Comments on: Donald Sloat

By: annie

annie — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 17:46:59 +0000

During my first four years of teaching I had the privilege of working with Don Sloat at Walcott School. What a kind man with a wicked sense of humor, always used in a respectful manner. This was in the late 60′s and early 70′s. He was everyone’s favorite. I was so sorry to learn of his passing in last week’s Democrat. I remember several dinner parties with Don and Peggy where good conversation was even more important that food. We were a cohesive group of teachers at that time, Fran Wolfe, Tom Wolfe, Bob Miller, Dean Boom, Tobin (Toby), some others (apologies for my forgetfulness), and me, Anne Stoppleworth. We all got along with one another and had each other’s backs. It made for a wonderfully comfortable work situation. I remember him so well as pictured in his classroom. Brings back lots and lots of memories. Don always, always had a smile. His love of life was the balm in the midst of junior high chaos, and there was plenty of that. Bless him for that! He made me feel right at home my first day. Bless him for that, too! Great head of the English dept. I only saw him at a loss for words once. But that story need not be told!
My deepest sympathies to Peggy and all of Don’s family.
Anne Heitz

By: topplert

topplert — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 17:25:49 +0000

I worked with Don during my first eight years at Walcott School. I have many fond memories of Don – his kindness, infectious smile, and literary wit. He was an example to all of us. I remember fondly the clever doggerel poems he wrote and recited for every retiring teacher. How we looked forward to the end of the school year to see what Don had written. His poems were a beautiful and joyous tribute to what could have been a sad occasion when one retires from one’s career. Many blessings, Don and to your family. Terri

By: brynkruse

brynkruse — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 22:48:21 +0000

I was able to share a special connection with my Grandpa as a teacher. We had some wonderful discussions with my grandpa about teaching and the progression of education. He was so interested in the ways Kansas State was preparing me to become a teacher, in what I was teaching and how I was teaching it, and, in true teacher fashion, he was mostly interested in my students.

I always knew my grandpa had been a teacher, but it took becoming a teacher myself to realize that he never stopped teaching. Everything my grandpa said, everything he did, he was teaching. Here’s a few things my grandpa taught me:
Always show compassion, especially to those who don’t deserve it – they usually need it the most.

Look at words. Really, really look at words. Read them, research them, use them, do crossword puzzles. Never skip over a word you don’t know. Find the definition and use that word.

Be strong willed. Don’t let other people change your mind on matters that you feel strongly about.

Write. Words, poems, stories. Write it all down.

Love devotedly and never give up on love.

And, never let the bastards grind you down!

Love you forever and miss you for always, Grandpa.