Class Notes

Greetings all! Thought you’d be interested in who attended our 60th last May in Middletown: John Binswanger, Hank Bruner, Bob Carey, Eric Cone, Chuck Davis, Marty Feins, Joel Finegan, Bob Gruskay, Terry Hatter, Carter Hearn, Rich Hinckley, Bud Johnson, Bob Montstream, Myron Poliner, George Ray, Zeke Richmond, Bob Schnuer, Art Spada, Bruce Storms, Jim Swain, Dave Walden, and Hal White.

Meanwhile, here’s the latest from a few of you: New Yorker Bob Schnuer and Vickie will migrate back to Boca Raton around Oct. 1, bad knee and all. Bob’s refused a replacement, so far. Curt McLaughlin just published (with son, Craig ’79) the second edition of Health Policy Analysis: An Interdisciplinary Approach at Jones & Bartlett Learning. Curt says he’s got one more major project in the works, and “then time to adopt retirement completely.”

Marshall Umpleby was sorry to miss the 60th, and says his health is pretty good, considering. Cancer is in remission, chemo shot every six weeks. Nurse Mimi keeps Marshall on a strict diet, and his morale is okay.

Emi and Al Flynn, who now reside in Asheville, N.C., did some nice traveling this year. In May, they flew to Bozeman, Mont., to start a guided tour of these National Parks: Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Arches, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Zion; then Salt Lake City to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Later, Martha’s Vineyard with son and daughter plus families, staying at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown.

Lynn and Bud Johnson, in the fall of 2014, retraced steps through Italy’s lake country, with added time in Venice, Florence, and Siena en route to Rome. In early 2015, Bud and Lynn will visit Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, with time at Angkor Wat before heading home via Singapore.

Dick McCray’s wife, Carol, tells us that Dick had a traumatic brain injury two years ago, and finds it difficult to travel. Dick had wanted to attend the Reunion, but it wasn’t really possible. Our prayers are with you, Dick

Bob Muir is sorry to have missed the Reunion. Meanwhile, he and Harriet have a new abode at Apt 302, 200 Bristol Glen Drive, Newton, N.J. 07860. Finally, sad news: Our Classmate Bill Morrison passed away last May.

I have a few photo collages left from the 60th; e-mail me if you’d like one. All the best to all of us!

BOB CAREY | bobcarey@optonline.net
618 W. Lyon Farm Dr., Greenwich, CT 06831
203/532-1745

In the last issue Jim Griffis’ family was enlarged by my misreading his note. Jim has not four children, but only one son, who we remember being born during our junior year. His son is the one with four children (all adults). Now living in Texas, Jim says that his attempts to contact fraternity brother Herb Kelleher have been unsuccessful.

Distinguished Alumnus Awardee, Trustee Emeritus, and New England gentleman David Jenkins passed away peacefully June 17, 2014. An English major, Dave was president of Eclectic, an end on the football team and member of Mystical Seven. Our sympathy is with his family, especially his wife, Shirley Muirhead Jenkins, who loyally cared for Dave during his final years.

Federal Judge James R. Miller Jr., died June 25, 2014, in Easton, Md. Jim was a history major, an Alpha Delt, and member of the track team. In November 1970, at age 39 when sworn in, he became the youngest federal judge in the country. He retired from the bench in 1986. Jim remained in private practice until 2006. An avid sailor, he spent much of his last years traveling and being with family. Condolences are extended to his four children and their families. For further details see online obituaries at magazine.wesleyan.edu.

JOHN W. MILLER | Jwalmiller@aol.com
306 Autumn Court, Bartlesville, OK 74006 918/335-0081

The last issue of this magazine carried word of the death of John “Didge” Dodge on Dec. 8, 2013. Didge, a member of Sigma Chi while at Wesleyan, spent a very productive career with the Boy Scouts of America. We send sincere condolences to his widow and children.

