Donald Pankowski
October 25, 1945 - March 14, 2021

"Don, You were a wonderful neighbor and truly a great man. You will really be missed by all of us in the neighborhood. Rest in Peace, enjoy your new home - heaven. We will be here for your family here on earth. God Bless my friend. "

"Don was an active part of the Rochester Area Official Association volleyball association. He was a great ref and served as our scheduler for many years. He was always patient and kind as he juggled scheduling for us (not an easy task). My condolences to Don?s family "

"Don was a heartwarming presence for the Rochester Nordic Ski team. He would greet skiers at practice with a cheery smile - no matter the weather. His caring attitude ensured that all skiers were safely on their way home after practice. Don was always willing to help in many ways - coaching skiers, mentoring ski team captains, volunteering at ski races. He introduced many elementary school students to the lifelong sport of cross country skiing through his organization of the Rochester Community Ed skiing program at Quarry Hill. Don made a lasting impression on the many Rochester Nordic Ski Team members over the years. I am grateful to have worked with Don on many ski team activities. I also had the pleasure of seeing (and hearing) him without a face mask, winter coat, hat, and gloves through his dedicated participation in the church choir. May God bless Don, his family, and friends."

"Don was an active member of the Telemark Vacation Condominiums Board of Directors. Don was first elected in October of 2011 and in the ensuing 9+ years led by example with his hard work and dedication. Don wasn't afraid to pick up a pen (minutes or maintenance punchlists) or a hammer, screwdriver or paintbtush if that was needed. He also shared his wisdom, knowledge and opinion as an active member at over 35 Board meeting in his time on the Board. I've only known Don as a Board member but know that he was a good man to have with you whether working or on the golf course after a meeting. He, and his cheerful, can do attitude, will be sorely missed. Mike Kocon President, Telemark Board of Directors "

"I knew Mr. Don from ski team. Every day when I came to practice he was glad to see me. He was an important part of my ski team experience and I will miss seeing him. To his family, I am sorry for your loss. "

"The Rochester Nordic Ski Team community was devastated to hear Don Pankowski passed away Sunday, March 14, at his home. Don has been a huge part of RNST since its early days, as a Coach, as the liaison to our team captains every year, and in recent years managing the check-in and check-out process so we knew when skiers arrived and, most importantly, when they safely left practice. Don was always prepared as the team grew in size to between 150 and 200 skiers every season. He was always one of the first to arrive at the practice location and would set up tables and unload tubs from his car that held the checklists as well as clipboards, pens and vests for the Volunteers. He always had a bag of hats and gloves skiers could borrow if they forgot theirs. One of his many talents was his calm, steady manner of tracking down skiers who might have left practice without checking out. He?d call and text the skier, and if that didn?t work, he?d move on to the parents. When he finally found the skier was safe and sound, he?d never get angry and would say, ?Okay, we just wanted to make sure you?d checked out and you?re alright.? Don was always willing to stay longer with another coach if a skier was left waiting for a ride. Don was a longtime Nordic skier with many Birkebeiners and Korteloppets completed. He loved the trails in Cable, Wisconsin so much he bought a condominium at Telemark lodge. Don also organized and ran the Rochester Community Education Nordic for Elementary School-aged Skiers program at Quarry Hill the past several years, where many RNST skiers volunteered as coaches and where many of our current RNST team members first learned to ski. Don will be dearly missed by all of us in RNST. Our sincere condolences to Kathy and his family. David Herbert, RNST Head Coach Michael O'Connor, RASC President "

"Rest in Peace Cousin! Remember a lot of fun times when we were kids. All the camping at Memphis State Park, the hikes at Fontenelle Forest, hunting and fishing trips. And yes some really dumb things. Like the time we cut apart a box of your Dad's shotgun shells with a hatchet and hexsaw. Our prayers and condolences to Kathy and the family. -- Jack"

"Through years on the Rochester Nordic Ski Team, I was blessed to know Don as a gracious and compassionate coach. The dedication he showed to the team and to each and every skier--putting in countless hours as a volunteer teaching his passion, keeping skiers safe, and introducing young people to the sport was a constant. It was a great honor and privilege to ski and serve alongside Don for the team. He will be cherished and remembered as dedicated and gracious--a beloved member of the ski community. -Sara Holmes"

"My heart-felt condolences to Don's family and friends. Don will truly be missed by me and many others. He touched countless lives for the better as an inspirational and tireless volunteer coordinator for the Rochester Nordic Ski Team. Don's dedication knew no bounds. Not only did he manage RNST practice sign-ins, Wednesday classic practices and liaising the student captains, but he was always ready to help out at races. I will miss his friendly greetings at every practice and think of him each time I ski at local Rochester courses. SIncerely, Mike Trantow"