1939

In September class president Lou Oldershaw and vice president Bob Alpert joined Evelyn and me for Class Officers Weekend. We heard Jim Wrights final speech to the class officers. He steps down from the Dartmouth presidency next June. The chairman of the presidential search committee reported that they are working hard to identify several strong candidates from whom the College trustees will select Dartmouth's new president late next spring.

Regretfully, three more eminent classmates have recently passed on. On August 2, 2008, Cleve Spillers died in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he had practiced law until retirement. Jim Corner wrote to say that he and Cleve were best friends in college and had stayed in touch since then. Jim Garnett succumbed to pneumonia September 9, 2008, and his wife, Cay, died just two days later. What a sad blow to son Dr. John Garnett '72, daughter Catherine and their families! Jim and Cay were active '39ers, having been regular attendees at class reunions, including our 65th in 2004.

On October 2, 2008, our class magician, Mike Ellis, died at his home near Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Before taking up magic at age 60, Mike was a well-known producer and stage manager in the legitimate theater. He was especially known for seeking out and furthering the careers of talented young play- wrights and actors such as Neil Simon, Robert Redford, Louise Fletcher, Dick Van Dyke, Faye Emerson, Merv Griffin, Constance Bennett and others.

We extend our deep sympathies to the families of Cleve Spillers, Jim Garnett and Mike Ellis.

37 Rayton Road, Hanover,NH 03755; (603) 643-4320