Class Notes | 1950s

“GAMES ARE WON BY PLAYERS WHO KEEP THEIR EYE ON THE PLAYING FIELD . . . NOT BY THOSE WHO ARE GLUED TO THE SCOREBOARD!”—Warren Buffett

Great news on the banner to honor the 1959 basketball team.  It is being crafted and will hang in the Silloway Gymnasium, as agreed.  Thanks to Mike Whalen, Frantz Williams, and all involved at the school to make this happen!!

The great class of ’59 continues to surprise. Dick Voog writes after an absence of 45 years. A 3-2, 5-year combo degree from Wes and MIT led to an engineering career of 47 years, the precursor of today’s STEM grads. He describes his career as supporting the Navy’s submarine force by doing things he cannot talk about even now. After that, he started an LLC with the motto “Doing well by doing good.” This one he can talk about as it is about to go public. Further details to follow.

Margaret and Owen Tabor are still “straddling” between Memphis and Charlottesville, Virginia, avoiding COVID and chasing grands at college sports. They have just celebrated 60 years together—another Wes/Conn College matchup. Owen talks regularly with Jack Lambert in London, and he supports Doug Bennet’s son Michael ’87 in his political efforts, although he admits to having stopped watching the news. “We had an absolutely wonderful class of guys.” Your scribes agree!

Charlie Huchet checks in, another “unusual suspect.” He and Mary Lou are “hunkering down” in New Hope, Pennsylvania, waiting for the locusts. He and Charlie Wrubel, along with Tom Malamud ’60, regularly met for lunch in mid–New Jersey to reminisce and tell stories. Charlie thinks regularly of Bob Gillette who was his roommate. Charlie is presently hoping to get back for our 65th!!

“Unusual suspect” John Stalnaker reports in from the Cincinnati area. John lost his wife of 57 years four years ago; another Wes/Conn College matchup, this one producing 2 daughters, 2 sons-in-law, and 5 grands. All are scattered around the country, but they manage 3 to 4 gatherings each year. For the last several years, John has taken a trip to Europe with at least part of the gang. This year, hopefully, to Puglia. He has been a student and professor for 20 years and a real estate investor for 40 more. Still working at it but slowing down and with more help. When asked why he still labors, he cites persistence, inflexibility, and “if it ain’t broke . . . .” As he ages, he worries about the loss of long-term friends, something we all have in common. Thanks for reporting, John (and his best friend Tasha, his dog and fellow walker!).

Herb Steiner is all smiles. His granddaughter, Alyse, has been accepted early admission to Wes. This makes the third Steiner generation! Way to go Alyse! Ellen and Herb are wintering in Delray, Florida.

Wolfram Thiemann has had a “good” ’21, even after a knee replacement and thoughtlessly being rammed by an uncaring skateboarder causing a broken arm and injured shoulder. Now for the good news:  a 10-day river cruise on the Danube; Christmas with his daughter’s family in the Rheinland; and some leisurely touring of some of the great Hapsburg cities. What a treat living in Europe with all its ancient wonders. He still thinks fondly of our great 60th Reunion in 2019.

Paul Stevens and Dodo are off to Vieques, Puerto Rico, for a blast of warmth and sunshine. They have just downsized to a condo in Cape Elizabeth but still spend 6 months at their cottage on Little Diamond Island.  Paul has kept up his involvement in architecture through SMRT.  He is active on several community boards. His spare time is spent mentoring 3 Angolan immigrant families, a very rewarding experience.  No more marathons, but 2 sons live nearby with 3 grandchildren, so plenty to keep going for!!

Charlie Wrubel and Myra have been sunning in Saint Johns to avoid another New York snowstorm. Family trips around the country have included Scottsdale, Los Angeles, and Colorado Springs.  Son Bill’s (’85) daughter has been accepted at Wesleyan early decision, the fourth generation to attend. Bill’s episode of Ted Lasso is now written and will be shot in London this spring. Should be running midyear.  Cannot wait!!

Cannot leave you all without a pitch from all your buddies:  Skip, Spurts, Al Brooks, and Dick Cadigan:

Many have given already, but we need everyone to pitch in with a check for the Annual Fund this year.  We are shooting for over 75% participation. The old gits can do it!!  Don’t forget Olin Society bequeaths!!

