Donald R. Altemus

Donald R. Altemus well known Naturalist, educator, artist and ornithological enthusiast passed away on Saturday, June 25th in Avon, Ohio.  He was 94 years old.  Donald was an institution in the Cleveland Metro Parks system over a period of 27 years beginning in 1973.  Mr. Altemus served the Metro Parks as a Naturalist and educator in several capacities culminating in his tenure as director of the Rocky River Nature Center.  Many will remember his inciteful and wisdom filled help at Rocky River in leading them to a greater understanding of our world and the delicate balance in nature that we strive to preserve.  Others will remember Donald as the leader of natural history education at the Cleveland Zoo or as a leader of Birding walks and tours throughout Ohio, around the Midwest and even to Europe and Scandinavia. 

Born in Freeport, Pennsylvania a small Alleghany River town north of Pittsburgh Donald Altemus acquired an early interest in the natural world and bird watching while hiking the hills and valleys surrounding the town.  A graduate of Freeport High School he also found a talent for art and received an associate degree in the subject from the local college.  He developed as an excellent artist specializing in the depiction of birds.  Donald served in the armed forces during the Korean Conflict attached to a M.A.S.H advanced hospital near the front lines in Korea.  Here his talent in drawing came in very handy as he was employed helping the doctors by depicting surgical procedures. These drawings were utilized in assisting medical personnel in saving lives at the front.

Upon return from Korea Donald married Bertha W. Brasch from Wheeling, West Virginia.  After a short stint as a Ranger on an island in Tampa Bay, Florida the two of them went to Penn State University where Donald received his bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences.  With a growing family he moved to Battle Creek, Michigan to take up the position of Curator of the Kingman Museum of Natural History.  Here between 1957 and 1972 he built a strong following of Nature Enthusiasts through his work in developing educational and interpretive resources at that Museum and at several Nature Centers and trail networks throughout Southwest Michigan. 

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