CLASS OF 1953 | 2020 | ISSUE 1
I received a handwritten note from Bill Rack for my missing class news in the latest magazine. I apologize for obviously overlooking the deadline. Bill and his wife, Barbara, are well in San Barbara, Calif., and fully expect to remain there, a long way from Wesleyan.
A belated recognition of the passing of Milton L. “Snuffy” Smith ’53, MAT ’55, 86, Aug. 23, 2018, in Georgia. Milton, a member of Delta Tau Delta, an English major, received an MAT degree in 1955. After a time in the Navy and at Perkin Elmer and Raytheon corporations, he joined the staff of the College of Technology SUNY, Utica, and was president of the local school board. After retirement, he with his wife, Gail, moved to Georgia, first to Big Canoe then to a retirement facility. He authored Wildlife Whimsy (2009) that described his encounter with a variety of wild animals in Upstate New York. The book was dedicated to his survivors: Gail and their four daughters. Plans were made to have his remains cremated and inurned in the National Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, as is allowed for 29 years of service in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
Earl J. Forman, 89, died Feb. 2, 2019, in Wayland, Mass. A member of the John Wesley Club and a chemistry major, Earl received his PhD in analytical chemistry from MIT in 1957. He joined Hercules, Inc., and then Polaroid Corp. in 1970, remaining until retirement in 1994. He was an active supporter of the Jewish community, serving as president of two congregations. In addition to being an avid bicyclist, he was often found on the golf course. Survivors include his wife Beatrice, three sons, and seven grandchildren.
Robert C. Lavin, 87, of Duxbury, Mass., died Nov. 24. President of Alpha Chi Sigma and a math major, Bob was best known for his pass-catching ability of the football team. After two years in the Army Counter Intelligence Corp., Bob joined the family business, manufacturing air pollution control systems. He became president of the Robert C. Lavin Corporation (LAVCOR). He served several organizations: the Shriners Hospital for Children-Boston, Masonic Lodge and district offices, and after moving to Duxbury, the Yacht Club, the senior center, and the Council on Aging and Rural and Historical Society.
Bob was known for his extraordinary talent at the piano. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan, three daughters, 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
On behalf of the class, condolences are offered for those classmates who have departed.
JOHN W. MILLER | jwalmiller@aol.com
306 Autumn Court, Bartlesville, OK 74006 | 918/335-0081