Thanks again to all who responded to our news call from those not heard from for a long while:

Dick Voog, Charlie Huchet, Paul Stevens, and John Stalnaker. Keep it coming lads!!

Finally, our 65th Reunion is almost upon us.  Mark your calendars for spring 2024, specific date and details to follow.  Look forward to seeing you all there!!

Class of ’58, I received 10 emails and two phone calls in response to my pleas.

Bart Bolton and wife have become great-grandparents.  He is now on Longboat Key in Florida where he expects to get together with Ed Kershner.

Pirkko and Burr Edwards just celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary.  He realized he should provide his bride with a timepiece.  He wonders if a plastic egg timer will do.

Dave Hild mentions a bad hip, dropped foot, and spinal stenosis, but says he is in great shape otherwise. He and Alyce enjoy gardening, seeing grandchildren, and trips to NYC and Nantucket.

Tony Codding was beginning to spread his wings (restaurants and concerts), then omicron appeared.  He plans a reunion lunch with Bill Clark this summer in Maine.

Betsy and Dick Tompkins are active and well in Vero Beach, Florida. He is on the board of governors of his club.

Despite the pandemic, Tom Mosher and family had a fun week in Maui and another week in Nashville.  He did survive a mild encounter with COVID.

Reporting from Kennebunk, Maine, is Bob Wuerthner.  He and Joan are fine. His big activity was a Friday trip to Portland to play tennis.  He had to end his email to stoke the woodstove.

I am in frequent contact with Dick Goldman.  Since the passing of his wife Patty in  January 2021, he remains very busy.  He is active in the Boston Bar Association and the American Bar Association.  He is wintering in Key Biscayne, Florida, where he plays golf and tennis. His tennis partner is 54 years old!  And he is proud of the accomplishments of the Wesleyan Lawyers Association, which has started 14 networking groups in different cities.

Janice and Tom Burns have been living in the same house in northern Virginia since 1975.  He and Janice gave up overseas trips the last two years.  They did visit the Maine Coast.  Tom exchanges emails with Don Fuhrmann.

Hard to believe: Ezra Amsterdam retired as distinguished professor of medicine on July 1, 2021. No rocking chair for this guy! He will continue writing, teaching at various levels at the med school, and participate in various scholarly activities with major cardiology organizations. He still roots for the Yankees.

Kay and I have kept a low profile during the pandemic: I still play golf, but ride alone; my bridge is totally online; and I do eat out a couple of times per week.

Keep the news flowing. Stay safe.

Hello classmates, Bob Smith here, and I have agreed to be your new Class Secretary. I’m looking forward to all your emails; the more I get the more fun this job will be. If I can do half as well as Art, I will be happy.

Ed Porter and Lainie are still enjoying life on Heckman’s Island on Nova Scotia’s south shore. He has been retired from teaching for 20 years and finds his time filled with looking after home, fields, and woods. He uses his chainsaw to pile up about six cords of wood each year, to feed the kachelofen that heats his house. I had to Google that one.

Gordon Wilmot writes that he and Marilyn sold their Bradenton, Florida, condo, in one day, and spent this past winter in their Rhode Island home (without the benefit of a kachelofen). In responding to the request for class notes, he came across his Wesleyan 50th Reunion booklet, a great 85-page publication dedicated to the class of ’57, including biographies of most of us. Vic Butterfield is on the cover with a thoughtful charge to the graduating class. Gordon wonders if it has been digitized and resides deep in the Wesleyan Archives. If he finds it, he promises to send us the URL.

John Allison notes the passing of dear friend Sam “Sandy” Bergner. There have been several deaths recently: Claude Brancart, Don Ramsey, Henry Fulton, Rod Henry, Herb Benson, Dave Sanford, and of course Art Typermass. Condolences to all their families and friends.

Also, I learned that Jerry Baker died two summers ago, after a lengthy illness. He was gritty on the gridiron, and a fine outfielder. We once played a round of golf, and he confessed he didn’t let all those rules interfere with his enjoyment of the game.

