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Notes: November 2003
Notes: September 2003
Notes: July 2003
Notes: May 2003
Notes: April 2003
Notes: March 2003
Notes: February 2003
Notes: November 2003
I'm sorry to report the bad news that Al Ward died
September 11, in Loyola University Medical Center in
Maywood, Illinois, of injuries sustained in a bicycle
accident near his home. Number 48 gave us a lot of good
moments on the football field 45-plus years ago. His "pure
willpower" battle at the goal line with an Army tackler
resulted in a critical score in Yale's 13-7 upset of Army in
the fall of 1955. Al's "soul brother" Denny McGill
recalls with pleasure (and sadness at the loss of his close
friend) the Harvard game senior year. Al, Denny, and
Steve Ackerman all scored touchdowns, Dean
Loucks passed to Paul Lopata for another score, and Vern
Loucks kicked all the extra points. It was a great way to
end Yale '57 football.
After graduation he was asked to play with the Chicago
Bears, but Al's football career was cut short when he was
drafted into the Army, where he served for two years at Ft.
Bragg in North Carolina with the 82nd Airborne division. "He
was a very gifted football player, but it was clear to him
even back then that there were other things he wanted to do
with his life," said his wife of 46 years, Joan. After the
military, Al started his career in the steel industry,
working initially for Acme Steel Co. in Riverdale, which
later became Interlake Inc. He eventually was named
president of the company's Acme Packaging division, retiring
27 years later.
"Just before leaving the company, he began re-examining
his life and what was really important to him," his wife
said. "He knew in his heart that he needed to help people,
those who didn't have the advantages he had been given."
Through his networking with other business executives, Al
became involved with the Mid-America Leadership Foundation,
now known as Good City, a nonprofit agency aimed at helping
people in underprivileged Chicago neighborhoods through
social and educational projects. He went on to become
regional director of the nonprofit agency Chicago
Communities in Schools, which helps coordinate the services
and resources available to students.
"What he did was mostly behind the scenes, but that's the
way he wanted it," his wife said. "He did everything he
could to give these kids a chance at life and help them make
something of themselves."
Al was in excellent shape, mentally, physically, and
spiritually. His accidental death is a big loss for his
family, classmates, other friends, and his community. Our
condolences to Joan, their three daughters, nine
grandchildren, and other family members. (There should be
more information on our Web site.)
Dave Laventhol is retiring again. After his stint
as publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and president
of the Times-Mirror Co., Dave moved back to New York City
and served as chairman and editorial director of the
Columbia Journalism Review. His current retirement
finds him acting as chairman of the Committee to Protect
Journalists. This is a broad assignment and includes
"protecting" Brokaw, Rather, et al, as well as relative
neophytes. Dave assures us he will not be making midnight
landings in Central America, West Africa, etc. to liberate
incarcerated members of the free, and not so free, press.
The Yale Class of '57 has agreed to subsidize the second
year of the pilot music program at the Lincoln Bassett
School, as per the budget submitted by the New Haven Public
School, in two equal installments of $42,010 in September
2003 and, assuming satisfactory progress, in January 2004.
Contributions to this project should be sent to Robert
Blocker, Dean, Yale University School of Music, P.O. Box
208246, New Haven, CT 06520. Checks can be made payable to
Yale University with instructions to apply the funds to the
Music in Schools Initiative Program of the Yale Class of
1957.
Larry Kramer is continuing to enjoy good health,
as a direct result of the liver transplant he received in
Pittsburgh over a year and a half ago. He has found a
tangible way to express his appreciation and his note is
self-explanatory, and admirable.
"As many of you know, our esteemed classmate Rob
Corry died in February of last year. Since then his
friends and associates on the faculty at the Thomas Starzl
Transplantation Institute of the University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center, where Rob was one of the world's leading
liver and pancreas transplant surgeons, along with a few
others of us, have been working very hard to fund a Corry
Professorship to honor him and his great spirit, and his
truly life-saving work. This man lived, ate, and breathed
surgery and transplants and saving as many lives as he
could. He was a great surgeon and a great teacher and a
great father and a great friend. We are now only $150,000
short of the $1.5 million that is needed. I am writing this
to appeal to anyone who knew and admired and loved Rob, or
simply wants to give a few bucks to honor someone who did so
much for the world, so that we can make it over the final
goal. I would like to particularly acknowledge a
phenomenally generous gift by Rob's good friend from our
class, Neal Blue. If anyone wishes to send a check it should
be sent to: The Starzl Transplantation Institute, 3708 5th
Avenue, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; payable to
UPMC/Starzl Institute, and marked for the Corry
Professorship. Thank you."
We're grateful to Gordon Smith for news about the
Millard Prisant Memorial Garden in Roslyn Harbor,
Long Island, New York. Millard died near the end of the year
2000, but it is good to see that his life and concern for
the aesthetics of his environment continue to have an
impact. Millard and his widow Carol were deeply committed to
the renovation or restoration of numerous buildings and
other sites in Roslyn and Roslyn Harbor. He served as
president of the Roslyn Landmark Society and as chairman of
the Roslyn Preservation Corporation.
Restoration projects he worked on included the Myers
Valentine House, the Miliken-Bevin Trellis, the John F.
Remsen House, the Thomas Clapham Barn, the Kirby-Sammins
House, the Kirby Store, and the Peter L. Snedeker House. One
of his most ambitious projects concerned the restoration of
the Ellen E. Ward Clock Tower, Roslyn's most famous
landmark.
