1951

While preparing a column focused on computers, we received word of the death on August 8 of Head Class Agent jake Livingston, who had been battling cancer for some time. Jake kept up a great front through it all and led the class to a record achievement in this reunion year even though he had to miss the event itself. I really believe Jake changed some attitudes.

The funeral was held in a beautiful and historic chapel, St. David's Episcopal Church, near Jake's home in Stafford, Penn. '51 was there: Jack and Carole Giegerich, Sam Roberts, Sam Sparhawk, Don Dahl, BobHopkins, Dave Batchelder, Stu Johnson,Russ Dilks, and Bill and Skip Brooks. Sue Livingston's brother, Nate Parker '52 participated in the service. We intend to be here for Sue, and for others in her situation. They, too, are always 'sls.

Just a day or two before, we'd learned of the June 6 passing of John Burnett. Jack was not a regular at reunions but was always very proud of his alma mater. You may remember him as the advertising manager of the Daily D.Jack's wife, Eloise, put me in touch with BillLamade, his roommate for two years. Bill helped me know a little more about Jack, how he'd put himself through Dartmouth on his own and always been an independent spirit.

Then we turned to Bill's own just-changing situation. Recendy retiring from 35 years with Marsh and McLellan, he and his wife have moved from Summit, N.J., to Montoursville, Penn., near Williamsport, his original home town. Bill figures it will be a year before he's got his house and land the way he wants them, and then he'll think about how best to enjoy retirement.

Bill mentioned a nostalgic eastern swing that Jack Burnett made a year or so ago, perhaps suspecting that something not good was happening. I had already learned of the trip from Ron Thorburn, proprietor of The Inn at Wethersfield, a stop along the way. Ron was Jack's freshman roommate and confirmed that the journey had sombre undertones.

Ron and I talked about some other things, mostly his Inn, purchased in 1978. Like your scribe, Ron married a Colby girl, and he and Mary Louise (nee Apgar), an accomplished violinist, have run the Inn 365 days a year ever since. Ron still plays the piano during dinner but modestly makes more claims for the dining than his playing. We have learned that both are of a very high quality. We recalled his regular appearances on WDBS's remote broadcasts from the Hanover Inn lounge. Ah, yes, Ron Thorburn, "At the Keyboard." (Wasn't Ted Glazer also one of the regulars on that program?) Ron always had a measure of enterprise and reminded me of the time he and Bob Pillsbury '48 rented Webster Hall and sold tickets to a 2 -Piano Concert. "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" was a hit! No remembrance of the gate. Ron would be more than pleased to see us on our collective way to Hanover, about 35 miles north of Wethersfield, N.H.

The computer diatribe will appear another time. It will be more interesting, though, if you'll send me your thoughts, your level of involvement especially how a personal computer may have entered your life. Talk to me.

Bill Brooks, 48 Webster Point Road, Madison, CT 06443