Tribute
The creator of the pink plastic lawn flamingo, the ultimate symbol of American lawn kitsch, has died. Donald Featherstone was 79.
Creator of the pink plastic lawn flamingo
The Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — The creator of the pink plastic lawn flamingo, the ultimate symbol of American lawn kitsch, has died. Donald Featherstone was 79.
Featherstone's wife, Nancy, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that her husband died Monday at an elder care facility in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, after a long battle with Lewy body dementia.
Featherstone, a trained sculptor with a classical art background, created the flamingo in 1957 for plastics company Union Products, modeling it after a bird he saw in National Geographic. Millions of the birds have been sold.
Featherstone worked for Union for 43 years, inventing hundreds of plastic products in that time and rising to the position of president before his retirement in 1999.
In addition to his wife of 40 years, Featherstone is survived by two children, four grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
Condolence & Memory Journal
Thanks, Don, for all the fun!
God Bless You!
Posted by
Duke Shelton - Amarillo, TX - Friend December 10, 2018
For Don Family I do rember His Flamingos very much . Years ago I got 1 for my older Sister s Yard more like Garden. . She loved the gift I gave. It looked nice she kept it there until it got old. All my Prayers.
Posted by
M - No, AZ May 23, 2017
Wow, you really put your mark in this world. We put a pink flamingo out when we use the motorhome. Makes it feel more homey. Thank you for being in this world.
Posted by
Cindy Jencks mosscritter@gmail.com - Vancouver, WA July 23, 2016
Thanks Donny. I will always think about you when I go to Lowes and Home Depot garden department.
Posted by
Greg Doran - Tomball, TX - Friend July 01, 2016
Saw The Paper Kites play on Friday night, supporting Josh Pyke at the Fly By Night Club in Fremantle, and they were smiply outstanding. I would have paid the same money just to see them, they were that good. Brilliant writing and superbly performed; tightness-wise they were as honed as a band that had been together for ten years. I genuinely did not want them to finish and it's rare you say that about a support you've never seen before. Of course I bought the EP as did my mate with me. Can't wait for a full length album.cheers,Ian
Posted by
Shania - IXQe1scyy, WY - NJf9zQaYl5np November 10, 2015
I'm 57...grew up with these on our lawn. A few years ago, I moved to Portland, OR and bought some for my sister's lawn. I enjoy these as well as my sister and brother-in-law. It is truly American. Thank You! I hope to live into my old age and still be able to enjoy these!
Posted by
Jerry Barkley - Portland, OR - Visitor September 08, 2015
You created something that forever will be around somewhere! Such fun we have all had with this. You had to be a joyous man to create such joy to everyone. Good job on earth!!
Posted by
Carol lane - Indianapolis, IN July 27, 2015
We have had so much fun with his creation! My late husband HATED pink flamingos, so I of course brought them home in every possible form to torture him. I even had a small flamingo put on his headstone. Thanks so much for all the smiles and laughter we enjoyed over the years. Blessings to Mr. Featherstone and his family!
Posted by
Nancy C. Knox - Hartford City, IN - Pink Flamingo Fan June 24, 2015
