CLASS OF 1954 | 2015 | ISSUE 1

Hello again to my ’54 classmates. Hope all of us are entering our 83rd year with gusto and aplomb! Meanwhile, here’s some news from 11 of us:

First, some very sad news from Shep Johnson, who wrote: “A very good year of travel and family came to a tragic end in October with the sudden death of our youngest son, Stephen, at Mass General, from complications of endocarditis. Hundreds joined us to mourn and remember what a remarkable human being he was.” Shep, all of our hearts go out to you and your family on the loss of your child.

In January, Bud Johnson and bride Lynn were off to Angkor Wat and Cambodia, first via ship from Hong Kong and on to coastal Vietnam; after Cambodia, back aboard ship to Thailand and Singapore. Bud and Lynn hope to equal their trip to Machu Picchu last year.

Bob Gruskay reports on two exciting events at Beth El Synagogue in West Hartford last fall, where Bob played Sol Hurok. One was the debate among three candidates for Connecticut governor, the other was an opera concert with four opera stars and a full orchestra.

In January, Terry Hatter was in D.C., where he had the honor of swearing in members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. This spring, Terry and Trudy are traveling to Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

Another sad note: Claire, Dave Hodgin’s wife, best friend, and companion for more than 61 years, passed away last July. Dave says that learning to be a bachelor is an unexpected and unpleasant new experience. Otherwise, Dave is continuing to run the Pathfinder Companies, and serve on various boards, plus play some golf, and continue to fight the water wars in California. Finally, Dave is concerned about Wesleyan’s apparent attempt to tear down fraternities—a puzzlement for him.

Jeff Lockhart and bride are going to their first round of grandchildren weddings! They hope to make all seven, over time, if they happen.

Bob Monstream reports a full year for Ami and himself: skiing in the West at Copper Mountain and Mt. Bachelor; graduation of granddaughter from University of Colorado; and Ami, with the Hartford Chorale, singing in two Paris churches and Chartres Cathedral, plus Copenhagen. Finally, Costa Rica and Panama for birding. Bob reports everyone’s health is good, and family all well and thriving.

Never boring, Lenny Stolba’s bucket list focuses on international travel: With some four dozen countries under his belt, he now needs to add Scandinavia. But, more critically, Len also wants to stand on the land where both oceans meet; he’s already done the Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Horn is next. Len reports his only recent award is an EAA cap for flying 10 young eagles in 2014. Cheers to you, Len!

Marshall Umpleby and Mimi are doing well in Ashland, Ore. His MDS illness is still in remission (as of January ’15)—in part, he thinks, because of the Vidaza chemo he takes for one week out of every six. Their planned trip to Australia and New Zealand had to be cancelled upon his oncologist’s advice. Marsh says their two daughters are doing very well, Sarah in San Diego and Amy in Nevada City, Calif. Marshall was very sorry to miss our 60th Reunion last May.

Jim Yashar wishes all of us a very happy 2015.

Finally, your Secretary, Bob Carey, and Libby, had a somewhat busy post-Reunion schedule, traveling in June to San Diego for a grandson’s fifth-grade graduation, with all the trimmings. Then on to D.C. to observe the 4th of July fireworks from a dinner cruise boat on the Potomac. In July, Libby and I dined with Lynn and Bud Johnson at Milbrook in Greenwich. Then we hosted a Carey reunion with three of my four children and their families. September found us in Elkins Park, Pa. (Philadelphia), to stay at youngest daughter and husband’s “new” historical home. The Big Trip was to London for New Year’s, featuring a musical, and then, on New Year’s Eve, a black tie dinner at Pont de la Tour, followed by a boat ride on the Thames River down to the London Eye and Big Ben to watch fantastic fireworks at midnight. Upon return from the U.K. we took off for a six-week stay on Sanibel Island, Fla. All the best to all of us in 2015!

