Tag: 1959

Greetings, great class of ’59. Your scribes wish you well in this holiday season and beyond. Two things to remember: our 65th in May of ’24, and our old friend, WAF. Now to our doings.

John and Cyndy Spurdle hosted a gathering for Sir Tom Stoppard on behalf of the International Friends of the London Library in New York to celebrate the opening of his new play, Leopoldstadt. The play is sold out in New York and in London. It is based on Stoppard’s family’s Jewish history in Vienna. The Spurdles and the Stoppards have been supporters of the London Library for ages.

Herb Steiner has a granddaughter at Wesleyan, and on a recent visit, Herb joined her in the viola section for the October concert. A great pleasure for Herb playing next to her and making music at Wes for the first time in 63 years.

Tim Day continues his support of the Marine Corps in a couple of ways. He has put 29 marine officers through the Harvard Business School MBA program as well as 40 senior marine officers through the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program. Add to this the Tim and Sandy Day Canine Companion Program that provides service dogs to wounded marines and you have a real commitment to the Marine Corps.

Bob and Marsha Gillette visited Bob and Joan Chase at the latter’s home in Springfield, Virginia. They laughed about “double dating,” and all were thankful for their Wesleyan experience. Bob G. continues to lecture at various places about his two books on the rescue of Jewish teenagers from Nazi Germany in the late ’30s. Bob was recently featured on the PBS program, Hidden History. He and Marsha are still canoeing and still have not tipped over.

A sixth annual MidCoast Maine reunion found Joe and Wendy Mallory, Tom and Anne McHugh, Dick and Linda Cadigan, and Alan and Marie-Pier Brooks at the Mallory’s home in New Harbor, Maine. The usual Wesleyan memories ensued as well as more current topics.

And speaking of Dick Cadigan, he shared the following remembrance of Ned Lemkemeier who passed away on June 13 at the age of 85: “We became close friends in St. Louis, 1962, just after I finished theological school and he law school. One fun experience was when Wes asked us to visit an all-Black,  inner-city high school to recruit students. We chuckled as we drove there, wondering what our pitch would be to attract kids to a small liberal arts school in Connecticut! In later years Ned said one student did attend Wes and became a lawyer. St Louis Post-Dispatch had a big, long article that said Ned was [an] ‘Unsung Hero of St. Louis.’ His work was stellar on desegregation of public schools, leadership on boards dealing with cancer, disability, [hearing impairment], the arts. Article stated, ‘Ned was the most trustworthy person in St. Louis; smart, unpretentious, a straight shooter with a heart of gold.’ When one son asked for advice, Ned said, ‘Listen before you speak, only way to get to common ground.’ What a legacy!”

Joan Bromage wrote in October that Ted had died peacefully after a couple of years of poor health. They had many Wesleyan friends, and several of these friendships resulted in their becoming godparents.

Molly and Skip Silloway are heading back to Utah and their annual family ski trip. A week at the Alta Lodge is a fixture on their calendar. Who knows how long this can continue.

“There is an eloquence in true enthusiasm.”—Washington Irving

The very day that we sent out the note to classmates about updating all the news, especially our continued athletic prowess, Al Brooks won his gold medal in the shot put at the Connecticut Nutmeg and Masters’ Games, defeating several younger competitors. Skip said that he and Molly were still tearing down the slopes, slowly. Herb Steiner is fast becoming “king of the pickleball courts” in both Mahwah and Florida, and staying in touch with Messrs. Vander Veer, Ogren, Martin, and Waterhouse, all of whom are well. And finally, Joe Mallory says his favorite sport is now eating!! Well deserved after being a member of the fabulous ’59 basketball team.

Charlie Wrubel writes that he is still swimming, though not competitively. He’s very excited about Wes’s swimming facilities and coach Pete Solomon. Son Bill’s (’85) daughter is now at Wesleyan, along with Herb Steiner’s granddaughter. Son Rob’s (’88) daughter is a junior at Fountain Valley School and has been named to the first team, all-state girls soccer team. Charlie and Myra spent a week cruising in Bermuda with Mark Edmiston ’64 and wife Lisa.

News from the Dave Eklund family is that they have bought a beachside condo on Maui. Go team!  Visits with the family and whale watching off Lanai have been major attractions. He said, “Dave Gordon ’61 and wife Ginny joined us, and we had fun reminiscing about our days at Delta Sigma.”

Paul Hadzima attended part of the Reunion & Commencement festivities in May. He was a participant in a roundtable discussion on the future of the college, hosted by the new College of Education, and attended a great reception afterward.  He was MAT ’61 and taught for 36 years.

Peter Rockefeller called to catch up. He left Wesleyan after sophomore year and finished his BA at Columbia. He is married to a ballerina and has two grown daughters and is still working on computer systems for several large clients. Hope he will make it back to the 65th.

Bing Leverich turned 85 on July 31. He is battling Parkinson’s, dementia, and a rare disease called amyloidosis.  Luize writes that Bing is doing well physically, walks 3 miles each day, and does calisthenics each evening. They are presently in Boulder.

