Don Choffel, downtown icon and owner of beloved store Dickson Street Bookshop, has died, according to a post on the store’s Instagram account. He was 90 years old.
From the post:
It is with the heaviest hearts that we announce the passing of Don Choffel, owner and co-founder of Dickson Street Bookshop. The impact of his loss is impossible to measure, especially to those of us who were lucky enough to know him well. But also to countless people who never had the good fortune of knowing him. His effect on Northwest Arkansas and around the world is simply awe-inspiring.
Anyone who knew Don would tell you that he was the kindest, most humble, intelligent, generous, funny, and loving man you could hope to meet.
Dickson Street Bookshop is Don’s baby. He worked tirelessly seven days a week for the last 45 + years to ensure our continued success, including in the event of his passing. He planned well for this day because he wanted the Bookshop to always be here, serving the local community, and that is exactly what we will do.
Choffel founded the store in 1978 with Charles O’Donnell, who died in 2019.
According to the post announcing Choffel’s passing, the store will continue on.
“We aren’t going anywhere, and we will continue to uphold and honor his work, values, wishes and the lifeblood he selflessly poured into the Bookshop,” the post stated.
A small, but private service for Choffel is planned per his wishes.
The store is encouraging anyone interested in contributing to Choffel’s memory to make a donation to programs that promote literacy.