BOB CAREY | bobcarey@optonline.net
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

CLASS OF 1954 | 2014 | ISSUE 3

Greetings all! Thought you’d be interested in who attended our 60th last May in Middletown: John Binswanger, Hank Bruner, Bob Carey, Eric Cone, Chuck Davis, Marty Feins, Joel Finegan, Bob Gruskay, Terry Hatter, Carter Hearn, Rich Hinckley, Bud Johnson, Bob Montstream, Myron Poliner, George Ray, Zeke Richmond, Bob Schnuer, Art Spada, Bruce Storms, Jim Swain, Dave Walden, and Hal White.

Meanwhile, here’s the latest from a few of you: New Yorker Bob Schnuer and Vickie will migrate back to Boca Raton around Oct. 1, bad knee and all. Bob’s refused a replacement, so far. Curt McLaughlin just published (with son, Craig ’79) the second edition of Health Policy Analysis: An Interdisciplinary Approach at Jones & Bartlett Learning. Curt says he’s got one more major project in the works, and “then time to adopt retirement completely.”

Marshall Umpleby was sorry to miss the 60th, and says his health is pretty good, considering. Cancer is in remission, chemo shot every six weeks. Nurse Mimi keeps Marshall on a strict diet, and his morale is okay.

Emi and Al Flynn, who now reside in Asheville, N.C., did some nice traveling this year. In May, they flew to Bozeman, Mont., to start a guided tour of these National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Arches, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion; then Salt Lake City to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Later, Martha’s Vineyard with son and daughter plus families, staying at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown.

Lynn and Bud Johnson, in the fall of 2014, retraced steps through Italy’s lake country, with added time in Venice, Florence, and Siena en route to Rome. In early 2015, Bud and Lynn will visit Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, with time at Angkor Wat before heading home via Singapore.

Dick McCray’s wife, Carol, tells us that Dick had a traumatic brain injury two years ago, and finds it difficult to travel. Dick had wanted to attend the Reunion, but it wasn’t really possible. Our prayers are with you, Dick

Bob Muir is sorry to have missed the Reunion. Meanwhile, he and Harriet have a new abode at Apt 302, 200 Bristol Glen Drive, Newton, N.J. 07860. Finally, sad news: Our Classmate Bill Morrison passed away last May.

I have a few photo collages left from the 60th; e-mail me if you’d like one. All the best to all of us!

BOB CAREY | bobcarey@optonline.net
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831
203/532-1745

CHISOLM D. MCAVOY ’54

CHISOLM D. MCAVOY, an adventurer and taxi driver, died Sept. 25, 2013, at age 81. He received his bachelor’s degree from George Washington University. His sister, Mary B. Johnstone, survives.

JONATHAN F. ABEL ’54

JONATHAN F. ABEL, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps for 27 years, died Dec. 15, 2013. He was 81. An actor and film producer, he also served in the Marines during the Vietnam War. During his 27 years of service, he was a public affairs officer, infantry officer, and training and audiovisual support officer, and he received numerous medals. He was also a singer and a member of the Screen Actors Guild. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Pirie Abel, three children, three grandchildren, and his brother.

CLASS OF 1954 | 2014 | ISSUE 2

Greetings, Classmates! A record number of you responded to my e-mail, and I’m most appreciative. For the record, these Notes were assembled just prior to our 60th Reunion in May 2014, so most of you responded primarily with news of your intent to attend, or not attend. However, by the time you read this, the Reunion will have occurred, with, hopefully, a record turnout. Anyway, here’s what you told me in April of 2014:

