Born Jan. 21, 1931
Muskegon, Michigan
Died April 19, 2024
Shelburne, Vermont
Details of services
Don passed without regrets, believing he had lived a complete, beautiful and fulfilling life, enriched by the many people, places and experiences in it. In his final months Don expressed love, pride and gratitude for family and friends. He left nothing unsaid. The family is holding a remembrance service on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 1 PM the Vermont Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 487 Furnace Road, Randolph Center, VT 05061. This will be followed by a Celebration of Don’s life at Wood’s Lodge, 900 Bull Run Road, Northfield, VT 05663. All those close to Don in life and able to join are welcome.
Memorial donations may be made to your local hospice, animal shelter or favorite education program.
Donald (Don) Lowell Siplon, died according to his wishes, in his home and with his beloved wife of 61 years, Karine at his side on Friday, April 19, 2024, in Shelburne, Vermont. Don was born in Muskegon, Michigan on January 21, 1931, son of Arthur and Sena Siplon.
Don is survived by his wife, Karine, son James Siplon (Susan Siplon), chosen son Jean Francois Roux, daughters Patricia Siplon (Jon Williamson), Katrinka Marrie and Donna Vining (Rick Vining) and five grandchildren Emma Siplon, Grace Siplon, Alex Vining, Daisy Vining and Tigist Mannelly; Also, his sister Dorothy Johnson (Dick Johnson) and brother Bob Siplon (Linda Siplon).
Don proudly served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years. He directed environmental and public health programs in Okinawa, Japan and Guam where he was awarded the Ancient Order of Chamorri for eradicating rabies. After his military retirement Don explored many occupations ranging from public health leader to technical writer to college professor to preschool teacher to nursing home food manager. Don was a true civil servant, volunteering as District Commander of American Legion Post 7, Twin Falls Hospital Board member and as guardian ad litem, a court appointed advocate to act in the best interests of the child during legal proceedings. Don also served in quiet ways, helping friends and strangers in need.
When he wasn’t working and sometimes when he was, Don traveled the world, visiting all 50 states and many countries, primarily in Asia and Europe. He fished as often as he could with his bestie since kindergarten Freddy Berger. The two of them, along with Don’s son Jim, would catch hundreds of perch in Saginaw Bay and host a fish fry for the neighborhood. Don loved books, theater and music and among his fondest memories was singing Shirley Temple songs on the radio as a little boy with his mother, standing on a milk crate to reach the microphone. CNN was always on at Don’s house unless he was watching his beloved Michigan Wolverines, the New England Patriots or the Atlanta Braves.
Don valued education and was a lifelong learner, earning a bachelor’s degree in business and master’s degrees in both public health and education. Later in life and without ever being asked, Don and Karine sponsored their local Whitehall High School History Fair students serving as advisors and funders supporting competition and travel at the district, state and national levels. When this began, they knew no one in the program, they just wanted to promote learning in their community.
For his children, Don is best remembered as the stay-at-home dad who volunteered in their schools and clubs, encouraged them to debate and fed them spaghetti on Wednesdays. Each of Don’s children have wonderful, quirky memories. From the time they were little, Don read Steinbeck novels at the dinner table during dessert. He could earn every Trivial Pursuit pie piece in a single turn, always won at monopoly, and spent hours in the backyard hitting baseballs to whoever wanted to play. Don brought baby goats to the kid’s school, took the neighborhood gang to the movies and for $1.99 specials at Ponderosa Steakhouse and drove his children and their friends across the country to summer debate camp. Every year Don looked forward to celebrating Wigilia Christmas Eve Dinner with his extended family of choice, the Szuberts.
Don was a deep thinker, fantastic storyteller, man of conviction and steadfast friend. He constantly sought out new information and acted on his beliefs.
Don’s home and table were a safe space open to all resulting in many loud chaotic meals filled with laughter, debates on current events and lots of food. Don will be dearly remembered as a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He always maintained marrying Karine was the best decision he ever made, and he felt so lucky she said “yes.”
Don was also grateful to have made the move to the Residence at Shelburne Bay in Vermont in 2023, which he and Karine came to cherish for the closeness to more family and the kindness of so many associated with his new home.
Read the story on VTDigger here: Donald Lowell Siplon.