EDWARD C. BREWSTER, who retired as a senior copy editor for IBM, died Nov. 26, 2014, at age 89. He was a member of Sigma Chi, an early member of the Jibers, and one of the founders of the Cardinals. He worked for IBM for almost 30 years as a senior copy editor in the promotional department. Survivors include his wife, Sara (Sally) Pearce Brewster, three children, one foster son, and several grandchildren.
CHARLES G. HILL, 90, an active Wesleyan volunteer who retired as professor of French at Brooklyn College, died June 7, 2015. He was a member of Sigma Chi. After receiving his degree with honors and with distinction in French, he received his master’s and PhD degrees from Yale University. He was the son of William N. Hill of the class of 1920, the brother of William N. Hill Jr., of the class of 1948, and the cousin of Edward R. Hill Jr. of the class of 1950 and Freeman R. Hathaway Jr. of the class of 1956. He spent a year at the University of Grenoble and then joined the faculty at Skidmore College, where he taught for nine years. In 1962 he moved to Brooklyn College of the City University of New York, where he taught for 30 years and served as chairman of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures for five years. He was active as a leader in the New York-area Amrican Association of Teachers of French, a role for which the French government honored him as a Chevalier des Palmes Académique. He served Wesleyan as chairman of the Annual Fund and as class secretary. In 1996 and again in 2006 the university honored him for his service. His wife, Dr. Elizabeth K. Hill, survives, as do three sons, including John N. (Nick) Hill ’85, two grandchildren, and two brothers. His daughter predeceased him.
The Rev. ROLLIN S. POLK JR., an Episcopal priest, died Mar. 16, 2015, at age 93. A member of Delta Upsilon, he received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary. He also received an MSW from Our Lady of the Lake University. He served as priest in several Episcopal congregations in New York and the Midwest, as well as in Texas, where he was a hospital-based social worker. The owner of the Green Tree Press, he started Rollin’s Bindery in 1996. His wife, Betty Jane Tolliver Polk, predeceased him. Among those who survive are two children, a granddaughter, and his niece, Teresa A. Freeman MAT’69.
ROBERT C. ACKART, 93, an editor, author, and theater director, died Dec. 14, 2014. A member of Psi Upsilon, he received his degree with honors and with high distinction in English and French. Elected to Phi Beta Kappa, he also received a master’s degree from Harvard University and an MFA from Yale University. He was the son of Everett G. Ackart of the class of 1902 and the brother of Richard J. Ackart of the class of 1937. A longtime volunteer with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, he was the stage manager of Central City’s premiere of The Ballad of Baby Doe, and the stage director in its initial seasons at the Santa Fe Opera. Author of numerous cookbooks, he was also a critic of operatic recordings for Stereo Review and was active with the Metropolitan Opera’s auditions programs. His sister and several nieces and nephews survive.
JOHN SAROKHAN, M.D., a pioneering surgeon, died Nov. 23, 2014. He was 93. After attending Wesleyan, he graduated from Harvard College and then from Boston University Medical School. During World War II he served in the U.S. Army. He was a specialist in cancer surgery and treatment. His wife, Dr. Armine Papazian, survives, as do two sons, a granddaughter, and a large extended family.
CYRUS J. QUINN, 94, an investment executive, died June 29, 2014. He was a member of Alpha Delta Phi and was a U.S. Army veteran. A star soccer player during his undergraduate years, he became a securities analyst and money manager. During his long career in the industry, he promoted and supported Wesleyan tirelessly. His son, Cyrus Quinn Jr. ’72, predeceased him. Survivors include his wife, Margaret Quinn, five children, and three grandchildren, including Colin O’Connor ’15.
JOHN E. BURNS JR., the retired chairman of the Crescent Oil Company, died Feb. 28, 2015, at age 96. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi and received a master’s degree from Wesleyan in 1942, where he worked in the biology laboratories. After serving in the U.S. Air Force during World War II, where he worked on the development of high altitude flights suits, he joined his father as president of Crescent Oil Company and Burns Laboratories. His wife, Martha Morgan Burns, predeceased him. Survivors include four children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
RICHARD T. WALSH, 90, a group insurance and employee benefits executive, died July 5, 2014. A member of the John Wesley Club, he served in the U.S. Army Air Forces as a navigator, and was aboard one of the lead aircraft sent to liberate France early on D-Day, 1944. After working for several corporations as an executive, he joined INSILCO Corp. as director of personnel, from which he retired in 1986. A collector of fine art and antique automobiles, he was also an accomplished inventor. His first wife, Ruth Morris Walsh, predeceased him, as did a son. Among those who survive are his wife, Betsy Olmsted Walsh, four children, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, his brother, and a large extended family.
GENE E. NOBLE, the co-owner, general manager, and treasurer of the Rutland (Vt.) Daily Herald, died Dec. 2, 2013, at age 89. He was the son of Leroy B. Noble of the class of 1914. A member of Delta Tau Delta, he served in the U.S. Army with the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. During his 40 years with the Daily Herald, he oversaw many innovations and acquired the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus. He was also active in his community. Predeceased by his wife, June Haseltine Noble, survivors include three children, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
DAVID L. WILLIAMS, the president of an insurance business, died Nov. 6, 2014. He was 92. A member of Psi Upsilon, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After receiving his degree from Wesleyan after the war, he served for the next 45 years as president of his own insurance business. He received numerous awards and honors in his field. Predeceased by his former wife, Fran Williams, he is survived by his wife, Nancy Young Williams; two daughters; three grandchildren; several stepchildren and their families; his brother, Charles R. Williams ’41; and his nephew, Jeffrey D. Williams ’84.
