Obituary of Donald Bieri Tescher

Donald Bieri Tescher passed away peacefully on September 29, 2013 in Rockport, Maine. He was born on October 13, 1917 to Anna and John Bieri Tescher in Oxford, NY. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann Tescher, of Oregon. He leaves behind his sons John Tescher of Boston, MA, Dan Daniels of Arlington, Texas and daughters Kristin Tescher of Lincolnville, ME, Karen Daniels of Danville, Vermont, and Jennifer Tescher of Bradenton, Florida; grandchildren Matthew Daniels of Texas, Andrew Polzer of Vermont, John Daniels of Oklahoma, Elizabeth Apollonio of South Korea and Rockport,, ME, Ben Apollonio of Massachusetts, Robin Apollonio of Maine, Angel Leigh of Georgia, and Lexi MacDonald of Florida, several great-grandchildren, and many beloved extended family members and friends. Don received his Bachelor of Education, English, Journalism and Speech at Moorhead State College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and his Master of Arts Theater Practice and Speech at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He was extremely creative and talented in many areas, particularly in writing and as a theater director. Don's early theater career began in summer stock and off-Broadway in Cleveland, Ohio as an actor/director. He went on to become an instructor of acting techniques and director of productions at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he was the first to direct Paul Newman on the theater stage. He also instructed and directed both musical and classical productions at Brooklyn College in NY, Kirkwood College in Cedar Rapids, Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, the Center for the Arts in Westerly, RI and Leland Powers School of Radio, TV & Theater. in Boston, MA. In his own words, it was important for him to share the magic and education that theater provides, and especially to assist others in expanding their imagination and creative talents. Don was the director of the Community Theater of Honolulu, where he once had the position of Official Greeter for the State of Hawaii for a day, welcoming Charlton Heston when he came to town to promote Ben-Hur. Don also coordinated local talent for the Elvis Presley's film Blue Hawaii. The majority of Don's career was as managing director for the Community Theater of Cedar Rapids. He inspired a life-long wonderful sense of adventure and creativity, not only in actors he worked with, but also in his children, with whom he shared experiences on stage and behind the scenes as helpers with props, costumes, and setting the stage. In later years Don lived in Brookline, MA and Danville Vermont. Don was known for his poetry and prose, for his work with children in the Danville school, and poetry readings at the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum. He was the winner of the Northeast Kingdom poetry contest and author of two self-published works of poetry and essays: The Ecumenical Earwig and Without Further Ado. Of twelve marble pillars which were erected in the Danville green last year, three include excerpts of Don's works. He wrote a regular column, the Earwig's Almanac, for the Northstar in St. Johnsbury, Vt. and the Freepress in Rockland, Maine, and was also occasionally published in the Green Mountain Chronicles. Donald's final years were spent in Thomaston and Camden, Maine where he continued his passion for poetry, became loved within the community, and was active in the annual Camden Windjammer Festival, giving the Blessing of the Fleet for many years. His final home was Merry Gardens Assisted Living in Camden, where his friendship, humor, and grace were enjoyed by residents and staff alike. Following are some cherished memories from his family: Telling us stories and helping us to catch fireflies Walking us through the snow that the blizzards left behind Taking us to the theater (Jen: once when I was playing with a parasol on stage he hit the lights from the light booth...that was my first sensation of what it would be like to be in a play.) Wonderful walks... He walked us down many pathways...leading us to a lot of cool destinations (Jen) One of my favorite memories was the row boat in St. George and watching for the Blue Heron. Birds...always watching and listening for birds. The poetry...the jingles...and always watching how people were drawn to him. He loved being a character. Boston visits...helping us learn the "T" system and how not to be afraid of it. And how he lived so simply. (To the extreme no doubt...but that was Dad). (Kris) Holiday dinners when he would "perform" Movies at the Coolidge Corner Cinema Listening to him play Appalachian ballads on the old guitar... Our visit to our Swiss friends and family (From Angel): I wish we could have one more stroll down to the corner store, or one more hike at ft. Williams through the old "castles" I wish I could hear you sing or play the harmonica one more time....I love you pop & I hope and pray you feel how much.... I will forever remember all the many memories we had together (From Karen:) Seeing the same man Through different eyes We all have Different memories Yet what is the same Is the love we share For him Many thanks to the Merry Gardens community for their love and caring friendship during the last years of Don's life. Thanks also to the staff at Pen Bay Hospital and Kno-Wal-Lin Hospice for the loving care during his last days. A private family celebration will be held later in the year, but Don wanted people to celebrate and plant trees in his honor. He touched many friends in many communities. Don's favorite charity was Habitat for Humanity, if friends choose to make a donation in his name.