Since the Lehigh Valley Press published the first Parkland Press in 1989, nearly every issue featured Don Herb’s photos.

Don joined the paper as a freelance photographer when it was founded. His photos not only won awards, but also helped illustrate the high school athletic careers of thousands of athletes for 36 years.

Don died last Thursday at the age of 84.

He left a legacy that won’t be matched.

His love of Parkland High School sports is also unmatched. He followed the Trojans nearly anywhere they were going.

He rode along on the team bus when the football team reached its first state title game. He followed PHS volleyball, softball and soccer teams to state championship games hours away from his Allentown home on many occasions.

While things got harder for him over the last few years, he refused to slow down.

Don continued to shoot sporting events while managing his health. Following afternoon dialysis appointments he would often go straight to sporting events.

While Parkland events where his favorite and primary focus, it was far from his only focus. His photos appeared in all the Lehigh Valley Press newspapers on a regular basis, especially in late winter when his favorite sport reached its annual zenith.

Don enjoyed taking pictures at postseason wrestling tournaments and annually made a trip to Hershey for the state finals.

His love for that sport goes all the way back to his high school days when he was a manager for a Sunbury High School wrestling team that won a state title. He cherished the championship ring he received for his contributions to that team.

When Don was at a Parkland sporting event, or at any wrestling match, his hearty mustached smile seemed to stretch across the field or arena.

While high school sports was where Don spent most of his photography time, he also followed local athletes in college sports and even in the professional ranks.

His love for sports photography was matched only by his love of family.

His wife Judie joined him on his annual trips to Hershey. Don’s daughter Christine (Herb) White was his pride and joy. One look at his Facebook page reveals his undying love and affection for her.

Family occasions were about the only thing that could keep him away from a sporting event.

His circle of friends in and outside of the Lehigh Valley High School sports scene is immense.

He didn’t just know everyone. He got to know everyone personally.

When someone shook Don’s hand it wasn’t just a gesture. It was a full and honest invitation to be his friend. An intent listener, his warmth allowed everyone into his heart.

Like many of his generation, he was supremely dedicated to things he found most important – family, friends and his profession.

Those who were fortunate enough to know him can be thankful that they did.

This fall the sideline at Parkland football games will be missing something. But while Don might not be there with camera in hand, his presence will forever be felt and remembered by those who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.