The pandemic has affected us all, but George Willauer and several friends, including John Parkin and John Chaplick, use Zoom every two weeks to stay connected. Their annual meetings in New York and Princeton have necessarily been postponed.

Speaking of John Chaplick, he has a new novel out, entitled December of the Dark Sun.  The jacket blurb looks like it’s a great read.

Mark Feldman sends two items of interest:  the sad passing of his Wes roommate Jon Altschuler, and in January, he and Mimi Feinsilver celebrated their 20th anniversary together. Mark has finally retired from teaching at Georgetown Law but keeps busy filing amicus briefs at the Supreme Court and with webinars for the Washington Foreign Law Society.

Jack Goodhue and Jane, his bride of 65 years, are both healthy and living comfortably in North Carolina. Because of all the COVID restrictions, a trip to the grocery store has become a major event. He keeps in touch with fellow Tarheel John Corkran ’58, who is a great ambassador for Wesleyan. Jack still writes a monthly business column for Lubes’n’Greases, a print and digital magazine. Give him a read.

Betty and I are enjoying the retirement life on Hilton Head Island. We have lived in the same house for 25 years, which is a record for us. I play a little golf (poorly) and volunteer at the local computer club. I also run the NFL pool at our men’s club.

We used to travel a lot, but lately we have been limited to driving up I–95 to visit our daughter in Maryland. She became a grandmother last year, so you can figure out what that makes us.

This May was our 65th Reunion. Unfortunately, we couldn’t attend. Our granddaughter graduated from UVA the same weekend, and we committed to be there for the occasion. If you went, let me know the highlights for the next issue of Wesleyan magazine.

If any of you gets the chance to visit Hilton Head, please look us up. We can show you places of interest and where to dine.

Until next issue, Bob.

I most regretfully report that Tom Plimpton died on September 1, 2021, in Indianapolis. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy, and two daughters, Liz and Kate. I last heard from Tom in July. He was, as always, upbeat, while reporting that he was awaiting surgery for his cancer. And, as always, he signed off with “peace and joy,” a reflection of his steadfast faith.

Don Gerardi remembers: “Sad to hear about Tom. We were fraternity brothers. He was invariably cheerful, sensitive to the needs of others, open to new ideas, clear thinking, and judicious on contemporary issues. I’m grateful to have known him.”

From Jim Wagner: “I am sorry to hear this news. I didn’t know Tom closely when we were undergraduates but did enjoy the occasional contacts, both during and after our graduation. It is sad to say goodbye for now to a Christian brother, but there is comfort and a peaceful joy in knowing that we will meet again with the Lord.

“There is nothing particularly new to share about myself right now except that my wife and I are enjoying reasonably healthy senior years, with relatively minor health issues from time to time; we are well treated by an excellent local health-care system that has kept them from becoming major!  Still under some restrictions, both where we are living and at the church we are attending, due to COVID, but modern technology, with Zoom and livestream, keeps us from being isolated.”

And Bob Calvin: “So sorry to hear about Tom. Tom and I shared the fact that we both came from the Midwest and were totally unprepared for the eastern culture at Wesleyan. I think we traveled back and forth to Middletown once. We did not know each other too well on campus or after graduation, but we did have these long conversations occasionally about life, love, philosophy, and religion.

“Not too much new here. We have stayed well. I continue to swim and hit tennis balls once a week. After showing our vaccination documents, we have attended a number of performances of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera, and Joffrey Ballet. We Zoom regularly with our daughter and granddaughter, who live in NYC, and once every few months with Art and Ronna von Au. As winter has settled in, I have read several books about Native Americans: The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich and There There by Tommy Orange. Good stuff—interesting and well written.”

­­­Writes Bob Bretscher, “Snow now falling in Athens, Georgia, my home for over 40 years. No plans for ‘the home.’  Given up tennis; considering pickleball. An autobiography of my first 65 years, What Took You So Long?, is going to the publisher in a couple weeks. It probably won’t be reviewed by the Times. The big question: Will our next reunion be real or virtual?  Stay healthy and find out. I’m starting to hear those first notes of ‘the bugle call.’”

