Author: Randi Alexandra Plake

“When you enter this church, it may be possible that you will hear ‘the call of God.’ However, it is unlikely that he will call you on your mobile. Thank you for turning off your phones.”
–Poster found in a church in France, translated

Jim Brands attended a grandson’s graduation and commission into the Army as a second lieutenant. “Unfortunately, it coincided perfectly with our 60th!”

Professor Josiah Carberry Hon’59 has been strangely silent since our 50th. An honorary member of the Great Class of 1959, and one of the few specialists in psychoceramics (cracked pots), it is rumored that he has fled the country in haste for reasons unknown. Any news from classmates most welcome.

Marty Weil could not resist responding to our plea for news! “I think even our small company of classmates will survive and thrive without knowing this. But my mood at the moment is to show a willingness to be helpful and cooperative! And recognizing and honoring the curiosity embodied in your question, I decided it was necessary to answer.

“I was working on an obit of the famous physicist and Nobel winner, Murray Gell-Mann. Had I been at Reunion, and learned of his death, I would have tried to suppress my chagrin. I was, however, chosen as most qualified to write his obituary at the Post. As a person schooled in the need for rigorous honesty and close examination, I have to admit that what I wrote was not particularly good. Had I attended the Reunion and not written about this man I would not have been able to extirpate all feelings of regret—regret that I did not do a better job. 

“I am confident that you will agree that our classmates do not need to know all that. But if you feel that any of them would not be completely fulfilled without some inkling of it, please feel free to share it!”

Wolfram Thiemann wrote on his return to Germany, “I do fondly recall the wonderful weekend at Wesleyan with all its activities and the chance to meet old mates again after so many years. It was an extremely emotional time.

“Wen and I traveled to Boston and New York after Reunion, then on to Annapolis to stay with a cousin of mine, with easy visits to Washington and the University of Maryland, where I did a research sabbatical in 1980. Good to have ‘reanimated’ my strong affinity with the US. Wesleyan had truly not disappointed me over so many years and the air of New England has inspired me again.”

Herb Steiner is still feeling the glow from our 60th as we go to press but is also reeling from the fact that 80 of our classmates have gone to eternal rest. Is that an unusually large number, he asks? “All is well. Traveling, violin/viola playing, stock market playing, and feeling good. Youngest granddaughter, Hattie June (Wesleyan class of ’39?) is a joy!”

On Sept. 12, the annual mid-coast Maine 1959 mini reunion took place at Joanie and Bob Chase’s home in Boothbay Harbor for cocktails and savory appetizers followed by dinner at the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club. The group included Bob and Joanie, Wendy and Joe Mallory, Anne and Tom McHugh, Linda and Dick Cadigan, and Marie-Pier and Alan Brooks ’59 MALS’68.

Stunning photographs by Weg Thomas can be found here.

Spurdle news: “As we were cavorting in Middletown at our 60th with grandson Will Stack in tow (St. Lawrence 2023), wife Cyndy and granddaughter Isabel Stack were in England attending grandson Nicholas Peel’s graduation from Harrow. Magnificent days on both sides of the Atlantic, although Harrow out did us on elegant tents. Our other granddaughter, Hadley Stack, graduated with high distinction from the Batten School at the University of Virginia and immediately headed west to work for Mayor Pete on his campaign team. August at Fishers Island and now back in NYC.”

Calvin Trillin Hon’59 agreed to be our honorary class secretary on very short notice as Skip was heading out West to see grandchildren and explore a move to a spot nearer to them north of San Francisco. By the most amazing coincidence, he was doing a piece called “Class Notes” for the Sept. 9 New Yorker, our deadline to submit all your news. Wrong school, wrong class, but wicked clever! Read it at newyorker.com/magazine/2019/09/09/class-notes.

We were notified that John Dennis passed away over Labor Day. Ted Fiske wrote a moving tribute to him, which you read in its entirely here.

Sadly, David Steindler passed away in June at age 81. Longtime resident and supporter of Sheffield, Mass., he and his wife, Judith, started and ran Dovetail Antiques in Sheffield, with David specializing the repair of antique clocks. Founding member of the Bushnell-Sage Library and its first president.

