ASES Says Goodbye to Dona McClain

Dona McClain, a member of the American Solar Energy Society staff for 28 years, passed away on Nov. 15 after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. She died at home, in Longmont, Colo., surrounded by her family.

Dona retired from ASES on March 30 of this year. She served many roles at ASES, including publications manager, SOLAR TODAY proofreader and advisory committee member, ASES chapters representative, conference registration and volunteer manager, awards and Fellows committees liaison and mail room maven.

She coordinated the production of The Fifty-Year History of the International Solar Energy Society and its National Sections, working closely with the publication’s editor, Karl Böer. She was also involved in distributing and archiving ASES’ white papers, conference proceedings and SOLAR TODAY. Dona played a part in every single ASES program and project, and took good care of the staff and members.

Dona worked tirelessly to help educate the public about solar, and support professionals in the field. She strongly believed that solar is our future, and fought daily to move it forward. She was honored at the SOLAR 2009 conference in Buffalo, N.Y., with a “25 Years of Service to ASES” award.

For those who knew Dona, she’ll be always remembered by her smile, kindness, love for life and never-give-up feistiness. She will be missed.

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Dona’s family will organize a memorial event for her early next year. Dona requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to ASES.