Donald Edwards. (Maia Zewert photo, LCN file)
“He will be missed by many, however forgotten by none,” South Bristol School Principal Scott White said of South Bristol School Committee member Donald Edwards, who passed away Aug. 16.
Edwards, 81, had been on the South Bristol School Committee for the past year, according to White.
“He loved the kids,” school committee Chair Sara Mitchell said. “He had a different perspective and a different voice, which our school really needed.”
“Don and I had several one-on-one conversations in my office,” White said. “We spoke about national politics, his time in the service, and school business.”
“Above all else though, I will remember the passion in his voice and the gleam in his eye when he spoke on the importance of family,” White said. “He adored his wife and spoke so highly of his children and grandchildren.”
According to Edwards’ obituary, he was a decorated veteran, receiving the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the nation’s highest peacetime honor, the Legion of Merit.
He served in the U.S. Army in Germany, England, and Vietnam. After serving in the Army Reserve, he was elected adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard in 1981. For 16 years he commanded the Army and Air National Guard.
Between leaving active duty in 1971 and being elected to the adjutant general’s position in 1981, Edwards was a Vermont legislator and a member of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ staff, according to his obituary.
“Even though he had a very successful military and business career, Don was a man of humility,” White said. “He was always so humble and would continuously steer conversations away from himself and place the focus on others.”
After serving as the Vermont adjutant general for 16 years, Edwards was a news commentator and executive vice president of an information technology company. He retired in 2008.
Edwards was elected president of the U.S. Adjutants General Association and vice president of the National Guard Association of the U.S. He was an honorary member of the Norwich University Board of Fellows and served as chair of the board, according to his obituary.
“His commitment to South Bristol School was evident in the questions he asked. ‘What do you need to run this school? What do our students need in order to get a real job so they can support their own family?’” White said. “He was a loving man who cared about all the students and each staff member.”
“He wasn’t about drama, making deals, or getting his own way. He was a man of action and his actions were based on common sense and a whole lot of caring. He loved this town and made many friends.”
“He was a valued member of the board, an active participant in the South Bristol community, a doting husband, a proud parent (and) grandparent, and a wonderful role model for those who want to make this world a better place for others,” White said.
“Our school was better for having him,” Mitchell said.
The school committee will review its bylaws and discuss how to fill the vacancy, according to Mitchell.
The committee will next meet at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 4 at South Bristol School.
