Memory Book for Dr. Don Coldsmith
Share your memories and donate in the name of Dr. Don Coldsmith

Discovering the Spanish Bit Saga my Freshman year in college. The camping trips to Buck Creek here in North Carolina during the summer of 1991 with my daughter, our fishing gear, and Mr. Coldsmith's Spanish Bit Series. Sweet memories of lazy summer afternoons with her, (now a 20 year old Sophmore in college herself) and a good book to read...the best days of my life Mr. Coldsmith and you were right there with us. Adrian Martin

Posted by: Adrian Martin - Hayesville , NC   Feb 24, 2010

We love his books about the plains Native American Indians. He had a knack for bringing the People to life. We have a library of every Indian Novel he wrote and we read them over and over again. We hope he is in the Happy hunting grounds making friendships with those he wrote about. May those who knew him well be blessed and comforted.

Posted by: Nancy & Joe Robinson - Seven Valleys, PA   Oct 28, 2009

I had the pleasure of meeting Don at a couple of writers' workshops I participate in at Emporia State University. He subsequently agreed to speak to students at Piper High School, where I was a teacher.

He kept the kids spellbound with his stories.

After he spoke, I walked him out to his pickup, where the bed was contained wheat straws and empty cans.
We spent a half hour there discussing the beauty of the autumn leaves to the north in the Missouri River foothills and other things.

In spite of his tremendous talent and success as a writer, I have never met a more humble, unpretentious man.

None of us live forever but Don's death earlier this year was far too soon for those of us who respected, liked and admired him.

Jim Banister

Posted by: Jim Banister - Rock Port, MO   Oct 11, 2009

I never had the pleasure of meeting
Dr. Coldsmith in person, though I did interview him via telephone once. I found him to be a naturally graceful spirit of great intelligence. He implied that the main reason he quit his medical practice was the high cost of malpractice insurance, which was about the last thing I expected to hear from him! His books had a profound influence on me. I gained a deeper appreciation for Native American culture. The style of writing that he employed, clear and unpretentious, continues to impress each time I pick up one of his books.

Posted by: James Sheehan - Baton Rouge, LA   Aug 03, 2009

Don was a gentleman and a fine writer. I shared programs with him a number of times, and each time I learned more about history of the Great Plains. He was researching 17th c. Spanish mining in the Rockies; I hope that manuscript gets published! He helped many of us have new appreciation for the variety of stories in this region.

One of my favorite memories is when, in Lawrence, I was leading a book discussion about The Spanish Bit. He showed up in the audience! He added to the discussion, humbly and honestly. What a memorable evening.

My condolences to his family. I celebrate his life callings.

Denise Low, 2007-2009 Poet Laureate

Posted by: Denise Low - lawreence, KS   Jun 30, 2009

Dr Coldsmith delivered all three of my children. He was a caring, kind physician. During my first pregnancy he attentively listened and never grew impatient even when my list of questions were long. My memories are positive and with much appreciation for the wonderful care he provided to me and my babies.
While my thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time, no doubt he will be welcomed in heaven with open arms.

Posted by: Mary Nichols Tesh - Tulsa, OK   Jun 28, 2009