Don Glickman, a retired design professor, left an unconventional legacy through heartfelt postcards sent posthumously. After his passing on November 11 at the age of 94, his daughter Leah dedicated herself to distributing over 100 postcards containing his candid farewell message: “If you’re reading this I’m dead, and I really liked you.”
Postcards with a Personal Touch
Glickman, known for his frankness, preferred postcards over a traditional funeral or obituary. He arranged for these unique messages, written in bold Helvetica font and accompanied by a scowling selfie that he had chosen. Leah mentioned that none of the recipients were surprised by the straightforward nature of the messages.
“If he liked you, you knew it,” Leah explained. Many of the addresses for the postcards were sourced from his personal correspondence and notes gathered in his last days.
A Final Message
On the reverse of each card, Leah added a personal note detailing her father’s final days, referencing his love for butter pecan ice cream and flamenco music. She highlighted that her father remained true to his character until the end.
- Full Name: Don Glickman
- Date of Death: November 11, aged 94
- Residence: Anacortes, Washington
Impact on Students
Before retiring in the late 1990s, Glickman taught design at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and later at the University at Buffalo. His teaching significantly influenced many students, creating lasting relationships beyond graduation.
Jason Snape, a former student, shared how Glickman shaped his career in design and education. After receiving his postcard, Snape expressed his gratitude on Instagram, showcasing the profound respect he had for his mentor.
Legacy and Reflection
The postcards have received media coverage, capturing attention for their heartfelt messages and the uniqueness of Glickman’s farewell. Leah believes her father would have appreciated the honor of being remembered so fondly, describing him as a person who would have feigned annoyance at the attention but ultimately relished it.
In Glickman’s own words, Leah’s additional message portrayed his life well lived, concluding with her belief that “in the end, we all get the love we deserve.”
