On Sept. 30, 1999, the Class of 1960 lost one of its finest members. Donald E. Singer passed away because of a very aggressive brain tumor discovered in May 1998. Don was born in Harrisburg, PA, on June 20, 1937. Hailing from Havertown, PA, he joined the Class of 1960 at Lowry AFB as a member of 1st Squadron on July 9, 1956. During our four years at the Academy, Donald was a key member of the soccer team. He also served on the Dance Committee and was, during his senior year, an Honor Representative.

Following graduation from 5^th Squadron on June 8, 1960, Don attended pilot training and graduated from UPT at Reese AFB, TX, in September 1961. His Air Force career spanned 28 years, during which he served in various assignments ranging from strategic-bomber pilot to high-level operations and planning staff officer. His duties took him from Vietnam to the Pentagon and several other locations in the States. He performed many varied tasks in different fields including inspection and liaison functions both within the Air Force and for the Air Force in the private sector.

In 1983, Don found himself in Las Vegas, courtesy of the Air Force, where he worked in the Tactical Fighter Weapons Center, in charge of the operations center. After retirement, from Nellis AFB in February 1988, Don stayed on and went to work for the Las Vegas County government as a risk-management specialist. While there, he exhibited all of the skills and dedication of a polished senior statesman, gaining the full and complete confidence of all those who worked with him. On several occasions, he was requested to act as spokesman for his department in the public arena. He took full retirement from that position in April 1998 to spend time with his wife, Judy, who reverted to part-time work status in the law firm where she worked.

Donald left behind his most beloved wife, Judy, who was not only the light of his life and his biggest fan, but also, according to his words, ". . . my soul-mate, my spouse, my mentor, and my life-saving angel." Don and Judy loved gardening together; going out and eating; and, occasionally, visiting the Las Vegas casinos; trips to San Diego; and just being together. He also left his two adult children: Donald E. Singer, Jr. and Chris Bales. Don Jr. is currently serving in the Air Force on assignment in Italy. Chris, his daughter, resides with her family in Las Vegas. He also left behind two stepsons, Arthur and Mark Utnehmer both of whom were a great help and comfort to him and Judy during his trying medical struggle.

He also left behind a legacy within his class. For those of us who knew Don well, he stood out as a pillar of granite. His position on the soccer field, during those early years, required great stamina and endurance. He never failed and could always be counted on to perform above the expected levels. In fact, he could have easily been given individual credit for a great percentage of the victories gained by the team in 1958 and 1959–a fact not lost on any of us who shared the field with him. A quiet, unassuming gentleman, Don was always ready with a smile and a kind word when things were not going well either on or off the field; he was a leader in the locker room and an inspiration to all of us–characteristics which he continued to demonstrate and employ throughout his life. Yes, Don will be missed, but his memory will go on as an integral element in the mystique that is the Class of 1960.

Don was interred in "The Garden of Honor" at the Oasis Funeral home in Las Vegas. Godspeed Don. We will remember.

(Andrew W. Biancur, '60)