Skip Silloway | ssillow@gmail.com; 801/532-4311 

John Spurdle | jspurdle@aol.com; 212/644-4858

I received a note from Dan Woodhead. He is still in San Francisco and has two grandsons on Stanford’s varsity men’s water polo team. He declares himself lucky to have son Jeff and daughter-in-law Laura close by. Dan informed me that a fraternity brother and close friend, Dave Mitchell ’59, died last March. We recalled what a fine football player and human being he was.

Bart Bolton is hoping to arrange a 65th high school reunion and reminds me of our annual luncheon at our favorite Irish pub.

Art Geltzer still travels extensively, hitting Latvia, Russia, Sweden, and Norway. Dennis Allee divides his time between Florida and Cape Cod. He is into jazz and pottery.

Good to hear Roger Turkington is retired and enjoying life in Florida. He is happily married to Angela, a former patient of his. During retirement he has published 500 poems. His recent poem volume was selected to be featured at the International Book Fair 2019 in Frankfort, Germany.

Nothing new to report from Burr Edwards. Still in southern France and not working in Africa.

Liz and Neil Henry headed for Ocracoke on Sept. 1 for two weeks. I hope that Dorian gave them no trouble. His daughter, Betsy ’89, still lives in Washington, D.C. Her three boys are in 11th, eighth, and fourth grades. The oldest is 6’3” and the second is almost as tall. Were they Neil’s genes?

A letter from John Foster told of moving and coming upon the program for our graduation in 1958. He sent it to me. I have one and if anyone would desire this one, let me know.

Tony Codding wrote, “After downsizing a year ago, the remodeled condo and living arrangement in Newmarket, N.H., have exceeded expectations. Currently serving a third non-consecutive term as condo association president that I plan to relinquish in February.”

Kay and I are doing well. I suffered a brief case of gout and was forced to stop drinking beer (at least temporarily). On Aug. 17, Kay and I visited East Boothbay Harbor, Maine, and had a lovely lunch with Poog and Bob Hayes. Enjoyed their company and will spend more time next year. While visiting my son in New Hampshire I planned on a lunch with Dick Goldman and Bob Wuerthner. Threat of thunderstorms cancelled our plans, but, we hope to make lunch at the Andover Inn an annual event.

I speak to Ted Wieseman regularly by phone. He is in the D.C. area and keeps me updated on Art Levine and Walt Karney. Both are doing well, but Art no longer golfs and now loves cruises and lifelong learning. In recent months I have conversed with Ezra Amsterdam (still playing tennis and practicing medicine), Rick Pank (very active in his community), and Bob Fisher (living the good life south of San Francisco). Keep the messages flowing. Still dreaming about a 65th Reunion.

Cliff Hordlow | khordlow@gmail.com
Apt. 103, 4645 Winged Foot Court | Naples, FL 34112; 239/732-6821

Welcome to the latest of a range of events and recollections. Janice and Ken Travis celebrated their 60th anniversary earlier in 2019. And shortly after, their grandson’s wedding. Ken adds that the mother of the groom, daughter Leslie ’85, was beaming throughout. The “something old” on the wedding cake was a cutter from the Travis wedding reception of 1959. Ken says that he and Janice had it washed.

Not to sound competitive—Jack Goodhue reports that he and Jane are in year 63 of their marriage. They are living the good life in Wilmington, N.C., and have since Jack’s retirement at age 58 as president of an oil company in 1993. Recent trips overseas include one to Budapest and another to Southern France. They also drive cross-country once annually to California to visit their son and teenage granddaughter. Jack writes a monthly magazine column, “Your Business.” He’s done 307 of such since 1993 (but who’s counting). At the time I am writing this, Jack says the Goodhues survived fierce storm Dorian (the 16th one they’ve experienced with no significant damage).

How would you like an inflation rate of 55%? That is what Naren Bali tells us is the state of the economy in Argentina. And some around here are not pleased with the Fed. Naren and spouse Margarita get by on savings and a bit of work alongside of that. He has been retired 12 years, but hires out as an IT consultant. Their daughter, born in Seattle when Naren was teaching at the University of Washington, is a professor of poli-sci at Michigan State. She has two children, ages 13 and 10. The Balis’ son is also a professor (math), as is his wife, and they had their first child, a girl, earlier in 2019. Naren terms her “our new weakness.” Their Buenos Aires neighborhood is pleasant and is 15 minutes from downtown by train, and they spend most of the summers at their beach house in Uruguay.

