In Memory: Don Sohn

Dear Laurentian Community,

Today, I write to share the sad news that Don Sohn ’48, P’82, St. Lawrence Trustee Emeritus, has died. He was 96.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from St. Lawrence, Don earned a graduate degree from the Harvard Business School. He was the founder and president of Heritage Travel in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

As a University Trustee, Don served on the academic and faculty affairs, investment, honors, and planning committees. His appreciation for diverse world cultures, travel experience, and business acumen provided valuable insights for St. Lawrence’s international programs, particularly the Kenya Semester. Don was also Trustee Emeritus of the Boston Conservatory.

He and his wife, Virginia, were members of the G. Atwood Manley Society. In addition to their planned giving, they also created the Donald and Virginia Sohn Endowment for International Understanding. The fund was established in 2007 “to enhance the stature of St. Lawrence as a leading liberal arts college by supporting a preeminent array of programs and activities designed to further international perspectives and understanding.”

Don’s family recalls his enthusiasm for getting together with friends and making new ones at his memorable parties. In addition to his travel business, Don also founded Sitzundjibers, a Boston-area social club.

Don passed away at home in Beverly, Massachusetts, surrounded by loved ones. His wife, Virginia, died in 2018.

As we mourn the loss of our friend and colleague, we are grateful to Don for his service to St. Lawrence and our community. In the words of those who knew him well, Don created a lot of good in his lifetime. It is a distinctly Laurentian honor to remember his sense of humor, generosity to others, and his kind nature.

Please celebrate Don Sohn’s life and work by sharing your memories of him on the St. Lawrence University website. Here, you can read the remembrances shared by others.

With sincere condolences to all those mourning Don’s passing,

Kate Morris