he would have much rather viewed the kind words posted here than looked upon a shiny brass ornament.

pepaw

12-18-2009, 02:33 PM

I am slow to thre thread, but I miss Don's threads and thoughts.
Best wishes to his family.

pepaw

Laturkeyhtr

01-01-2010, 10:24 PM

I too was touched by Don, he noticed my interest in QDM and quickly asked me to moderate it several years ago. I am sure he will be missed here and by his family and close friends. My prayers go out to the family.

John Y Cannuck

01-09-2010, 01:24 PM

Very sad to hear that. Don and I migrated here together, many years ago. He was a great man.

DLuke

01-23-2010, 02:46 PM

It's been a long time since I've been on HuntAmerica...so long that I just had to re-register. I recognize a lot of names on here, but it appears we've lost one of the best ones. I started out posting on HA for years, practically living online here, and Don was always the stabilizing force. Always quick to do what was best for the site to remain friendly and helpful. Spoke with him by PM's on a few occasions. He was truly dedicated to this site for a good period of time. Hello to my old friends on here as well.......

ncboman

01-23-2010, 09:42 PM

welcome back old friend.

Herne

01-24-2010, 04:20 AM

We all had to start again - nice to hear from you again.

blaze

02-02-2010, 09:39 PM

Welcome back..

I was one of the few lucky ones here that actually met Don in person and spent some time with him, both in his home and in the field. He really was all that everyone here has said about him. More than a hunter, or a shooter, Don was very knowledgable, caring and passionate about hunting and the outdoors, but more importantly to me, Don was always a class act. I miss him alot.

omegman

03-05-2010, 10:53 PM

am very sorry ive been away so long and just heard about this the other day. I started here myself under the allias Greenhorn when Huntamerica first started and Don help straighten me out quite abit:) loved that guy also, hope he felt the same of me.. Kept thinking of his Remington SS Mountain rifle hanging over his mantel and tryed to purchased me one in his rememberance. Ended up though with a 270 ruger ss hawkeye in layaway but it will be cherished also.
DONT DREAM IT LIVE IT