Donald Gehring

Donald Clark Gehring Jr. died on March 31 at the age of 86, with his wife of 57 years by his side. Known to many as Don or Clark, he was born on April 17, 1939, to Ruth Tolpin Gehring and Donald Clark Gehring Sr. He spent his early years on a farm in Coventry, CT. After his father’s death when he was 5, his family moved off the farm to another home, and he became deeply involved in the local 4-H program, which helped shape his lifelong love of agriculture.

Donald graduated from the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science. Later, he earned a master’s degree in international agricultural economics from the University of Illinois. For his graduate work, he developed an agricultural marketing system for the island of Jamaica.

He met Martha Morse during a training program for tour guides with American Youth Hostels. They married on December 21, 1968. His passions were traveling and hiking, but most important to him was his family. He and Martha shared their love of travel with their family, taking them to destinations including Mexico, South America, and Europe.

Over the years, he led and participated in several mission trips with Habitat for Humanity in the United States, Eastern Europe, Mexico, and Central America, reflecting his heart for service and adventure. Throughout his life, he was very involved with the Boy Scouts. In his early 80s, he climbed 47 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot and higher peaks, often alongside his family and beloved hiking group, the Champagne Hikers.

A man of many talents, Donald began his career as Maine’s agriculture extension service agent and later owned a garden center in Connecticut. After moving to Vermont, he taught math in Guilford for 10 years. He later became a familiar and friendly presence in Wilmington, where he ran Don’s Dog House for 20 years. In retirement, he continued to serve others through his work with FEMA for about 15 years.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; children, Heidi Gehring, Heather Gehring Plotkin and her husband Ian Plotkin, Daniel Gehring, and Abigail Gehring Lawrence and her husband Timothy Lawrence; six grandchildren; his sister, Adele Wolff; and his brother, Robert Gehring.

Donald will be remembered for his steady, quiet presence, his love of nature—especially the mountains—and his dedication to and provision for his family.