The Gordy Wilmots also celebrate an anniversary—the 30th. He and Marilyn embarked on a river cruise on the Mississippi—a steamboat from Chattanooga to New Orleans. I hope Gordy knew when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. The Wilmots enjoy excellent health, have even joined a bowling league. They go down to Palmetto, Fla., annually, from late in the year until May. Can be reached at 941/981-9888 and would welcome classmates who may be visiting in the Tampa-Sarasota area.

Dick Cassie retired from Rutgers Dental School in March. Having been a widower for some 10 years, he has been seeing a lovely widow, Suzy Maguire, in recent years, and has moved from the Jersey shore to Newtown, Pa., to be closer to her. Recently they traveled to California to see Suzy’s grandchildren and where he connected with Bill LeSuer in San Francisco. Dick’s new address in Newtown is 124 Willow Drive 18940.

Catching up with Ed Parmee, writing that he had taught anthropology and community development at the University of Arizona at Tucson for 36 years. Two marriages, each for 23 years, and a daughter and two stepdaughters. There are eight grandchildren to keep Ed busy. Also keeping him well occupied is a family history project that will weigh in over 500 pages and cover several hundred years. A wide group of nations comprise the story—they range from France and Germany to South Africa and Australia. He hopes to go to publication in 2020.

Bob Gorin reports that his grandson, David Gottlieb ’22, completed a successful freshman year (“Did better than I did,” Bob adds). David is an Argus sportswriter. He included a photo of David in his sophomore dorm room and said, “The large banner on the wall is the 1987 Little Three hockey championship banner. David’s late dad, Brian ’88, was the goalie on that championship team. Shortly after Brian passed away the coach presented the banner to my daughter, Bethel ’90. It had been signed by all team members. It is so appropriate that it is now back at Wesleyan.”

Bob Anderson has traveled to prehistoric Mexico, with Oaxaca on the Yucatan being a favorite spot. He would welcome like-interested companions who might be at least modestly conversant in Spanish. He continues with his sculpture and drawing projects.

Mike Stein died in September. An eloquent note from his son, Peter Stein ’84, paid tribute to his father’s 50-year U.S. government career, three years as a Marine officer, and 47 years working for the CIA. Peter made particular reference to Mike’s communications skills and commented on the capital cities around the globe that duty took them to. Mike was Wes-loyal throughout. ’57 has lost a great friend.

Art Typermass | joanarth64@gmail.com
144 East Ave., #302B, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203/504-8942

From my old roommate Whit Rusk: “Pat and I moved to St. Simons Island, Ga., in 2003 after 24 years in Houston, working for banks that no longer exist. We are both still in pretty good health, supported by a few pills. Our two children gave us five grands—four now in college (Lafayette, RPI, Tufts, and Bowdoin) and one 2018 Amherst graduate.” At the time of writing, they were anticipating Hurricane Dorian, which was making its way up the Florida coast.

John Foster: “We Fosters are fortunate, all together in the lovely town of Marblehead, Mass., where Lila and I have lived virtually all of our married life. Our sons and spouses have returned with our four grandchildren. Our lovely daughter, Emily, died in her mid-20s as the result of a water-borne disease in Nepal, but she is with us too, in spirit.

“Our one-plus acre home and grounds, large for this rockbound coast, have given us great joy since the 1970s. For many years, Lila brought her Southern charm and hard work to create naturally landscaped grounds, while I slashed and hacked back the yearly overgrowth. Now, at 85 years young, with energy at a lower tide, I’ve given in and hired a stronger man to help me out for a couple of hours each week.

“Our hovering sons pushed us to retire our much-loved 2004 and 2005 autos (plus our 1967 Olds convertible) to get new-fangled ones with all that safety stuff. We acquiesced with Lila’s car and ultimately sold my Highlander and ’67 Olds convertible. Although my 2005 Toyota Highlander was the best car I’ve ever owned, I’ve never ridden in something as comfortable as the 2001 Lexus LS430 inherited by my two high-spirited, 20-ish granddaughters from their other grandfather. It’s a bit too old-fogey for them, so there may be a deal.”

Loni and Al Haas “have six teenage grandchildren, all of whom are successfully carving their own trails in life. We enjoy driving to the Boston area to visit and stand in once in a while. We passed our 51st wedding anniversary in August, and we still visit Denmark regularly, usually with a grandchild in tow to expose them to a wonderful piece of their heritage. As for health, seven stents in my heart, a bout with a rare form of cancer (Merkel cell carcinoma) and 50 extra pounds have not interfered with my life or relationships. I don’t swing a club very well anymore, and my love of body surfing on Nantucket has diminished as I become less steady on my feet in raging surf.”

