CLASS OF 1959 | 2017 | ISSUE 1
Happy New Year to the Great Class of ’59. Politics aside, we are in for interesting times, and interesting times lead us to much-needed reports of your latest adventures.
Susan Young reports on the induction of her husband, Tom, into the Wesleyan Baseball Wall of Fame last May. Sons Tom and Nate flew in from Seattle. Dave Darling, an inductee a year ago and best man in Sue and Tom’s wedding attended, as did Dave Eklund, an usher in the wedding. A great gathering!
Owen Tabor, while alternating between Memphis, Charlottesville, Scotland, and chasing various grands up and down freeways, reflected on a mock election held while we were at Wesleyan: Kennedy vs. Nixon. Students 55-45%; Faculty 65-35%. Imagine what would have happened this year! Owen ends with “all best wishes to a wonderful bunch of guys!”
Ed Murphy tells us of a newer tradition: A ’59er lunch held twice a year in D.C. Six of the eight ‘59ers in D.C. attended, among them Bob Chase, Bert Edwards, Pete Errington, Bill Moody, Bob Ogren, and Ed himself, who invites travelers to attend in April and November. E-mail Ed for info.
The third annual mid-coast Maine reunion took place in Damariscotta. Al Brooks reports that the usual gang assembled: Wendy and Joe Mallory (Pemaquid), Joanie and Bob Chase (Boothbay Harbor), Anne and Tom McHugh (Baileyville), and Marie-Pier and Alan Brooks (Southport). To this perfect soup was added Dick Cadigan, staying with the Chases. Luize and Bing Leverich have just bought a place in Maine, so the crowd is growing.
“Much talk of our adventures and misadventures,” says Brooksie, “Our love of physics, the stellar record of the ’58 soccer team, and Cads’ stories of a 5’9” basketball star.” Another great tradition! Anyone interested in holding a similar event in their area might contact Theresa Kidd at Wesleyan for info on local classmates. Great idea. New York next?
Cliff Vermilya reports on a move to Myrtle Beach, S.C. He and Chris had visited from New England, liked the area, and moved in October. Looks like brilliant timing. Is the welcome mat out for 2017?
Mary and Dave Eklund’s travels make your scribes envious and a bit dizzy, and all done without the Trump jet! Three children and lots of grandchildren seem to be the impetus. Also, a 57-year celebration of Dave’s fraternity class was held in Providence.
Herb Steiner writes, “Ellen and I traveled to Norway and Denmark in June, then to Japan for two weeks in October. Now off to Delray Beach for the winter. Will catch up with Diane and Joe Vander Veer, my old roommate, in Philadelphia, before we go. Busy volunteering, playing racquetball, and playing my violin in several orchestras in both New Jersey and Florida. Stay healthy, guys. I value the friendships made at Wesleyan and want to stay in close touch with everyone. We were a small bunch then and even smaller now, but still with a great shared history.
“Joe Vander Veer is president of the American Osler Society, a national group of physicians, historians, and librarians dedicated to preserving the memory of Sir William Osler, revered teacher at four universities: McGill, Penn, Hopkins, and Oxford. We are publishing Osler for White Coat Pockets, a handbook for medical students on clinical medicine that will be distributed at various white coat ceremonies at the leading medical schools.”
Hugh Lifson has had to contend with a mild heart attack and some medication challenges, while at the same time mounting a show of some of his recent work at the Hudson River Gallery in Iowa City, which he called a succès d’estime! See the show here: hudsonrivergallery.com/galleries.
Weg Thomas’ Asleep in the Cold
Weg Thomas’ Asleep in the Cold
Weg Thomas, another of our artists, has a wonderful winter photograph on Facebook.
Terry Smith’s memorial service at the Croton Yacht Club was well-attended. Tim Day, Gina and John Driscoll ’62, Tom Young, Dave Darling, and Dave Eklund, all teammates of Terry’s from Wesleyan, were there. He was an extraordinary coach, with two New York State football championships to his credit. His children, Nicole ’97 and Adrienne ’00, and son Mark (Yale) all participated in the impressive service.
Other sad news: Shive Shively passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Our classmate for a while, Bill “Rick” Rickerby also passed away. While not officially a ’59 member, certainly an honorary one, Dick Huddleston ’60 died on Jan. 5 in Batavia, Ill. Also, Lenny Moore died on Dec. 7, a member of Alpha Chi Rho, a remarkable talent on the football and baseball teams, and a thorough gentleman. His service was in Philadelphia on Jan. 7. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Lastly, you will shortly be aware of postcards arriving in your mailboxes. These will be timed to arrive on your birthdays, and will start the process of reminding you of our 60th in 2019. With all the energy reflected in your various notes, we seem to be acting as though we are 60 already! Thus, 80 IS the new 60!
Please also consider becoming an Olin Associate. It is painless, we are old enough, and it is a great way to support the school using your estate! Go Wes ’59!
Best to all from your scribes.
Skip Silloway | ssillow@gmail.com; 801/532-4311
John Spurdle | jspurdle@aol.com; 212/644-4858