1922
The following names comprise the most distinguished and exclusive group in the famous Class of '22: Dr. Gaylord W. Anderson, Raymond p. Atwood, E. Graham Bates, Sherrill P. ates, Harry Bruckner, Carroll Dwight, Harold E Fraser, Richard M. Livermore, Harvey H. Moses, Dr. Richard P. Stetson. Rufus LaC. Stevens. These classmates never failed, even once in 50 years, to contribute to the Dartmouth Alumni Fund. Nowadays some people shun commitment as if it were a dirty word - if there are any left - but these Twoters know all about commitment to Dartmouth; they have exemplified it for half a century. And, as every classmate realizes, those years included some when there was only an emaciated chicken, if any, in the pot, and the gas might have been shut off for non-payment. But, despite all vicissitudes, these men did not forget Dartmouth and found a way to express their affection for her. These classmates received justly merited acclamation at our Fiftieth last June, but unfortunately not all Twoters were present. Hence these most loyal names now appear here that all may appreciate what the genuine Dartmouth spirit can really be. Gentlemen, the College and the Class salute you.
Don Donavanik will always be affectionately remembered by the Class. Though all classmates knew Don well, Frank Horan and Ike Miller knew him very well. Frank was with Don in the brotherhood of Tri-Kap and Ike visited him extensively in Bangkok. The Class is indebted to Frank for his gracious consent to write Don's obituary which appears in this issue. The Class also thanks Frank and Ike for the following recollection of Don.
From Frank Horan: "In the Thirties there was a political convulsion in Siam (Thailand since June 1939) during which the political interests with which Don was affiliated were driven from power and he was himself imprisoned and later, it was reported, was tried for his life. Happily things worked out for Don's part and later in a letter describing his harrowing experiences to me, Don said 'But during all those months in prison I never lost my Dartmouth spirit.' "
Also, as we all recall, "The Siamese ambassador had seen to it that his countryman Don had a fine Brooks Brothers wardrobe and Don was the mould of fashion as the Brothers and we understood it."
As for Don's mastery of English, "He, I, and several others were together in a Public Speaking course. He not only held his own in the use of our mother tongue, but went beyond that and set an example for the rest of us."
During the Fifties Don sent one of his two sons to visit Frank in New York where "Through the kindly offices of George Champion '26 the young man was able to experience a concentrated course in American banking which the Chase Bank gave to foreign visitors. In his turn Don's son became prominent in Thai financial affairs."
From Ike Miller: "While on active duty I saw many Dartmouth men in Europe, Asia, and Africa and after retirement, Harriott and I visited with Dartmouth men throughout the world but never did we talk with anyone to whom the College had greater meaning than to Phya Donavanik Montri.
"Don suffered many hardships. Following the revolution in Siam he was jailed for many months, tried and acquitted in August 1934; his home was bombed during the Japanese occupation and gutted by fire after the surrender, but he has told me that through it all, he was sustained by the Dartmouth spirit.
"There can be little doubt about this because in his home he gave prominent places to Dartmouth pictures, books and other memorabilia which partially replaced those lost in the fire. When visitors asked what they could do for him in the States, Don always wanted to be remembered to his Dartmouth classmates and friends, and requested any small Dartmouth items which could be sent conveniently to Bangkok.
"During our somewhat extensive visits to Thailand in 1963 and 64 we were privileged to get to know Don's children and grandchildren. They live close by and will be a great comfort to their mother. He has a wonderful family."
Other classmates reported to have visited Don in Bangkok include Haskell Cchn, Larry Farnham, Shaw Livermore, Andy Marshall, and JimModie. There were undoubtedly others, but they escape your secretary's completely ventilated memory.
All classmates send Nick and Louise Carter sincere best wishes for Nick's recovery from illness which had confined him to hospital and convalescent care. The latest report of Nick's good progress pleases all of us.
Similarly, it is very pleasing to see Herb West, after a hospital spell, resuming his daily jaunt to the Hanover Post Office and other centers of conversation on Main Street.
Kerry Bull has sadly passed away. HermOliver, Kerry's classmate in both high school and college, has kindly consented to write Kerry's obituary which will appear in the next issue.
Second call to Little Reunion, April 27-28 at the Hanover Inn. The Inn (603-643-4300) is waiting to hear from you for room reservations.
Secretary, 11 Brockway Rd. Hanover, N.H. 03755
Treasurer, 48 Fairgreen Place Chestnut Hill, Mass. 02167