John and Cyndy Spurdle are back on Fishers Island for five weeks and will have a houseful of children and grandchildren arriving from Scotland, England, Maine, and Montana, so a jolly reunion is planned, after all the COVID problems.  We are still living in NYC for the rest of the year, apart from trips to London, where I am still involved in helping the London Library.  We are having a party in New York to honor Tom Stoppard and his new play Leopoldstadt, which is opening shortly.

Steve Pyle, the tight end now turned painter, is still painting. His subject is various holes on wonderful golf courses, usually to commission. Perhaps this is therapy for a left knee that had too much football and golf.

Dick Cadigan has been on the move post COVID. Saw five of his six kids, plus grandkids, in California, and then off to Deerfield for reunion and Amherst to visit the Cadigan Religious Center. Then to New York to see son John for four days of museum hopping, then Las Vegas to see son Steve and twins, then home to rest!

The long-talked-about banner celebrating the ’59 basketball team is now hanging in the Silloway Gym.

Word from Reverend Cadigan on our 65th:“65ing and Still Thriving!!”

Don’t miss it, spring 2024! More about this in 2023, but put it on your calendar, NOW!

Four sad departures: John Driscoll ’62, an honorary member of the Class of ’59,after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Our love to Gina and the family. Ned Lemkemeier, “Mr. St. Louis,” who was a labor and employment attorney for 50 years, trusted advisor and counselor to many. Longtime class agent Ted Bromage passed away on September 10, 2022. A line from his obituary sums Ted up well: “Ted was driven by his personal interests, love for friends, and enthusiasm for meeting new people. He always leaned in and helped wherever and however he could.” Ted is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan, a daughter, a son, and six grandchildren. And John Lloyd who departed on September 20, 2022. A silver lining of the pandemic was the creation of a standing Zoom call with his Wesleyan Alpha Delta Phi brothers. He is survived by his children (including Becky Lloyd DesRoches ’90) and grandchildren.

“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!!

George Will, the Washington Post columnist, on “What my 80 years have taught me”:

“’There is,’” as George Santayana said, “’no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval.’” So as they approach the end of their intervals, 80-year-old martini drinkers—plucky octogenarians not intimidated by their busybody physicians—should expand their repertoire to include a couple of Manhattans!”

Jim Brands writes that he is looking forward to getting his old Delt brothers together for the wedding of his granddaughter early next year: brother-in-law Tom Buckovich ’61, brothers Paul ’64 and Harold ’65, and spouses.

Dick Cadigan’s son Steve ’86 has written a new book to be published in August on the new work world for employees and employers, timely as ever. Well done, Steve!

Bob Chase sends the following great update: “As our numbers thin down, I find myself more and more reflecting on those special years we had together. I expect I am not alone in counting many of our classmates at the top of my list of ‘special friends.’  Joanie and I moved several years ago to a senior living home in Springfield, Va.  It was probably a good decision, but I never realized there were so many old people, and people who, with cheer, gracefully and bravely faced the indignities of aging. Joanie has had some growing neurological/speaking issues as well as compounding of her long-standing bad back, but retains her cheerful demeanor and love of life. I am somewhat better off, but have not escaped the common loss of some facilities!

“I keep my golf clubs at the ready, but it is remarkable what excuses I can find for delaying getting them out. We are still planning to visit our beloved house in Boothbay Harbor, Me., but will fly up there to overlap with our kids. Unfortunately we will miss our regular mini-reunion with classmates Alan Brooks, Dick Cadigan, Charles McHugh, and Joe Mallory because of scheduling.

“Still counting on seeing as many of you as possible at our 65th!!”

Tim and Sandi Day are staying cool in La Jolla, enjoying the ocean breeze and watching surfers glide through the waves.  Tim says it is peaceful, but now that they have had their water fix, they will be off to Jackson Hole and the Tetons. They have an addition to the family in Lucy, a very cute 2-year-old pug.

“My days are filled with repetitive tasks—some family office work, bible study (GO Tim), lots of physical exercise. We dine out most nights at a group of favorite places, almost home cooking, with Lucy sitting quietly in her baby carriage with us.

We plan to go to Israel this October, with any luck, and then maybe back to New York.”

Dave and Mary Eklund are back in travel mode, having spent a month in Nantucket. They have had a house there for more than 50 years, which they have finally decided to sell. They and the children will miss it terribly, but the combination of a long commute from California and long-distance maintenance became more and more of a chore.

Owen Tabor has been hiding out from COVID in Charlottesville, but will be returning to Memphis shortly.  His 13 grandchildren must be a class record, or near it! All are in college, but none are at Wesleyan. The Tabors will be busy for quite a few graduations to come! Owen referred to Wesleyan as a “treasure,” a view many of us share.

Back to George Will:

“To be 80+ years old in this Republic is to have lived through almost one third of its life. Pretty amazing in itself! And to have seen so many ephemeral excitements come and go that one knows how few events are memorable beyond their day. (Try to remember what had you in a complete lather during Bush One’s administration). This makes our finishing sprint as 80+ years old especially fun, because it can be focused on this fact: To live a long life braided with the life of a nation conceived in liberty and dedicated to an imperishable proposition is simply delightful.”