Class Notes – Page 207 – Wesleyan Magazine Classnotes

Class Notes | 1950s2014/12/212015/05/21

CLASS OF 1952 | 2014 | ISSUE 3

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)

Class Notes | 1950s2014/12/212015/05/21

CLASS OF 1951 | 2014 | ISSUE 3

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

Class Notes | 1950s2014/12/212015/05/21

CLASS OF 1950 | 2014 | ISSUE 3

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!

Class Notes | 1940s2014/12/212015/05/21

CLASS OF 1949 | 2014 | ISSUE 3

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

Class Notes | 1940s2014/12/212015/05/21

CLASS OF 1947 | 1947 | ISSUE 3

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

Class Notes | 1940s2014/12/212015/05/21

CLASS OF 1945 | 2014 | ISSUE 3

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

Class Notes | 1940s2014/12/212015/05/21

CLASS OF 1943 | 2014| ISSUE 3

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

Class Notes | 1940s2014/12/212015/05/21

CLASS OF 1942 | 2014 | ISSUE 3

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

Class Notes, Class Notes | 1930s2014/12/212015/05/21

CLASS OF 1938 | 2014 | ISSUE 3

In the last issue you may remember that the interview with President Michael Roth ’78 (by editor Bill Holder ’75) about the importance of a liberal arts education came directly before Class Notes. I thought it was quite appropriate that the interview ended with a three-part question asking if Wesleyan teaches its students to be masters of complexity? President Roth answered that Wesleyan teaches them to have the courage to be what they want to be. Another line really stood out for me: “You are learning how to adapt and thrive in a context of change.” His final lines in the interview were: “So many alumni, whatever they’re doing, are united in their gratitude and respect for Wesleyan because it’s an institution that prepares students to act on their best selves. As students and alumni alike, we can act on our best selves if we are relentless, creative, and courageous.” And then, if you were like me, you turned the page and saw the news from the Class of ’38.

To me, President Roth’s last line speaks directly about this class. Over the 13 years I have served as class secretary, the comments from the gentlemen of ’38 have always shown them to be people who have acted relentlessly, creatively, and courageously. For most of this class, their courage was truly tested during World War II. Most of these fellows had to be extremely creative during the Great Depression. Talking with my father’s classmates about their success, I learned that it came from being relentless—at their jobs, at keeping themselves healthy, and in building stronger communities. It is true that my notes come from only three or four guys these days, but they represent a perseverance few folks get close to these days. It’s been a true treasure getting to know my father’s classmates of ’38. And on that note, here’s the latest:

Art Kingsbury and his wife, Diane, welcomed two more great-grandchildren to the family. Their total is now up to 10. Their first great-granddaughter is a freshman at Bates College. That got me thinking: If Daddy were still alive, he’d be welcoming his first great-grandchild this November. Art and Diane are in good health. He still golfs weekly, more if the weather is on his side, and walks daily. They enjoyed a lovely visit from one of their grandsons and his family over the summer. Thinking about what President Roth said about adaptability, Art and I reflected on the tremendous changes in technology and how amazing it is, watching all of these generations communicating via so many styles. They wish all safe and happy holidays.

I was so glad to hear Bob Porter has stayed healthy, keeping the pneumonia at bay. He had visits from his children and they have helped him and Doris “reduce the clutter.”

Bob told me about inheriting some old Civil War paper money and some rare coins from his folks, including some gold coins from China. He and Doris decided it was time to pass that all along to their children. How cool is that going to be for a great-grandchild to have a paper bill from the late 1800s? Doris did spend some time in the hospital in late summer but she is back and holding steady. Bob is dealing with macular degeneration, so that is making things a bit more difficult. He misses catching his football games on TV. It’s back to the radio for the play-by-play reports these days. Of course he has to share the air space with Doris and her love of the baseball games. Like Art, Bob wishes everyone well. We wish you, Bob, a very happy 99th birthday in November and Doris a very happy 97th in October.

I had a little scare when I first tried to reach Curt Smith. He had temporarily moved rooms to receive treatment for some muscular pain. I tried back a few weeks later and was delighted when he answered his old number. He had spent three weeks in therapy dealing with back pain and muscle spasms. He is feeling much better but he did say he was laying low because of the back issue.

When I spoke with Curt, his daughter Susanna was visiting from Seattle. His other daughter, Maggie, had also been out to visit. And of course son Phil lives in the same city so he sees him regularly. Curt will be celebrating his 97th birthday at the end of October.

He is very grateful for his loving and helpful children. Next time I will get more news about the music he has gone to hear, or the theater he has seen. I didn’t want to keep him from visiting with his daughter. Have a wonderful birthday, Curt.

For some reason, I have the hardest time connecting with Len Weinstein. I am sure that as this goes to print, Len will call me with some news! One of the times I tried, I did speak with his wife, Suzanne, but she told me Len was resting. I said I would call back but she warned me that he might be out at his card game! Then I missed a call from him. Well, I hope all is well with you Len. I trust that one of these days we will have an actual conversation. Enjoy your 98th birthday in December.

I think often of the fellows who have left this earth and are “out of my range.” I wish I could share with Bill Heisler how beautiful my dahlias got this year. Or tell Mac Dowds how long the tomatoes lasted this season. Joe Masselli, you’d give me a “thumbs up” on my sausage and peppers. John Baird, I know your strong voice and powerful ideas are being shared somewhere. You see, they, along with these men in these notes and another 125 or so men, learned 76 years ago how to act on their best selves. I saw it in my father. I learned it from my father. Thanks, Wesleyan, for helping these men tap into their greatness.

