Don Kordes carvings on display at the Tehachapi Museum

Provided.

Two of the carvings by Don Kordes, which are now displayed at Tehachapi Museum.

Don Kordes was fondly remembered by Tehachapi Heritage League on April 3, which would have been his 99th birthday.

Unfortunately, he passed away Oct. 23, 2023. He had contributed so much to THL from building shelves at the museum, to donating original carvings for fundraising prizes, to enhancing the Errea Garden with a perfect bird-house-size replica of the historic Errea House. A family of finches now occupies that little house.

Many friends gathered in the museum for a memorial service led by Reverend Keslinn Kohfeld-Stout of Tehachapi Community Congregational Church, which is next to the museum. She compared Don to the biblical story of the man who had many talents and increased them wisely in contrast to the man who hid his talents. Many friends added stories of their friendship with Don and how his kindness, generosity and skills inspired them. Don's daughter, Janice Polletta, concluded the ceremony by reading a poem which described the depth of love his friends and family have for him.

During the month of April, several of Don's carvings will be displayed in the museum. The bird house is just across the street in the Errea Garden. The archive room will be named the Don Kordes Archive Room with an appropriate plaque.

The museum, located at 310 S. Green Street, as well as the Errea House (across the street), open Saturdays and Sundays from noon until 4 p.m.