2019 NSS Luminary Series – Don Paquette
NSS #8545 CM, FE, SH
Don Paquette and his family moved to Bloomington, Indiana, when Don was just 13 years of age. Before long, Paquette was one of the cavers regularly spending weekends at Dick Blenz’s Speleo Barn—and exploring the many caves of Garrison Chapel Valley. Indeed, to this very day, Don has fond memories of early visits to Buckner Cave, Gory Hole, Shaft Cave, Sullivan Cave, and Wayne Cave.
One of Paquette’s major interests in the sport involves cave rescue. Don was the very first NCRC coordinator for the Central Region. Since that time, Don has taught cave rescue and vertical caving skills all around the United States, and in Belize, Hungary, and Puerto Rico. In recognition of his efforts, the NSS Cave Rescue community awarded Don Paquette the 2018 Steve Hudson Award.