Don Wallis
- Published: February 2, 2012
Former Yellow Springs News Editor Don Wallis, 69, died unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 30.
A lifelong journalist, Wallis worked as the News editor from 1977 to 1991. After his retirement from the News, he taught journalism and writing at Antioch University McGregor and Antioch College. He also served as a volunteer writing teacher at the Antioch School and Yellow Springs High School, bringing together his passions for writing and youth advocacy. He was a strong opponent of racism, classism or ageism in any form, and served as a member of the Yellow Springs Human Relations Commission.
Wallis is survived by his daughters, Sarah, Jessica and Laura Wallis; by his mother, Mary Goode Wallis (age 100), and his sister, Jane Jacobs, both of Madison, Ind.
A memorial service for Don will be held Friday, Feb. 3, 4 p.m. at the Glen Helen Building. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Yellow Springs Community Foundation to establish a scholarship in honor of Don.
An extended obituary will be in next week’s News.
4 Responses to “Don Wallis”
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Thank you, Don, for your generosity, love, and friendship. You were a great man.
Thank you Don. You taught me that it’s okay to be who I am without apology. I was lucky enough to be one of your students and I learned so much from you. I will never forget you or your outlook on life. The world has lost a wonderful soul and you will be missed greatly but thought of often.
R.I.P. Don. Don was the first to encourage me when I began to submit editorials to the news in the early 90s. Once I went to the news office when Don was the Editor to complain about cuts made to a long editorial I submitted. At the time I had no sense of space requirements. Don responded quietly and thoughtfully educating me about space requirements and how he agonized trying to leave in what he thought were the most important points. Finally he stated “Bomani, I thought your article was so important that I publshed it in the space that is reserved for me.” It was very humbling. I hadn’t even noticed. His response taught me alot about him and myself that day and force me to be more concise in my writing after.
He was committed to the best that a democratic society could offer and very encouraging to young people as I witnessed his interactions with the Youth Facilitators group at the high school. He carried himself in a quiet reserved manner and spoke whenever I encountered him walking about town. He was looking forward to another round of gathering writing from young people to publish as he did several years ago which I believe he paid for out of his own pocket. The booklets were offered to the public for free at the local library. I know he will be missed by many, especially by me.
Bomani Moyenda
Don had a style in his writing that couldn’t be replicated or taught, it just was. I can see him sitting pecking the keys on an antique Oliver typewriter pumping out creative journalism like none other in the Midwest for the Vevay Newspapers editorials. His many days and nights aboard his flat bottom muscle boat on the Ohio River and drifting into the areas along the shore where Harlan Hubbard lived gave him a sense of peace and closeness to his friend, Harlan. His love for his daughters and family, Mad Town as he called it, Switzerland County, the Town of Vevay and a connection to Yellow Springs and Antioch should never be diminished. Don was close to few and loved by many. He did what he wanted and in the manner in which he wanted to do it. He shared a great wealth of knowledge and for those that were fortunate to be on the receiving end of that knowledge, we were lucky to have spent time with him. Rest in peace Don.