Classmates may recall the 2010 China visit by Al Chien and family, including his brother George Chien ’56, to the site of the bridge his father had designed over the Mekong River (known as the Lancang River in China) as part of the Burma Road. They were disappointed to find that only days before their arrival the bridge had been dismantled because of planned construction of a dam downstream. But disappointment turned to thrilling news in June 2014, when the Chiens learned that the bridge had been reassembled across the river at a safer place and is available for visitation but not crossing by vehicles. The bridge is legendary in China because it was that country’s first cable suspension road bridge and was replicated by many other bridges on the Burma Road. The bridge is named for the Chien brothers’ father, Chien Chang Kan, who not only designed it, but supervised its construction in 1939–40. Tragically, shortly after the bridge was completed, their father was shot down by the Japanese and killed while conducting an aerial inspection of bomb damage to the bridge. Members of the Chien family, hopefully including Al, plan to revisit the bridge, now a museum piece, in 2015.

John Wood, his wife Pat, and granddaughter made a vacation trip through New England during the 2014 summer. Among others, they visited Sigma Chi brothers Kim Zachos (and Anne), and Ken Taylor (and JoAnne). At Kim’s, they happened upon Charley “Rogo” Rogovin (and Marcy) who were visiting Kim and Anne while en route to Nova Scotia. John missed seeing Hal Buckingham (and Joyce) by minutes. Having left his original law firm in Indianapolis sometime ago, John has continued practicing law with the Indiana Department of Family Services on a full-time basis.

While visiting Kim Zachos, Rogo was able to reconnect with his old Chi Psi mate, Dave Nixon ’53, in one of the weekly coffee breaks Kim has with fellow attorney Dave in Manchester, N.H.

We lost another of our exemplary classmates when Jim “Harpo” Reap died on June 8, 2014. Jim, based in White Plains, N.Y., had an extraordinary career as a practicing attorney, city, and state judge, Rear Admiral in the USN and Commander of the NY State Naval Militia, all the while being active in a wide variety of local and state civic and bar organizations. Remembered at Wesleyan as a nine varsity letter athlete and captain of the golf team, Jim continued his golfing prowess and won the Westchester (NY) Bar Association Golf Championship 13 times. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, two sons, a daughter, and two grandchildren, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy on their and our great loss.

As the deadline for submitting these class notes arrived, we received word of the death of Bill Bruner on Aug. 30, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C. Bill’s beloved avocation was competitive sailing and he was an acclaimed sailor until Alzheimer’s struck him down 13 years ago. He leaves his wife, Jean, two sons and several grandchildren, as well as all of his Wesleyan classmates, to mourn his loss.

DONALD T. SANDERS | dtsanders1@sbcglobal.net
33 Sunny Hill Drive, Madison, CT 06443

Just as this issue of the magazine was going to press, we learned of the death of Don Sanders. Don has been our faithful and dedicated Class Secretary, author of our Class Notes since the first issue after our graduation in 1952. He remained steadfast in his service, even after suffering a paralyzing stroke four years ago. He leaves a daughter, son-in-law, two grandchildren and his longtime beloved companion, Joan Boutelle, to each of whom we extend our heartfelt condolences. To say that he will be missed by his classmates is a vast understatement. (HCB)

Charles Selig wrote from Boca Raton, Fla., that he was still playing lots of tennis and bridge. His wife died suddenly in 2010 but he was super fortunate to have found a wonderful lady, Madalyn, to fill the void in his life. He has three children living relatively close to him and five grandchildren living in New Jersey and Massachusetts. He made a trip back to campus with his granddaughter and was much impressed with the changes he saw. “It was all very beautiful,” he said.

Neil Keller wrote from Crompton, N.H., that his wife, Jane, has Parkinson’s disease and can’t leave Pine Rock Manor in Warren, N.H., but she still paints in watercolors, plays bridge, and loves to talk. Their children mostly live in Tilton and Durham, N.H., but they have a son in Corvallis, Ore. They were happy to have a visit from Pat and Bob Gardner, who came from Eastham on Cape Cod. Bob and Neil were freshman roommates at Wesleyan.

