Dear Mr.Zysk,Thank you very much for your thoughtful message re Don and the Exchange Club. I don't think Don and I were married when the "hot-dog incident" occurred, but it sounds so much like something Don would do. He had a sort of can-do spirit that was infectious. I am sorry to know that you also have Parkinson's Disease, but glad that you are managing it well. All the best….Sarah

Thank you, Peter. Your words give me comfort.All the best…Sarah

Thank you, Bob. Don respected you so much. He would be very pleased to know that you returned that respect.All the best…Sarah

I just now saw this obituary as I was reminiscing about my first job out of college, reference librarian at the Elyria Public Library. I had just graduated from Oberlin College in 1967 with a degree in English Lit. It was The Sixties so, like many of my generation, I hadn't felt the need to make any particular plans for my future. I was newly married and my husband had another year to finish, and then stayed on to get a Masters in Teaching, so I needed to find a job in the area. I applied for everything I could and the first job that came through was at the Elyria Library, working for Donald Sager. Besides Mr. Sager and myself, I don't think anyone else at this small town library had even a college degree.
Mr. Sager (I never knew him well enough to call him Donald!) was a wonderful role model. He once told me, if someone came in or called with a question, I was to try to find the answer, even if it meant calling a government office in another state. He entrusted me with purchasing books for the library, handling the repository for government documents, and going through old newspapers on microfilm to create a database of births and deaths in the county. He once had a friend call me and ask if a zebra was black with white stripes or white with black stripes, just to see what I would do with the question.
Inspired by this job, I considered getting a degree in Library Science, but instead took a year off to travel overland to India with my husband, and after a series of different jobs, my eventual career was as a sign painter in the movie business. I ran the Sign Shop at Disney Studios for many years - still working with words and letters, but in a different way.
I didn't know until I came upon this obituary what an important person Donald Sager became in the library field. I wish I had kept in touch with him - he was an inspiration in my first job in the working world.

"The Donald" in my world was Donald Sager, who, in every aspect of humanity trumped the majority of men. I was privileged to know and work with him professionally over many years and to be considered a friend to him and Sarah. Both Mary (Phelan) and I send our heartfelt condolences.

Don Sager was known to many of us in the library profession for his vision, his integrity, and his personal regard for others. These qualities will provide a lasting legacy and an example for many to follow. While he will be missed, he will not be forgotten.P. Deekle

I had the privilege of serving with Don as a Past President of the Exchange Club of Milwaukee. He was a true gentleman but not afraid to roll up his sleeves and pitch in. One fundraiser stands out. During the City of Festival parade we were to sell hot dogs thru the crowd. But the vendors complained and we couldn't do as planed. A disaster in the making as we had a load of product. All of a sudden here's Don hauling tables out to the front steps of the Library. Well, we weren't violating any ordinances so we started to sell and had a successful event. Good job, Don! As always. I would have loved to join all of you today but beside being Past Presidents of Exchange we both travel the rocky trail of PD. Doing pretty well but long trips are rough. But thinking of Don and being able to call him my friend has put a smile on my face today. And along with some deserved tears, on yours too. Bob Zysk

Don Sager was a friend and valuable colleague for more than 30 years. He brought a rare level of experience and understanding to his publishing and executive recruiting efforts. He was an influential voice for urban libraries that will be sorely missed.

OBITUARY

Donald J. Sager

Born JANUARY 1, 2015

Glueckert Funeral Home

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