Donald Keith Atwood's Obituary
Celebrating the life of Donald Keith Atwood
Donald Keith Atwood was born the first of five children, on June 5, 1933, to parents Fred Charles Atwood and Agatha Marie Morrissette Atwood, in Shelburne Vermont, where he lived until 1955.
He attended Elementary through High School, as well as ST Michael’s College, in Vermont. He then attended Purdue University. Later in life, after retiring, he returned to school for a second career and attended Naropa Institute, Colorado University/Boulder and University of North Carolina\Greensboro.
Mr. Atwood earned the following degrees: BS Chemistry – St Michael’s College; Ph.D Chemistry –Purdue University; ND Mathematics – University of Houston
His career in Chemistry spanned an impressive 35 years, and included EXXON Corp 1960-69 (Senior Research Specialist), University of Puerto Rico 1969-76 (Assoc. Prof. Chem. Oceanography), and NOAA\U.S. Dept. Com. 1976-95 (Director of Ocean Chemistry Div.).
His later degrees included a BA Dance\BA Theatre – Naropa Institute; MFA Choreography – University of North Carolina\Greensboro, and an MFA Design (Dance) – University of North Carolina\Greensboro
He enjoyed a long reaching Dance/ Theatre career, combining elements which he loved as a Dance Choreographer, Dancer, Actor, Light, and Crew member. He worked as a producer with various dance companies, created a portfolio of Representative Dance Works, and founded Danca Nova and World Dance Reviews. Donald was recognized as 2011 Living Legend of Dance by Carson-Briefly Dance Library of Colorado.
Throughout his life, Don lived in many places: Northern Vermont, Indiana, Texas, Puerto Rico, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, Maryland, and Hawaii.
He was married to Jody (JoAnn Sebesta) Atwood from 1955-1978. They had four children: Mike, Daniel, Janet, and Sarah.
He proudly participated in many organizations that were meaningful to him: Grange in Vermont, American Chemical Society, North Carolina Dance Alliance, Boulder Dance Alliance, Louisville Cultural Council
Donald was an exceptional swim and water polo coach. He coached Bellaire Rec Swim Team in Texas. He was recognized as one of the pioneers of women’s water polo in the United States by Water Polo Planet, and served as the Puerto Rican Men’s National Team Coach. Donald was also an avid cycling racer.
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Don was determined, brilliant, compassionate, adventurous, and multi-faceted. He appreciated all genres of music, and showed special interest in classical music throughout his life. He believed in education and was proud to attend graduations of his children and grandchildren.
His role as FATHER will be cherished.
Donald Keith Atwood passed away on January 16, 2015, in his home in Kihei, Hawaii, under hospice care. Private services will be held in Vermont at a later date.
He is survived by his sons, Mike (Lisa) Atwood, and Daniel (Peggy) Atwood; his daughters, Janet (Jose) Linares, and Sarah (Robert, Jr.) Lojko; his sisters, Jacque (Roy) Zeno, Pat (Sonny) Manning, Nancy (Gerry) Houde, and Susan Atwood; his 6 precious grandchildren.
Aloha ‘oe, Don. You contributed immeasurable genius to this world; it will not be the same without you…
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