Donald Vladek Kolman B1951 – 2021BAUGUSTA – Donald Vladek Kolman, 69, of Augusta passed away at Capital City Manor on March 19, 2021. He was born on August 11, 1951 in a refugee camp in Grafenaschau, Bavaria, Germany; the son of Vladeak “Kim” and Jaroslava “Jery” (Korinkova) Kolman and immigrated to the United States as an infant. He grew up in Brewer, Maine and later moved to Augusta to live with his mother and stepfather Newell Perkins.Donny worked in the bakery at Shaw’s for several years, making cookies that he knew brought cheer to others. He retired early to allow himself time to travel, one of his passions, and enjoyed taking his last cruise to the Bahamas with his sister and brother-in-law. Seen often on the deck with his captains’ hat, he gloried in posing for photos with the passengers.He was a regular participant in the Maine Special Olympics, his favorite sports were equestrian and swimming, and his many medals were proudly displayed in his room or around his neck. Donny had Down Syndrome but he was not defined by the condition. Under different circumstances he likely would have become a Nursing Assistant, as he took great passion in helping others and understood the emotional struggle that comes when people need assistance with daily tasks. He was patient, compassionate, and perceptive.He will be missed by his family, his mother Jaroslava Perkins of Hallowell; brother Peter Kolman of Gardiner, brother-in-law Edward J. Gibson of Gorham, N.H.; niece Cynthia Murphy and husband Rich Murphy of Bradford Mass., and nephew Brian Gibson of Hawaii. He was predeceased by his father Vladek Kolman, stepfather Newell E. Perkins; and sister Evie Gibson.He will be interred at Veterans Memorial Cemetery, a small ceremony with family is planned for Wednesday March 31 at 1 p.m.