Al still heads Educational Futures, whose mission is to find college destinations for young people from around the world. Now, he writes, “I am working with my two oldest grandchildren on college planning, which is a cozy capstone for my career.”

Jay Kaplan, having published two well-received books, Secrets and Suspense and In Search of Beauty, is now “working on creating a Museum of Jewish Civilization. We have found a site at L’Enfant Plaza in downtown D.C. next door to the new and quite spectacular Spy Museum. Our museum is being designed by the world renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, whose works include the popular Jewish Museum in Berlin and Ground Zero in New York.”

Walter Ebmeyer will “get my first walker this week in preparation for the World Climate Change Week protests here in Washington on Sept. 20-27. It will provide me with a place to sit down from time to time (Parkinson’s). Good e-mails from my old indefatigable roomie, Phil Crombie.”

Bob Calvin writes: “My wife, Jane, an art photographer, is having an exhibit at the University of Missouri art museum in St. Louis. Her video project on Chicago cottages will be featured.”

Jim Gramentine’s “granddaughter, Polly Durant, who still calls [him] DanDan, is scheduled to marry one Michael Kellner next October. Our grandson, Nathanial, a graduate of St. Andrew’s School, Florida, has jumped his way into the Ivy League (Columbia). It takes more than good scores and grades these days, and in his case high jumping 6’10” to win the Florida Relays last April may have been decisive.”

Ann and I were on the move all summer: Chile with our family (the eclipse, of course); Tanglewood with granddaughter Jeannette (Verdi’s Requiem); the Adirondacks (Ann’s high school reunion); Burlington (Jeannette’s freshman digs at the University of Vermont); Cobleskill—look it up—(brunch with high school chums, meeting in person a long-lost cousin found through Ancestry.com, plus our 59th anniversary); and the Catskills (the annual Chien family gathering—where taking the ritual photo was enlivened when a grandnephew presented The Ring to his unsuspecting fiancée-to-be; she said “Yes!”)

Back home we are traveling vicariously with Sheila and Bob Runyon via his newly published Seven Continents Before Incontinence: A Memoir of Travel & Togetherness. Fascinating stuff. Try it. (It’s available from Amazon.) Way to go, Bob!

George Chien | gchien@optonline.net

A salute to John Sheaff for expressing what I’m sure most of us wish, think, and feel at this point in our lives. I’ve copied his note, word for word, so as not to lose any of his thoughts:

“Fortunately I can say that Lois and I are still functioning as best as can be expected for old geezers like us. Who cannot be overjoyed looking out at the beautiful green and flower-laced scenes that surround us here in upstate New York. Just think, a year from now we will be able to attend our 65th Reunion at Wesleyan. Hope to see you all there.”

Sad update: In a Nov. 3 text from Lois Sheaff, John’s wife for the past 65 years, I received word of his passing on Nov. 1. Sincere condolences to the entire family. Know that I will sorely miss John’s frequent contributions to Class Notes such as the one that appears in this column as well as the many wonderful memories shared with him.

Word was received that on Aug. 16 Gail Clarke passed away at his home in Old Saybrook, Conn. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Emily Hooghkirk, and his three daughters. I’m sure I speak for all of us in offering sincere condolence to Emily.

On the home front, Marianne and I moved back to our “original homestead” at Hunters Run in Boynton Beach, Fla. As Marianne has regained strength in her arms and is able to grip a golf club once again, the move made sense and has brought much joy to both of us. An added plus is that we are once again only a five-minute walk from my sister’s residence here at the club. Another plus is the streets are usually very quiet, so when I’m not engaged in riding with my bicycle club members, I have little fear of riding solo for a 20-mile “warm up” here. Always a delight to stop into our local clubhouse for a cup of coffee and conversation midway on my journey. And speaking of cycling, this years’ total miles will only approximate around 4,000 as heat and rain have really cut into the activity. OK, one of these days I might even admit that with advancing age I might even have slowed down!

Finally, I’d be more than pleased to receive a word or two from you. By doing so I won’t have to bore you with tales of my cycling exploits! And please note a change of my e-mail address.

As always, let me extend my very best wishes to you and your loved ones for good health, much happiness and peace!