Fred Gilman lives in Weston, Mass., but spends a lot of time in New Hampshire. “I’m still practicing law somewhat,” he wrote, “with lots of pro bono work.” Fred said he was still in good health.

Bill Mitchell, writing from North Carolina, says life next to the mountains is quite good this year. “It has brought cooler summer weather and more rainfall,” he says, “Something the huge apple-growing establishment is rejoicing over.” Bill reports there’s plenty to do, with lots of concerts and theater. “Once in a while I get a call from John Taylor,” Bill says, “And I did hear from Charlie Culver at Christmastime.” Bill reported losing his wife four years ago. In three weeks time, Bill would see his second granddaughter go off to college. Another will follow next year. “I hope to see all of them graduate,” Bill said.

Chuck Exley wrote from Grosse Pointe, Mich., where he and his wife, Carol, were born and reared. He had just returned from visiting his son, Yates Exley ’83. Chuck commented on the Wesleyan football team’s loss to Trinity which spoiled an undefeated season. “I have two friends who are Trinity grads who have become temporarily unbearable,” he reported. Oh well, Wesleyan was once a football power and beat Michigan, 14–6. The year was 1884, Chuck. He has a granddaughter, Sara Guernsey ’15, who is a senior fine arts major at Wesleyan. “She rounds out the cast of three of my progeny at Wesleyan: my son Yates, a grandson, Brian Walker ’00, and now Sara. All have done a lot better than I as undergraduates,” Chuck says, “but I have not found it necessary to get into this with them.”

Richard De Gennaro wrote from Florida that he was going strong as was his brother George. “I’m in excellent health,” Richard wrote, “which I maintain with my fitness routine, which includes yoga workouts. My wife, Barbara, and George’s wife, Mary Jane, are also in good health,” he wrote.

Bill Churchill wrote from his summer home. After spending the last 25 years traveling the far corners of the world, he and his wife, Maggie, decided to look at the USA this year. They spent most of May visiting the Rockies, and the Southwest, including national parks. Their itinerary included Mount Rushmore, the Devil’s Tower, Yellowstone, the Tetons, Bryce Canyon in Utah, Zion, Monument Valley, and Mesa Verde. “This is an amazing part of the world,” Bill wrote, “and I’m glad we had the time and energy to discover it.” His other news involved the graduation of three grandsons, who will be entering Washington University, RIT, and Stanford. I’d say they did all right, even though they didn’t choose Wes.” Bill had his annual lunch with former roomie Bob Switzgable. “We shared memories and insults and had a great time. He looks good,” Bill said, “except for his scruffy beard that is supposed to make him look wise. He is a wise guy. Some things never change.”

In my latest notes to class members I spoke of Wesleyan’s accomplishments on the academic side, with three new courses of study being introduced. Bill Mitchell said he thought the diversity was laudable, but he wondered if that kind of effort might deny places in the class to non-diverse kids whose grades and SATs, are above those who are admitted. “What I wonder,” Bill said, “is whether a new kind of quota system has been put into place, the reverse of the kind of admission practices we felt existed and deplored 70-odd years ago.” Perhaps other classmates might want to comment on this and perhaps the president might want to address the issue.

DAVID M. PHILIPS | davephilips69@hotmail.com
100 Elena St., Apt. 618, Cranston, RI 02920-7620

Calling all gentlemen of the Class of 1950! Can you believe it—the 65th Reunion for this class! Save the dates: May 21–24, 2015. It’s sure to be a fantastic weekend—but only if you come! If you’d like to have input as we plan events, please e-mail Katie Tedford (ktedford@wesleyan.edu). And thanks to those already participating!

n my previous class notes I identified the team of alumni whose responsibility it was to alert and encourage at least a few of the remaining classmates of 1949 to return for our 65th Reunion. We failed miserably. The only alumni who attended the Reunion were the five team members, namely, Dick Gibbons, David Knapp, Chip Stone, Bob Wylie, and I.

