1937

There are many legends to do with our beloved College, but we regret to have to report to the Dartmouth family the passing of our most legendary classmate, CarlP. "Mutt" Ray.

Class president Ben Doran called most of the executive committee to impart the news, asking them to relay it to others in their areas. Word spread around so fast we found duplications of effort within an hour, all the way across the country. Mutt died peacefully in his sleep of a heart attack about 4:30 a.m. on February 22 with no apparent warning.

Many people thought the name "Mutt" originated as a result of his football ability. After all, when the candidates for 1937 freshman football team reported to coach Pat Holbrook, they came big, strong, and experienced; and with so many seniors graduating, the varsity depended upon this group to lead the College to new heights. Mutt was described as a "powerful, broad-shouldered center" whose outstanding play at that position characterized every game. It was obvious that his natural ability, great strength, and fighting spirit would carry him far in the next three years. The freshman played five opponents, starting as tradition dictated with Clark School, then losing to Harvard, but they did trounce Yale - perhaps an omen?

But, his athletic ability and build were not the source of his nickname. His dad was a doctor, and when Mutt was born, he brought the four older sons to the hospital to see the newborn. As they gathered about to view the baby his Dad said, "Well, he's a funny looking little mutt, but I guess we may as well keep him." That was the beginning of a proud and loving father/son relationship that lasted throughout the years. Of course, the legend grew as our team went on with head coach Red Blaik to become the first Dartmouth team to beat the unbeatable "Yale Jinx" team in 1935, in a large part due to Mutt's interception of a pass that led to a win. That win electrified the Dartmouth family worldwide. Bill Cunningham '19, sportswriter for The Boston Herald, had a field day writing it up. He was an old Dartmouth football "jock" himself, and we believe was responsible for first depicting the image of Mutt in his usual stance with rolled-up sleeves. Mutt's athletic prowess also extended to baseball where he won a letter for both freshman and varsity. He was a member of Psi U, C&G, and sophomore Green Key, was president of the sophomore class, and served in the elite group (in those days) of volunteer student firemen. When the great fire whistle on the college central heating system stack behind Ma Smalley's eatery blew, they rushed to hop on the truck and actually did most of the firefighting. They looked like the football team on an outing with all those varsity letters hanging on to the truck as it raced out of town. We recall the night in zerodegree weather when a fraternity house caught fire; Mutt handled the hose, with icicles all over everything including himself. Of course those lucky guys were excused from classes the minute the fire whistle blew, and they all rushed across campus to the firehouse on Main Street. (It's still there but has long been used for other purposes.) Mutt went on to distinguish himself as a navy officer in World War II on a destroyer escort, and then to a successful business career. He was president of his Rotary Club and president of our class.

The services were held at the little Christ Church high on top of Quaker Hill in Pawling on February 26 to an overflow crowd of neighbors, business people, and dedicated friends. Classmates who attended were: John Milne, Mort Berkowitz, Rog Allen, Ben Doran, Ken Stearns,A1 MacKenzie, Dave Camerer, BobMcCoy, and your secretary, along with their wives. There was such a large crowd that many had to stand; there were far too many to be invited back to the house except for close friends, relatives, and out-of-town guests. Ruth received a nice telegram of condolence from Coach Red Blaik from Palm Springs, Calif., who had turned 89 the week before. When sportswriter and former teammate of Mutt's Dave Camerer called Coach Blaik to tell him of Mutt's death, they reminisced about Mutt's "indestructibility" on the playing field. "Mutt Ray was a fine center," said Coach Blaik. "More important, he was a leader!"

Mutt was a good friend to everyone and will be very much missed by all whose lives he touched. His family chose the following quote which we would like to share: "High in yonder realms of light,/ Far above the earthen sod,/ Dwell the happy souls of men,/ In the presence of our God."

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