Have a wonderful holiday season. Here’s to good health and future stories from the Class of ’38. Have a very happy New Year.

GRACE BENNETT
daughter of the late Walter Bennett ’38
8104 39th Avenue, S.W., Seattle, WA 98136

Class Notes, Class Notes | 1930s2014/08/152014/08/15

Class of 1938 | 2014 | ISSUE 2

While the number of fellows I have the honor of calling for the notes has definitely, how shall I say it, changed, those remaining are wonderful conversationalists! It is springtime and the guys are glad the winter has tucked itself away for a rest. While three of the four I reach out to now live in Florida, that doesn’t always mean getting out is the sunniest experience, especially after this wet winter! But in late March and early April it does.

Bob Porter kicked that pneumonia we mentioned in the last notes but he is still dealing with some shoulder pain. PT seems to be helping it. He reports Doris is well. Bob said it was a very wet winter in Naples and he is very glad to have that behind them. The sun and fresh air is so good for one’s morale. In February Bob and Doris welcomed another great-grandchild, the first girl of this generation! Bob says his “mind is sharp but the body is getting weak.” I can attest to the mind’s quickness as he broke out in song bringing up the words to Amicus Usque Ad Aras. Bob said it might even have been a Yale song but he remembers singing it with fellow freshmen when they went on a trip with an English professor to Mory’s! Perhaps the Whiffenpoofs were performing, and perhaps this professor had a connection to Yale? If the Olla Podrida from ’38 is correct, then there is a certain professor of English who had connections to Yale! What a fun adventure for Bob to share.

Heading north from Naples is Venice, Fla. Art Kingsbury has lived in Venice for 34 years. We figured out this was over a third of his life. Back in the day, most students attending Wesleyan came from the Northeast, or Midwest regions. No one in the class of ’38 came from Florida. But many did retire there. So the thought that one can retire for over a third of one’s life anywhere is another way of saying they are doing something right! Art celebrated his 96th birthday on April 13th. I still can’t imagine entering a university and experiencing almost a full first year as a 16-year-old! Art and Diane are doing very well and are in “fine health.” Their new pet of last year, the cat, entertains them daily. Art’s sons and their families were coming to celebrate his birthday. Visits with family are always enjoyable. He wishes his fellow classmates the best.

I left a few messages for Leonard Weinstein, the class’s other Florida resident, but didn’t actually speak with him. Better luck next time.

The next fellow I caught up with was Curt Smith. It was a very long winter in Rhode Island. While it was spring there, Curt commented on how it didn’t really feel like it, since the color of things was so delayed. He took a trip to northern New Hampshire and he learned from the sugar makers that the sap is also delayed. Oh dear, there goes the price of maple syrup! Curt had a visit from one daughter in February. They had a packed visit, including catching the old classic Arsenic and Old Lace at Rhode Island College. In late April his other daughter will be visiting. Every week he sees his son. He is very grateful for his time with his children. He attended a Jewish Film Festival at a local synagogue and highly recommends the film The Other Brother. Curt says they are trying to revive the singing group at his community. He is staying active, even if it means enduring stares from fellow residents of his community. Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet keep him inside! I received a lovely card from Emily Cowan ’86 who now lives in Lancaster, N.H., Curt’s old stomping ground. When she moved there in 2000, Emily said Curt came and paid her a welcome visit. Recently she attended a fundraiser for a local ski area and sat with Curt and his son Philip. She had a wonderful visit with them, discussing which articles they enjoyed in the current alum magazine. “Curtis is the dearest man. And he is so active it just takes my breath away.” Thank you, Emily, for your wonderful card.

Something else that Curt shared with me was an article in the Providence Journal. In January Bill Heisler died. While I haven’t seen an official obituary, the newspaper clipping Curt sent was an amazing tribute to Bill’s time in Providence. “Bill served the Rhode Island community in a multitude of ways as a volunteer leader of most of the prominent nonprofits in our state during his long tenure as a resident, while also serving as CEO of Citizens Bank throughout the 1960s and ’70s.”

I also learned from this article that before the government had passed the Community Reinvestment Act, “Bill had initiated his own version of CRA at Citizens, as an outreach effort to give access to diverse populations.” The Heisler Leadership Fund at The Rhode Island Foundation has been established in his memory. I so enjoyed my conversations with Bill. His last decade was spent at Medford Leas, a Quaker-based senior living and continuing care community. He always had something to share about the importance of community. He also had wonderful stories about his trips that he took well into his late 90s. My condolences go out to his family, and also to the class of ’38. This past year has been a challenging one with the loss of four classmates.

On that note, I have cross-referenced a program from last year’s Reunion’s Memorial Service, with my father’s copy of the Olla Podrida, and I have 15 names on a list. I’ll see if I can find any news from them. I think I’ve got my work cut out for me. Here’s hoping next issue will be full of news from long lost fellows of’38! Until then, enjoy the colors of spring, whenever they decide to peek out, and the warmth of summer.

GRACE BENNETT
daughter of the late Walter Bennett ’38
8104 39th Avenue, S.W., Seattle, WA 98136