They should all be fired and a new group selected for this responsibility at our 70th Reunion.

Seriously, though, it was nice to get together with these few. However, not all of us were able to attend the reunion dinner Saturday evening. Bob Wylie’s wife, Karen, could not make the trip with him to Middletown, so his attendance was limited. Gratefully, Audrey was able to fly from Florida with me for the Reunion in spite of her recent knee surgery.

Of course she had the additional incentive of visiting with our sons, Don in Darien, Conn., and Bill Jr. ’71, in Grafton, Vt.

See you all at our 70th… rrriiiggghhhttt!

William C. Brooks | williamcbrooks@comcast.net
9 Willow Pond Rd., Amelia Island, FL 32034

Brittany Marshall ’08 writes to share sad news: the loss of William B. Mervine of Westport, Conn., who died July 4, at home. He was 93.

Sandy Mclean | rmcleanjr@aol.com
2270 Melville drive, san marino, ca 91108

This summer, Francis Lovett was preparing lectures for this fall, as part of the continuing education series at Longmont Senior Services Center. The first is to be “Snippets of Inside Ireland,” dealing with sights and sites one never experiences during a conventional tour. Next are two sessions on the poetry and other vicissitudes of Frost, Snow, Coffin, and Neihardt. The final talk will be on the history of, accomplishments of, and influence on the ski industry of the Tenth Mountain Division.

FRANCIS W. LOVETT | francis.lovett@comcast.net
805 Compassion Drive, Apt. 208, Windsor, CO 80550
907/460-9338

With football in the air, it’s obvious that summer is just about over, and I hope that you had a good one!Speaking of football, I’m reminded of our freshman year of 1939, when Jack Blott’s team won the Little Three Championship and we tore down the goal posts at Amherst. Here’s hoping that Coach Mike Whelan ’83’s Cardinals can repeat last year’s outstanding season and win it again this year!Gene Loveland writes: “Good to hear from you. Forty days from my 94th birthday and feeling good. No more trips, though. I’ve had my fill of airlines. Still busy with my two-page biographical sketches of newcomers and my four putting tournaments. Two of our residents here have sons who were graduated from Wesleyan: last names are Ling and Clutterbuck.I received a nice letter from my old Montclair High buddy and Clark Hall “roomie,” Dick Ferguson, in which he says, “It’s always good to hear from you. Hope all is well with all of yours. Give Bob our best. Not so perfect with Marge. She had a fall on the stairs of Pals Cabin last January which brought on the issues of shingles and she still has an aftermath which we are hoping will end! The family is all well. Gordie has moved to Kiawah, S.C., and is running a dental clinic there. David is doing a great job taking care of my old office. Daughter Kim drops in to see us when going to and from their summer place in Rhode Island from Philadelphia. She is in the education field there. Doug is in New York, quite busy making kilts for many people in New York and London. It would make me happier if I could be out playing golf. I do get to ride my bike frequently.”Candy Molina Ferguson wrote, “My dad, F. Edward (“Muzz”) Molina passed away on Sept. 17, 2014, one week after meeting his hero, Coach Michael Whalen ’83. Dad was a retired businessman living in New Milford Conn.”Keep me posted on any news that’s of interest.Frederick P. Appleton
100 O’Brien Court, Suffolk, VA 23434

Word has arrived that Edgar Allen “Ted” Jones died on May 10, 2013. Ted was that good-looking guy who distinguished himself in many campus activities. He was editor of the Argus, member of Mystical Seven, stalwart of the Senate and manager of varsity basketball.

He was known for enthusiastic participation in international relations studies and served as treasurer of the Neuman Club.

His life career burgeoned in remarkable ways. He excelled in law, starred in the TV productions Day in Court, Traffic Court, and Accused. He authored two books, Mr. Arbitrator and Break a Leg, Professor. 

The Class extends sympathy to Ted’s wife, Helen, of 68 years, 11 children, 23 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

GEORGE P. MORRILL
167 Thayer Road, Higganum, CT 06441 |860/345-2673