Tag: 1953

Richard Edward France, 91, passed away May 6, 2023, at White Oak Manor, Waxhaw, North Carolina. Dick was born in Downsville, New York. Dick was president of Delta Sigma (Delta Upsilon). He was an MBA graduate of Syracuse University before being commissioned in the U.S. Navy in 1955. He began a long career in the paper industry, where he became vice president of human resources for Container Corporation of America and, subsequently, for Caraustar Industries. Dick missed our many reunions as union negotiations occurred the same weekend annually. Dick is survived by Jeanne, a daughter, two sons, and five grandchildren.

Dr. George “Bakes” Bacon, 91, died December 27, 2023, at his home in Michigan. George, a graduate of Duke Medical School in 1957, enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Germany. His residency was in pediatric endocrinology, after which he joined the University of Michigan Hospital. In 1986 he accepted a position to rebuild the department at Texas Tech University. He returned to Michigan in 1995 and later became emeritus professor at the University of Michigan, retiring in 2005. He is survived by his wife, Grace, three children, and three grandchildren.

Class condolences to the families of Dick and Bakes, both my fraternity brothers.

For those who have not read the fall class notes that are only in digital form, know that our 70th was attended by Joe, Mel, and Woody. Please contact me to identify.

Jerry Zackin and his wife, Sandy, toured southeast Asia ending up in Australia, his seventh continent visited. He has two great-grandsons in Portland, Oregon, prepping for Wesleyan, 2038 and 2040. Their parents and grandparents are Wesleyan alumni.

A year and a half in an independent living facility is comfortable and convenient.

Please let me hear from you.

Ring the bells of South College for Joe, Mel, and Woody! Joe Buchman, Mel Katz, and Atwood Dunham proudly represented the Class of 1953 at our 70th Reunion in May. GO WES!

Bob Knapp, Psi U, government major, writes, “I’ve lived for 15 years in a retirement community (in Cheshire, Connecticut) with my wife of 65 years.” Occasionally they welcome 75- to 80-year-old youngsters from Wesleyan into residency.

Gerald Patrick, Alpha Delt, math major, lives independently in a condo overlooking San Francisco Bay, while reading and writing. One of his stories was recently published in the Evening Street Press, a literary magazine. He finds time to play intensive duplicate bridge and coach a couple of students. Earlier this year he vacationed with daughter, Eileen ’79, in Puerto Vallarta and lunches weekly with his son, Mike ’81, with whom he works on a nonprofit board. Gerald mentioned speaking by phone with Ed Biester ’52, who continues abstract painting, and with Jim Waters ’52, who lives in Florida.

Rev. Fred Wandall, Delta Tau Delta, English major, sent a photo of Will Rowe ’80 and himself having lunch in northern Virginia where he lives.

Robert Hoage Carrier, 90, passed away December 27, 2021, in Rochester, New York. He was a graduate of the University of Rochester Medical School and became chief of orthopedic surgery at Rochester General Hospital. On campus he was the leading golf member and continued the sport throughout life. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Myra, five children, 16 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sons.

My apologies for the belated report and condolences, caused by my misunderstanding of whom would report.

Our class’s 70th Reunion happens in May 2023—attend one event, if possible, or at least send me a note as to your status.

Walt Cutler writes: “I have two granddaughters at Wesleyan, both in the junior class. Together, with their fathers (my sons), we had a minireunion on campus October 15. Great fun.”

William T. Teachout, 91, member of Eclectic, passed away in California, July 15, 2022. Among other talents, Bill was known for his soccer and basketball skills.

My three-month stay in a retirement facility has become eight months of comfortable living while my home is being refurbished.

Rev. Edward Allen White passed away March 31, 2022, at the home of his son in Darlington, South Carolina. He grew up in Wellesley, Massachusetts, attended Union Theological Seminary and McCormick. He spent much of his career helping congregations find fulfillment in their missions, stressing outreach.

Monroe (Monty) Neuman died July 13, 2022, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, leaving his wife of 60 years, Bobbie, three sons, and six grandchildren. Two sons attended Wesleyan—Doug ’87 and Charles ’91.

W. “Cope” Clapham Murray of Tamworth, New Hampshire, passed away May 1, 2022. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, a member of Alpha Delta Phi, and a theater arts major, the third person to pursue what was, at that time, a new major at Wesleyan. A longtime artistic director of Barnstormers Theater, he was professor of Theater Arts at New England College and established a theater program there. He is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Patricia, and is survived by a daughter and a son and two grandchildren.

Please excuse the shortened items. My life has turned a corner since Ash Wednesday when I went to the ER. Pneumonia kept me in the hospital for a month and rehab for a bit more, then I moved to an independent living facility. My house has been renovated these past months and now I need to decide whether to return or not.