From John Foster: “The old song ‘Don’t Get Around Much Anymore’ pretty much describes our life today. My dear wife struggles with arthritis, so we gave up traveling to Florida for a winter break. It doesn’t bother me; I like our New England winters and enjoy snowplowing our drive and gazing out back into a small Audubon sanctuary. We still live at 61 Nanepashemet Street, our 51st year. It’s a bit of work—with the help of a strong man who does some of the heavy, and now some of the not so heavy, stuff—but it keeps me upright. My health is pretty good. I was most fortunate to dodge a real bullet, ALZ, thanks to a participation in an experimental drug trial, which has since followed a twisted path. I’m so lucky to lose only some memory. May we all survive the bedeviling atmosphere in this country and the devil himself, and may our country heal and find a way through the troubling perplexities of the world order. Best to all who can read this, and blessings to those who cannot.”

Back to Tom Plimpton: Like me, Tom was a proud legacy—a grandson, son, and younger brother of Wesleyan men. Living at opposite ends of the campus, he and I were not intimate, but we were friendly, and our encounters on campus always brightened my day. I last saw Tom years ago at a reunion. I was returning to the main campus from the Zilkha Gallery when I came upon Tom, deep in thought, contemplating the grassy, empty space that had once been the site of the Delta Tau Delta house. I took a picture, which I can’t find now, but which I’ll never forget.

Rest in peace, Tom, and in joy.

Once again, sincere thanks to Julie for her holiday note informing me of Drew Clemens’s apparent health problem brought on by a small stroke, and the complications requiring repeated rehabilitation. As she writes, there was frustration and distress after a week’s hospital stay, but days in rehab now make it possible to “see the light ahead,” as long as his electrolytes are kept in balance! I know I speak for all of us in wishing Drew a complete recovery and thanking a loving wife for her care and devotion!

John Ineson moved this summer from Williamsburg Landing to Kendal on Hudson in Sleepy Hollow, New York, and states emphatically that there is such a place!  It’s about a 45-minute ride for family to come and visit from NYC.  He says he is spending time getting acquainted with new doctors, who he believes are glad to accept someone of our age. He did send me his new address and I’d be glad to share it with anyone interested.

Marianne and I continue to enjoy the warmth of Florida, especially at this time of the year. My biking continues and I am somewhat amazed that I was able to record 4,989 miles pedaled during 2021. The activity and socialization with wonderful friends really keep me going, even if our speeds and distances have decreased. I remain the “senior” rider in our group and really wonder how long I can retain that title!

Let the New Year be filled with good health and happiness for you and your loved ones!

Terry Hatter wrote to say: “Trudy and I have had all of our COVID shots, and we are hanging in there. Our four kids, four grands, and entire family are all doing well too. However, our older granddaughter, a lawyer in New Jersey, has had her wedding in Ireland moved to the middle of this year. Her brother, a lawyer in DC, also will be married later this year. Our two younger grands, girl and boy cousins born four hours apart, the same day, are 17 and applying to colleges. I am still judging but because of COVID, doing most from home by phone and Zoom. My very best to you and our classmates.”

I’m sorry to report the passing of several classmates: Phil Olsen died on March 18, 2021, and Sam Brown died on July 21, 2021. Ed Lifset, a DKE brother and a government major, passed on October 22, 2021. And Dana Pearson passed away on February 15, 2022.  Dana was Alpha Delt and majored in American Studies. Dana and I first met in competition as hurdlers while we were at different prep schools. At Wesleyan, I recall that he excelled in soccer and was president of the glee club. My condolences to their families and their classmates.

I am very sad to report that we have lost the leader of our class, Bill Wasch, who died on August 28, 2021. After a decade-plus absence, Bill returned to Wesleyan and worked for the University from 1964 to 1985. Bill’s Wesleyan legacy includes the establishment of the Susan B. and William K. Wasch Center for Retired Faculty and the Baldwin Medal in 2012, awarded to him for extraordinary service to the University.

Hal Buckingham advised that Bill, wheelchair bound, had visited him a few weeks before he died. Bill was not doing well as he had advanced Parkinson’s—his voice so weak, Hal could not hear him, but noted that his mind was there.

