Flags will be lowered in memory of Don Herring, Air Brakes Instructor, who passed on Feb. 3.
Don was born in Edmonton, AB and obtained his education in Vancouver, BC. He was with Okanagan College for 12 years and is fondly remembered by those he worked with.
“Don was one of the most welcoming people that I have met,” says Tanya Tarlit, Program Administrator with Trades and Apprenticeship. “When I took over the role of Program Administrator, he would always reassure me that I was doing a good job and would phone me weekly to check in on me. He was my biggest cheerleader.”
When he wasn’t busy helping and cheering on those around him, Don enjoyed riding his motorcycle and camping.
“Life is like a train ride that we all take. As we ride along on the train people get on and off, some for a short period and others for a longer period. Don aka “Fish” boarded my train 29 years ago,” said Dean Clark, Don’s friend, co-worker and fellow air brake and driving instructor. “Don looked out for people when they were having trouble by offering words of support, meeting them for coffee and helping to identify potential opportunities. He always wanted to help others – whether that was by sharing his knowledge about air brakes or driver training, or helping people like me become instructors.”
“While Don’s stop has come, we will continue on our train ride, have a coffee and reflect on the moments we shared with Fish,” added Clark.
You can read Don’s obituary and leave condolences for his family here. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.