John Binswanger will be with us at our 60th…Bill Christopher had to cancel making arrangements for the journey to Middletown. Bill had spoken recently to Terry Hatter, who said he’s coming to the 60th…Art Dexter celebrated his 82nd birthday on Anna Maria Island, Fla., with children and grandchildren. But tough news: Art is unable to be at our 60th because he’s been diagnosed with kidney cancer and starts treatments the week of April 14th…Bud Johnson sent a “cryptic” message, which I hope means we’ll see him at the Reunion…George Devries Klein turned 81 in January, and decided, after a 54-year post-doctorate career as a geologist, to retire. George and Suyon are relocating to Guam! Suyon is Korean, and her family and friends will be only three hours, by air, from Guam…Bill Drury reports he won’t be able to come for our Reunion weekend, but “I’ll really miss all you old guys!”…Steve Martin hopes to make it, but won’t know until late April…Dick Matthews is sorry he’s going to miss the 60th Reunion due to a family obligation, but he’s looking forward to seeing all of us at the 65th!…Bob Muir had to cancel his coming to the 60th, after having sold his home of 52 years, and relocating to a retirement community in Newton, N.J.,…Rod O’Connor is looking forward to attending, especially after his productive visit to the campus last October, when Wes beat Williams in football for our first Little Three title in 40 years!…Art Spada is set to come to the Reunion, just needs answers to his logistics questions…Norm Stuessy and Ruth will be unable to join us in Middletown, I’m sad to report. Norm reports that “annoying health issues keep me from enjoying life as much as I used to…” Get well, Norm!…Marshall Umpleby reports he’s in remission and still taking chemo shots one week out of every six. Marshall writes that “the long trip to Wes from Ashland, Ore., might be more than I could handle.” He and Mimi just returned from a 10-day trip to Palo Alto, where they visited their nephew, a Cal prof, watched a Stanford-Oregon baseball game, and hooked up with many old teaching buddies. Marshall reports that it was “exhausting but well worth it.”…Finally, Hal White is planning to attend our 60th, right on the heels of being named “One of the 28 Most Inspiring Rabbis in the United States in 2013.”

That’s the latest, guys. Expect to have seen most of you, and then some, at our 60th Reunion this past May.

BOB CAREY | bobcarey@optonline.net
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831
203/532-1745

WILLIAM M. CLAYBAUGH ’54

WILLIAM M. CLAYBAUGH, a retired stockbroker, died Nov. 24, 2013. He was 82. A member of Psi Upsilon, he served in the U.S. Navy. Among those who survive are his wife, Jane Simmons Claybaugh, four children, 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a nephew, Richard S. Wortley ’76.

BRUCE M. WHITTLES ’54

BRUCE M. WHITTLES, a sales executive and video producer, died June 26, 2013, at age 80. The son of Lee J. Whittles of the class of 1919, he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon. Fluent in Spanish, he worked for Colt Firearms and Heublein in international sales. He also started a video production business. Among those who survive are his twin brother, Douglas P. Whittles ’54, three children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

HARRISON T. STEEGE ’54

HARRISON T. STEEGE, M.D., 79, a retired specialist in internal medicine, died Nov. 30, 2011. A member of Chi Psi, he was the son of Edgar H. Steege of the class of 1930. He received his medical degree from Temple University, served in the U.S. Air Force for four years, and then practiced medicine in Paoli, Penna., for 33 years. He was an avid participant in choruses, as well as a birder and a sailor. Predeceased by his first wife, Delite Fox Steege, survivors include his wife, Christine Dittmer Oates Steege; four children; two stepchildren; three grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; his brother; and a cousin, the Honorable Peter O. Steege ’55.

EDWIN R. KEYES ’54

EDWIN R. KEYES, a former U.S. Marine Corps pilot and insurance executive, died June 17, 2012, at age 80. He was a member of Sigma Chi. While in the Marines, he served for 12 years as a fighter jet and helicopter pilot. After retiring from the Marines he received his CLU designation and worked with John Hancock Life Insurance, both in North Carolina and in California. When he retired from John Hancock he opened a sporting goods store, which he ran until 1991. His wife, Elizabeth Henderson Keyes, predeceased him. Among those who survive are five children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

ALBERT WEINSTEIN, M.D. ’54

ALBERT WEINSTEIN, M.D., a retired ophthalmologist, died Nov. 26, 2006, at age 74. He was a member of the John Wesley Club and received his medical degree from the Boston University School of Medicine. A longtime member of the Trumbull-Monroe (Conn.) Health District, he had served as chair of the Trumbull Board of Health. Among those who survive are his wife, Helen Berger Weinstein; three sons, including Richard B. Weinstein ’85; two grandchildren; a brother; and a cousin, Edward Wasserman ’42, M.D.