1938

By now you are all aware of the untimely passing of our class secretary, GusHennessey. He lost the battle with Lou Gehrig's disease on December 28, 1985. His obituary is included in this issue of the magazine. Those attending the funeral service were Alice and Russ Tolles, Jeanand Dick Francis, Red Heath, and Dave Camerer '37. Morgan Marshall visited Gus the day before he died.

This is your tour director, attempting to fill Gus's shoes at least for this column and/or until a new secretary is chosen. Most of this news is from the files Gus gave me during my last visit just before Christmas. He would have written it, had he been able.

Gus had been afflicted by this debilitating disease since early 1984. It became increasingly difficult for him, especially this past year. Not once did he let this deter his efforts to meet his column deadlines. I would visit him at least monthly, and I know what being class secretary meant to him. It gave him the will to live and fight.

The time lapse in making class news timely has always bothered me. You will be reading this, it is hoped, by April 1, but it is now 8:00 A.M. in Wilbraham, Mass., on the second day of the New Year. Yes, I survived "Bowl" day, watching the "professional" college teams with their scholar (?) athletes in action. Oh, what the Big Green could do with the likes of Eric Ball, Kevin Murray, Jamelle Holieway, and Jamie Morris.

Dick Webb writes regarding the whereabouts of his former roommate, ChicMock. "Two years ago, Chic and wife Joan left for Uganda to take up residence in an Episcopal-funded Medical Mission. Despite the recent coup overthrowing a sympathetic government [and] posing a definite threat to their safety, they remained there despite the hazard." Dick himself has been retired for the past six years, spending about half the year in Springfield, Mo., the other half in La Veta, Colo.

Fran Belcher and his bride of 49 years now reside in an apartment complex at the south end of Melrose, Mass.-95A Pleasant Street. "Four rooms on one floor, as opposed to eight on three floors." Though retired, Fran is still the archivist historian for the Appalachian Mountain Club, and in his spare time he edits the quarterly "Mount Washington Observatory News Bulletin."

Ralph A. Van Orsdel has been appointed to the post of president and chief executive officer of Ampac, Inc., the wholesale distribution, food processing, real estate, and hotel concern. His career with Ampac spans 39 years; he joined the company's insurance department in 1946 and retired in 1978 as senior vice president of Ampac's western regional organization. After his retirement, he served as a consultant to the company and since 1984 as a member of the Ampac board. Congratulations, Ralph!

Fred Becker tells of a visit from his former roommate, Joseph King Van Denburg. From a photograph, they both look as handsome and distinguished as ever.

Charlie Keyes reports from the fair state of Washington, telling of a visit from Hobie Rockwell, who, along with his wife, was visiting their two daughters in the Seattle area. Hobie lives in Florida and still plays a lot of tennis. Charlie and Morgan Marshall visit regularly.

Dick Stoughton spent part of this last summer touring in France and Italy.

Jim Sutcliffe called to tell of building his dream house on the high ground of Centerville, Mass., on Cape Cod. He, with his wife, Marion, own and manage two motels in nearby Dennisport-the Delray Beach Club and the Lauderdale Resort Motel. "Come visit," says Jim.

Royce Randlett continues his activities in the investment field, but at a much slower pace. Randy sent me Dartmouth song sheets, hoping to improve the quality of the mini-reunion song fests. By the way, mark your calendars: Our "mini" is the weekend of September 26-28, the New Hampshire game. Hope to be able to bring in other classmates along with the same old group. You all won't regret!

Had an excellent three-hour tour of the Falmouth, Mass., area nostalgically narrated by Jim Cotter prior to his departure for the warmth of the Tempe, Ariz., sun. Jim makes an excellent salad and sand- wich lunch: "a la James," he calls it!

The Christmas luncheon with WhiteyMays was attended by Dick Holt, Bud Walls, Roy Duckworth, Red Heath, and Dave Camerer '37.

Pres Downer checks in from California -Pasadena, that is-attending a favorite niece's wedding and taking in some of the "Rose" festivities.

So much for my first effort. The well is dry. Please help!

29 Decorie Drive Wilbraham, MA 01095