DONALD J. BRAVERMAN | ybikedon@gmail.com
34 Southport Ln. Apt. C, Boynton Beach, FL 33436

Greetings, Classmates of 1954. Thanks for responses from four stalwarts, as follows:

Dave Hodgin is still going to his office every day and says he remains quite healthy. Dave traveled a bit early this past summer, to Estonia and Latvia, then spent 10 days in Hawaii. Still productive and happy, but with one huge “bummer”: missing his wife of 61 years, who died five years ago.

Len Stolba says he remains healthy and happy sitting on their 1.6 acres and managing his biennial barn sale of past art. Len sends cheers to all.

Bud Johnson writes that travel and grandchildren capture his and Lynn’s key attention these days. Two grandsons did internships in Beijing while college sophomores. Bud and bride did visit them once, but vetoed another 15-hour flight! Instead they recently spent Labor Day week cruising the U.K., the Netherlands, and Iceland—where coincidence put them in a thermal power plant with China’s inquisitive ambassador to Iceland! Go, Bud!

Marty Feins writes with sad news: his wife of nearly 65 years, Michelle, passed away this summer after a long illness—thus preventing Marty from attending our 65th Reunion. Marty is now in the process of moving into a condominium in Naples, Fla., and would welcome contacts from his ’54 classmates. Marty’s e-mail is martinfeins@gmail.com. Finally, sad to relate that two more of us have departed: Win Richmond on April 19 and Eric Cone on July 24.

Your humble scribe, Bob Carey, and bride Libby, had a very nice summer, highlighted by a great trip to San Diego to visit Bob’s daughter, Ann, and family, and to go whale watching in the Pacific. In October, we traveled to London to see Libby’s son, Jack, and to attend a memorial service for our daughter-in-law, Julienne, who, sadly, passed away last spring at 53. In November we journey via train to Vermont, to visit Bob’s daughter, Leah, and family. Otherwise, we’re busy with our volunteer activities (for Bob, that’s driving for Call-A-Ride and for Meals-On-Wheels.). Happy Holidays to all.

BOB CAREY | popscarey@gmail.com
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831 | 203/532-1745

Ron Daniel reports that he is still at McKinsey & Co.—62 years and counting. (Amazing longevity—I have not been in one job for more than 10 years). The company is about to move its New York office to World Trade Center 3. Most of the younger professionals live below 14th Street or in Brooklyn. When he joined the firm in 1957, there were no professionals. Now there are over 15,000. Only one employee at the time was not an American, now the Americans are about 20% of the firm. He continues to serve on the boards of seven or eight not-for-profit organizations (Bloomberg Philanthropies, Rockefeller University, The Peterson Foundation, the Weizman Institute of Science in Israel, the National Gallery in London, the Library of America, among others). Onward! (ron.daniel@mckinsey.com)

Dwight Herrmann writes that he was not too happy rattling around his house after his wife, Leslye, departed so he sold it and bought into the Masonic Village at Sewickley, Pa., which is near his eldest daughter, also named Leslye. This is a continuing care facility and he is in independent living, driving a car, and doing everything he always did, albeit, a good deal slower. He is quite happy and has made lots of friends. He can be reached at 2440 Masonic Dr., Sewickley, PA 15143 and at 717/379-8004.

Frank LaBella (labella@shaw.com) and Arlyne McDowell, a townie, just celebrated their 67th anniversary. Congratulations! Frank, a University of Manitoba pharmacology professor, and an electronic engineer colleague have been working on a novel sensor for several years and are in the process of finally demonstrating its capabilities to potential investors and industrial partners. He has several recent publications and some historical information for those interested.

As for me, this promises to be a busy year. My daughter, Ellen ’82, and her husband, Samuel Bender ’82, MD, will be celebrating their 60th birthdays and 30th wedding anniversary and three grandchildren will be graduating (Madeline, Yale ’20}; Eliza and Jenna (high school). We intend to celebrate with a Baltic cruise in June.

Please send news.

Joseph N. Friedman  | jfriedman@regalnyc.com
400 East 56th Street, Apt. 28LM, New York, NY 10022 | 917/715-8881

Ed.’s note: After more than 50 years of service, David Philips is stepping down as your class secretary. We are incredibly thankful for all David has done to keep the class of 1951 connected over the years.

For those with class notes, contact Managing Editor Cynthia Rockwell    crockwell@wesleyan.edu | 860/685-3705