1956

In a post-script to his report on the January class meeting in New York, Clem Malin noted that Fred Oman had died on February 4 after a long and courageous battle with a brain tumor. In the class's 25th Reunion book, Freddie said, in part, "From an idealist who thought hard work and honesty could achieve one's goals, I had grown to become a realist in the sense that one cannot control his destiny." Unfortunately, this proved all too true for Fred.

Line Spaulding, one of his closest friends since their days at Dartmouth, described Fred as "a truly loved classmate with a marvelous wit and sense of humor ... a great innovator with seemingly boundless energy ... an unselfish supporter of Dartmouth... His warmth and generosity have made enormous differences to untold numbers of classmates and friends."

Fred's generous spirit was clearly revealed to me when, about a year after I had taken this job, which he had earlier held for some six years, he sent me a two-page, 81/2x 14, singlespaced, handwritten letter filled with news of classmates for use in this column. I believe I spread that material over about five month's worth of issues and blessed Freddie every time a deadline drew near. There were few like him.

The memorial service held in Dallas on February 6 was attended by, among others, Line and his wife, Robin, Jack Crowley, BillSherman, Tag Chapman, Joe Obering,Nancy and George Records, Ed Ross, Dick Finlay '59, and Kelly and Earl Fain '55.

Coincidentally, Fred's son Carl '86 and my son Chris '86 were co-captains of the squash team in their senior year, fortunately affording the few occasions I had to see Fred after graduation. I would certainly agree with the friend who remarked on Fred's unwaveringly positive attitude toward people and toward life in general. We were lucky to know Fred, and we will miss him.

Congratulations are in order to ClemMalin, recently named vice president for international relations with Texaco-Europe. I hope that Ann can accompany him on at least some of his trips.

John Van de Kamp has joined the Los Angeles office of the New York law firm of Dewey, Ballentine, Bushby, Palmer & Wood and will chair that office's litigation department.

Dick Rosen sent a long article from the East Hampton Star chronicling the unfortunate events which led to the death of BernardA. "Buzz" Farbar in January, noted in the last issue. Dick writes from the United Nations Plaza in New York where, I assume, he is still busy in real estate law.

Line Spaulding's Sheppard Envelope Company created specially-designed envelopes, sold at cost, to benefit the Desert Storm Family Relief Fund, providing assistance to the families of those who must remain in the Persian Gulf area for some time to come. A great cause.

That's it for now. 'Til next time.

51 Tradd Street, Charleston, SC 29401