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DECEASED ALUM: DONALD D. OLIVER, FHHS '68
Donald D. Oliver, 68, of Lake Bluff, IL passed away peacefully at Lake Forest Hospital on May 24, 2018. Born in Lansing, MI October 26, 1949, to Alvin and Jean Oliver, Don spent his formative years in Alexandria, Virginia.
Like his three brothers, Don attained the rank of Eagle Scout in Troop 654. At Fort Hunt High School, he lettered in football and baseball and served as Senior Class President. In that capacity, his commencement remarks so impressed a local Congressman that the legislator had them read into the Congressional Record.
Following his passion for baseball, Don went on to play at The College of William and Mary where he received his Bachelors Degree and was a member Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Known for his sense of humor, classmates remember him for somehow managing to get his birthday listed in the official college calendar of events.
After serving his country as an officer in the United States Army, Don earned his Master of Business Administration Degree from the University of Virginia. Building a career at Baxter Travenol/Cardinal Health from 1975 until his retirement, Don was fortunate to meet Irene Mucci, a co-worker, whom he married in 1986. Irene was a constant support and advocate during his long struggle with Multiple Sclerosis and was by his side as he completed his life’s journey. With the exception of four years in California, they made their home in the Chicago area.
Capitalizing on his love of baseball, Don was involved for years with the Deerfield Youth Baseball Association coaching at the Bronco, Pony and Colt Travel Team levels as well as volunteering his time as an umpire in the softball program.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to all of the wonderful Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) that helped him in his time of need. Don will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Irene, his father, Alvin Oliver, of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, brothers Dale Oliver (Sarah) of Palm Springs, CA, Richard Oliver (Marlo) of Palos Verdes Estates, CA, and James Oliver (Kim) of Atlanta GA, sisters-in-law Shirley Roubinek (Gary) Powell, OH, Ginny Minch (Jim) Glenwood Springs, CO, 11 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest, 700 Sheridan Rd. on Friday, June 8 at 4 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations in Don’s memory be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, support.mymsaa.org or to the William and Mary Athletic Educational Foundation, Allocation # 0463, P.O. Box 1693 Williamsburg, VA 23187, giving.wm.edu.
- Submitted by Don's brother, Jim Oliver FHHS '77 on May 31, 2018
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Ken Cook (1968)
Gordon Jackson is right--"some obits are harder to process than others" . . . and it has taken me awhile to absorb the passing of Don Oliver. Don and I played football together for 4 years, thus I knew him best as an athlete, but he was also a remarkable student and a student leader. In his many roles, he touched and influenced many people, all for the best. I'm looking at an 8x10 glossy of Don leading me around right end in our game with West Springfield. Yes, that was Don--always leading the way. Go strongly, my friend. You will be missed and the world is diminished by your passing . . . WE are diminished by your departure.
Gordon Jackson (1968)
Joe, I'm wondering -- perhaps you know -- what percentage of the total number of Fort Hunt alums/Harvard Law grads the Oliver family has with two, Dale and Dick (at least two, don't know what Jimmy got up to down the road). Just a remarkable family.
And I think we all know that when we talk about accomplished students, that meant something at Fort Hunt back before the days of grade inflation. It was a genuine meritocracy, and that family excelled in it extraordinarily.
I strongly second Ken Cook's remarks. Quite apart from the student government stuff, Don was always a natural leader in any setting, without being showy about it. I landed in his 7th grade class shortly after moving to NOVA from California, where nobody had paid any mind to clothes (oddly, Marin County, which is now somewhat renowned for conspicuous consumption). It quickly became apparent that I needed to dress in the "collegiate" style then fashionable (forerunner to "preppy"), and to acquire navy blue, burgundy and bottle green shirts to wear with khakis and Weejun loafers, because that's what Don was rocking and he was clearly DA MAN around there. Six years later he was still a role model, for his sense of humor, his laid-back, friendly personality, his egalitarian touch with people and his stand-up loyalty to whatever or whomever he deemed worthy of it.
Last time I interacted with him was home for Thanksgiving freshman year of college. A pick-up football game materialized, and somehow the teams sorted themselves into a gross mismatch in favor of the team Don was on. He wouldn't let it stand -- "wait a minute, this is bigger than sh*t" (implied noun 'mismatch' unneeded) -- and the game was rearranged into a fairer matchup. He was always the guy you expected to speak up in a situation llike that, to do the right thing, because that's how he was raised.
Joe Gililland (1973)
Gordon, whatever that percentage is....it is unusual to have two in one family - and speaks again to the spirit and motivation of the Oliver family. FHHS had a highly unusual number of alumni with advanced degrees and high levels of talent. This lead to officers in the military, lawyers, journalists, writers, successful corporate folks and entrepreneurs, philanthropists, as well as many successes in the Arts. Numerous accomplished actors, artists, photographers, screen writers, producers and - of course - many, many professional musicians (what a great music program!) graduated from FHHS. We had smart and supportive teachers, a great administration, involved parents and really fine coaches and mentors to thank for those successes.
Dorothy Rothman (Lewy) (1968)
I was deeply saddened to hear about Don’s passing. He touched many lives at Fort Hunt and judging from his obituary he continued to make many positive contributions to his community as an adult. My heart goes out to his family during this sad time. RIP Don.
Bill Monday, Jr. (1968)
While I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at the reunion this summer, the opportunity to speak on behalf of our class will be bittersweet. The honor really belongs to Don OIiver who was our class president. I had the good fortune to be teammates and friends with Don at FHHS, and roommates and fraternity brothers in college. He was always known for his leadership, athleticism, sense of humor and friendliness wherever he went. Don and I were able to stay in touch over the years and he always enjoyed reminiscing about the great times and friendships at FH (as well as talking about his Chicago Cubs!). I will really miss those conversations. I know he would have wanted me to convey his best wishes to all the classmates I see.
Ann Tureman (Richards) (1968)
I remember Don's face so clearly. The picture in the Tribune was exactly as I remembered him. He is someone I have often thought about since we graduated because he seemed he was made for greatness. But on top of all of his accomplishments in high school he was also a nice guy. I was the girl who was not popular or a member of the "in crowd" but he was always nice to me. Ironically I live in Chicago now and was surprised that he lived in Lake Forest. I send prayers to his family and especially to his father. No parent wants to ourlive their child but he raised a wonderful son.
Joe Gililland (1973)
Yes, Ann, you bring up a good point. Al Oliver - father of all those Oliver boys - is still alive and well in California. He's still sharp and active at the ripe old age of 99. God bless you, Al!
Bobbie Farris (McGowan) (1968)
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Don. He was admired by everyone! When I think of our class and Fort Hunt, I have to think of him...they just are connected in my memory. At a time when Don could have been many other things because of his talents, his good looks, and his popularity, he was kind, generous, and inclusive. For me, he will always be that smiling handsome young man so many of us girls hoped he noticed.
Jeffrey Gurski (1968)
Don was a class act all the way. Always liked and admired him. Nothing but good memories here.
Alexis Page (Namaste) (1968)
Don and I were friends for the 3 years that I attended Fort Hunt. I remember having deep conversations about life with him. We didn't stay in touch after I left but even after all these years I remember him as a great guy and with great affection. I am sorry for the loss to his wife and family. Obviously, Don still remains in our hearts and in passing has made us remember.