It is with great sadness that the family of Donald Urquhart Oldman announces his passing, after a brief illness, on Friday, December 15, 2017 at the age of 91 years. Don, as he was fondly known by those close to him, will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Louise (Zwaschka) Oldman and his children, Patrice (Jeremiah) Coholan of Dartmouth, MA, Karen (Charlie) Toutant of Calabash, NC, and Bret (June) Oldman of Hillman, MI. Don was a devoted grandfather to seven grandchildren: Ryan Coholan, Megan (Coholan) Pollock, Amy (Lipsett) Bedard, Brian Lipsett, Jessica (Oldman) Rodriguez, Erin (Oldman) Walker, and Hannah Oldman. He is survived by seven great grandchildren: Paige Bedard, Ruby and Josie Rodriguez, Logan, Quinn and Ella Walker, and Olivia Lipsett, and will also be forever remembered by his extended family, dear friends, and wonderful caregiver over the past year and a half – Frank Adjei-Boahen.
Don was born on February 10, 1926 in Providence, RI to George A. and Jean F. (Dickson) Oldman. He was predeceased by his parents, his stepmother Muriel Oldman, and his brothers George and David Oldman. Don served in the Air Force in WWII as an aerial gunner between 1944 and 1946, and received the American Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal upon his honorable discharge. He and his beautiful bride Louise Zwaschka were married on August 12, 1950 and the two moved to Kingston, RI where he attended the University of Rhode Island. Don graduated from URI in 1952 as a civil engineer, then moved to Ottawa, Illinois where he worked at the State Highway Department as Inspector of Local Roads until his retirement in 1986 when he moved to Carolina Shores, NC.
Both avid golfers, Don and Louise enjoyed many years as members of Carolina Shores and The Pearl golf courses where he also worked as a ranger. He also took great joy and pride in his home and was often seen outdoors puttering in the yard or tinkering at his workbench in the garage. Family was so important to him and numerous memorable Oldman family reunions were held over the years on Sunset Beach where he reigned as beloved patriarch of the family.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held on as yet to be decided date in June, 2018 on Sunset Beach, NC with Reverend Steve Ottley officiating. Details will be sent to family members and friends prior to the memorial. Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of Don to Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 5171 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27612.
2 Comments
Grandpa, I will never bodysurf another wave without thinking of you! Thank you for all the great memories! Love you
You were the best dad anyone could ask for. You had a heart of gold and the love you had for everyone was endless. I miss you so much!
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