A complete obituary for Bill is available in the online Class Notes or in the Hartford Courant. Our most sincere condolences go out to his children, grandchildren, and classmates.

Alan Ward reported that he just celebrated his birthday vaccinated and boosted and is a bit nostalgic after his grandson’s 2021 graduation severed his last active Wesleyan tie. He was a Deke in 1952 and still is. He identified several persons at Wes who enriched his life, expanded his understanding, and helped him to live, namely, Don Dalessio, Herb Kelleher, George Brodigan ’51, Bill Wasch, and John Driscoll ’62. He extended his best wishes to all our 1952s, as he didn’t expect to physically be with us at alumni weekend, but he would be in spirit.

Don Stauffer finally bit the bullet and moved in with his longtime friend, Susan Shipherd. Since she is in the same retirement community, it was a short move, but with a lot of downsizing. One thing he unearthed was the December 1950 issue of The Cardinal. A lot of the contributors were ’52ers: himself, Bill McCluskey, Jack Murray, Ralph Glisson, and Ed Banks, most of whom were English majors, including the editor in chief, Dixie Sanger. He said it marked the first and only time he was included in the same publication as Robert Ludlum ’51.

Our 70th Reunion will have happened by the time you read this. I hope those of you who were able to come enjoyed seeing friends and the campus.

Greetings classmates, 71 years later:

Somehow, I have been offered the opportunity to gather and share notes from some of our friends of yore. I’ll start by telling you that Jean and I moved from Middletown almost 10 years ago and now live in Essex at Essex Meadows, a well-respected and well-run CCRC (Continuing Care Retirement Community), similar to hundreds of such facilities across the country. Except for the constant constraints caused by the pandemic, we are fine and enjoying life at its best.

To the point however:

Received a good note from Chuck Exley who now lives with wife Carol in “sunny Sarasota.” A grandfather to six and great-grandfather to “three adorable girls”; and he noted that two granddaughters are Wesleyan alums, as well as his son, who is class of ’83.

 

A longer note came from Barney Kathan, most loyal of the loyal alums. He has written several books,  one of which is in current consideration for publishing by Yale University Press. He also works on memoirs in a class devoted to memoir writing.  I doubt that he is alone in that. Most significantly he has established an annual award for a top performing woman in the Film Studies program, in honor and memory of his daughter Nancy Lee Kathan, Wesleyan ’76. Sadly Nancy died three years ago. All who have returned to the campus during the past 70-plus years look forward to seeing Barney in his cardinal-red jacket, a trademark of the Kathan family.

A very newsy message came from Charlie Selig.  As I read it, it reminded me of many of the same memories and reflections of my own life. I think you will agree. My long memory of Charlie is of seeing him in the Wesleyan “press box,” reporting the play on Andrus Field or in Alumni Field House. That was radio at its best. So here it is:

“Hi Biff . . . glad to say hello to my old friends at Wesleyan and particularly the DKE brothers. Not sure how many of us remain, but we are all thankful for the good life we have enjoyed. My wife died in 2010, but fortunately I met a wonderful lady, and we have been together since 2011. We spend eight months a year at Boca West C.C. in Boca Raton, Florida, and the other four in New Rochelle, where Madalyn lives in the summer. I just sold my condo in Mamaroneck where I lived since 2005, moving there from a Rye, New York, house where we lived 45 years. In Florida, we still enjoy tennis, bridge, and many friends in a most wonderful community. They have taken well care of us during these past two difficult years. . . . Three children, five grandchildren—I have been truly blessed. My health is OK, but at 93, it is not like the old Wes days or even when we were 70 and thought we were old. . . . Have not been to Wesleyan for a long time. I certainly enjoyed my years there, but now we just enjoy life as far as it takes us. Best to all my old Wes friends. Sincerely, Charlie Selig.”

Footnote: 1951 performed well for the Wesleyan Fund in 2021, our almost 70th Reunion. I hope that an off year in celebration won’t be an off year in giving. . . .

Greetings, Classmates!

Send some news! How are you doing? Share a memory.

All the best,

Bud