Donald Post, Jr.

The world became a little less friendly on January 26, 2022 with the unexpected passing of Donald Irving Post, Jr. Don was a loving husband, father, son, and brother, and widely known to all as a friend. If you ever had the opportunity to meet Don, then by the end of your first conversation, he was likely your friend, too.

Don is survived by his wife, Laura and two young children, Palmer and Mallory. He is also survived by his parents, Donald Post, Sr. and mother, Mary Post; sister, Diane Boufedji, her husband Sofiane, and nieces Laila and Alia; in-laws, Rick and Delores Strickland; and sister-in-law, Bethany Keating and husband Kenneth. Don is predeceased by his grandparents, Frank and Estelle Post, as well as Frank and Ina Milazzo, and of course, his beloved dog, Boomer.

Born in Shreveport, Louisiana, Don moved to Concord in 1994.  He was a 1998 graduate of Central Cabarrus High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Management in Information Systems and Finance from UNC Charlotte.  Don spent the last 14 years working for Skookum (now Method).  It is fitting that Don was Skookum’s first employee, because without question, he was its most beloved. Everyone who worked with Don was treated like family, no matter who you were. He looked after everyone and wore his pride in the company everyday, literally. Formal introductions to Don were never needed, as he would find you in your first week, and appear with a water bottle, a shirt, or a plate of food at the exact right time to welcome you. He sincerely cared about others and his daily actions demonstrated just that.

Don held so many different titles that it’s hard to find an area of the business that he didn’t run at some point. He was the most resourceful human you’ll ever meet. A frequent refrain for Don was, “I’ve got a guy for that!” And he did. There was no deal he couldn’t find or problem he wouldn't tackle. That spirit and hustle allowed the company to evolve from a small software shop in a strip mall in Concord, to one of the most well-respected companies in its industry. The company simply wouldn’t be what it is today without Don, full stop.

Don liked to play as passionately as he worked. An avid golfer who had the incredible fortune to play premiere courses like Pebble Beach and Quail Hollow, he attended some of golf’s largest events, including the Masters and US Open. Still, all of this pales in comparison to how it felt to play beside Don. His gentlemanly nature and superb talent made him the perfect partner.  Don could talk to anybody, find any ball you lost, and supply anything you might have forgotten. (It was often speculated that Don acquired his golf bag from none other than Mary Poppins, due to the wide variety of items it contained: Don was always prepared for anything!) Don loved to share the game of golf almost as much as he loved to play it. You could be a scratch golfer or taking your first-ever swing, and Don would be just as happy to play with you. He would often remark that his dream job would be to caddy for Palmer or a serve as a high school golf coach. His enthusiasm was contagious and so Don started golf groups at church and work in his constant pursuit of his two passions: fellowship and fairways.

Don was a deeply religious man, an active participant in the community at West Cabarrus Church. He regularly contributed in meaningful ways, from his golf ministry to various community improvement projects the church organized.  More than anything, Don wanted people to know Jesus.  He sometimes struggled with how to talk about this to the people he loved because he didn’t preach. Instead, Don practiced his faith: by loving everyone he met, never judging, and living by an example that others could follow if they chose. Don acted on behalf of those outcast, poor, or vulnerable. He fed the hungry. He encouraged those discouraged. He offered hope and provided opportunities for those who have none. In effect, Don treated each day as a million chances to help others, and he had the thoughtfulness, resourcefulness, and compassion to actually do it.

Don’s was a special love - a sacrificial love, joyful love, benefitting love, unselfish love, humble love, and a responding love.  It’s hard to imagine that when God created man and saw his potential that he didn’t already have Don Post in mind. Don regularly studied daily devotions and was focused on doing what he needed to do so that God could use him for His kingdom.  It is safe to say that Don accomplished that goal, as Don let the love of God pour through him to others. Don’s love, mercy, compassion have long been God’s hands and feet.

Don was an incredible family man.  He encouraged everyone, but cheered most loudly for his kids, Palmer and Mallory.  Palmer is a superb athlete who enjoys playing basketball, flag football, and golf. Just like his dad, Palmer is a great teammate who plays with passion and joy. You can clearly see in Palmer the same single minded focus his father had.  They both unapologetically give their time and energy to the present moment. They’re not worried or anxious about tomorrow. They’re just present. That ability to give their time and energy to the present moment is unmatched and something we should all strive for.  Don was so proud of Mallory’s spirit and work ethic.  He would often describe Mallory to people by saying, "Don't be fooled! She is small and sweet, but she is a savage."  He loved seeing Mallory standing tall against the bigger neighborhood boys. Don took so much pride in her early understanding of the saying, “Never let ‘em see you sweat.” That mentality was so typical of Don - everywhere he went he was like a duck on the water … smooth on the surface, but always working harder than anyone could see.

Don Post was an exceptional man who made the world a better place. He never expected anything from anyone and lived his life with an insatiable desire to take care of others. If actions speak louder than words, then Don Post may have been the loudest man you ever met. His personal mandate was to: “leave it better than you found it.”  He repeated that phrase ad nauseam at home, but rarely outside of the house.  He didn’t have to, because it was evident in his every action.  The Greek Philosopher, Epictetus, is quoted as saying, “If your choices are beautiful, so too will you be”. Simply put, Don Post was a beautiful man.

Funeral services will take place at West Cabarrus Church in Concord on Wednesday, February 2, at 12 p.m. Burial services will be private for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.kindermourn.org.

We invite friends and family to read and share stories, pictures, and memories of Don here: https://www.donpost.life We will preserve these tributes for Palmer and Mallory to help them understand how truly amazing their father was and how many lives he touched.