Steve Hopkins is setting up an exciting agenda for
YC '57 in his second year as secretary. You will receive
detailed communications but, in the meantime, dates to note
include March 4 (annual dinner at Yale Club in New York),
April 29-May 2 (mini-reunion in Washington), and February 7
(winter dinner and Yale athletics in New Haven).
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: September 2003
The class project is proceeding with a great deal of
satisfaction being expressed by those involved. Don
Roberts is our class coordinator, along with Malcolm
Mitchell, and the following letter from Paul Hawkshaw,
associate dean of the School of Music, is informative.
"Now that the year is over and the dust settled a little,
I wanted to write on behalf of Dean Blocker and the School
of Music to thank you and all the members of the Class of
'57 very much for your incredible support through the Music
in Schools Initiative. It is an extraordinarily creative,
innovative, and thoughtful class gift. Despite the complex
bureaucratic hurdles, your patience and support have brought
something very special to the students of both Lincoln
Bassett and the Yale School of Music. You have also laid the
foundation for a long-term program of inestimable
pedagogical and sociological value for the children of our
society who need it the most.
"On a personal note, may I also say what a wonderful
pleasure it has been to be involved with you and the
gentlemen of the class over the course of the year —
stimulating, educational, and fun! I am looking forward to
many more opportunities to work with all of you. Thank you
very much again for all your help and patience."
I should note that Paul Hawkshaw will be on leave this
fall, because he has been named the new artistic director of
the Norfolk, Connecticut, festival known to many as Summer
Music. Con gratulations to Paul for his many achievements at
the School of Music.
I recently learned that Bob Smith has revised his
will to include the Music in Schools Initiative. Don't
hesitate to follow suit if you're so inclined. Bob moved to
Guilford, Connecticut, in 1999 and is enjoying Yale's
numerous activities. He attended his first class reunion in
1997, and his wife Sumiko was the prime mover in the
move-to-New-Haven decision. You can't beat those libraries!
Those of you who are addicted to the New York
Times (and the world of art) may have seen the obituary,
in early July, of Dorothy Miller, at the age of 99. Ms.
Miller was one of the first curators hired by the Museum of
Modern Art in 1934, and her career began when American
modernists like Stuart Davis were still young, and lasted
into the early heyday of Frank Stella, Ellsworth Kelly,
James Rosenquist, and Claes Oldenburg. In addition to
introducing numerous young artists to the public, Ms. Miller
was the aunt of Reid White, Yale Whiffenpoof and bon
vivant.
I enjoyed reading (in the New York Times) about
Harold Hochman and Kappie and their move into New
York City. The music connection is that they are just 15
minutes from Lincoln Center. They have subscriptions to both
the Metropolitan and New York City operas. It's good to be
reminded that there are people moving into New York
City for the quality of life, not in spite of it.
Gil Merritt recently finished an interesting
mission in Iraq, and I was glad to hear from him in regard
to the particulars. The Department of Defense requested a
team of justices (three in this case) to consult on the
needs and current status of the judicial system in Iraq. The
judicial conference of the United States was asked to
recommend the justices to carry out this assignment, and Gil
was one of the three selected. His journey took him from
Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, to Kuwait City and then, by
SUV on an eight-hour trip (which took 17 hours) through the
desert to Baghdad. Gil and his "team" met with 21 members of
the Iraqi Supreme Court and other judges from the appellate
system. There had been a good judicial system, including a
constitution, in place prior to the last few governments, so
there are some good people and a structure worth reviving.
However, a lot of work will be required. Gil's mission
extended from early May to the end of June. He and Robin
then went to Turkey, on holiday, and had a good time in
Istanbul and on the Turkish Riviera. When they returned to
Istanbul they stayed at the Cirragin Palace Hotel, where
they saw a fabulous wedding taking place of one of the
Gaddafi "kids." (Even the bad guys have families, weddings,
etc.) An excellent adventure, and a great service to this
country and to Iraq. Congratulations, Gil!
Fall will be here soon and Nancy Mongillo has
again volunteered to host our class after the Harvard
football game. Thank you, Nancy, in advance.
I'm sorry to report the death of J. Craig LaVin,
after a long battle with throat and lung cancer. Craig had a
long and productive career in the defense industry and was
passionate about education and his involvement with the New
Haven public school system. Our condolences to his widow,
Peggy, and daughters, Anne and Jennifer.
Bud Trillin has a new literary offering on his
favorite subject, food. Feeding a Yen is a paean for
local foods and a longing for a time "before it became
common to find Cajun restaurants in upper midwestern
shopping malls and lobster shacks in Amarillo." If you have
joined the hordes who are eating less, do it vicariously!
Read this book!
I need your news and views. Keep them coming.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: July 2003
Ron Ragen reports: "Last September my wife Lee and
I entertained most of our TD-entry roommates and their wives
for four days in Portland and at the Oregon coast: Pete
Bouscaren, Lyman and Debra Drake, Drum and Heide
King, Bob Krogh, Dick and Penny Lewis, Bill
and George-Ann Ryland, Dick and Ann Sargent,
and Allan Wendt. It was our first non-reunion
gathering in several years and, as always, it was difficult
to tell that we'd ever been apart. Golf, tennis, a wine
tour, and toast to George Doty and Pete and
Nancy Smith, who were unable to join us — a
fantastic time. We are all looking forward to our next
mini-reunion in Cooperstown in 2005. Yale really is forever!
"While I love Oregon, it is a little frustrating when it
comes to keeping up with Yale affairs and seeing old
friends. I always look forward to your column and very much
appreciate your putting it together." Thanks for the kind
words, Ron.
Bob Hewett enjoys "singing with Jack Hughes
in a local men's chorus known as the Sons of Orpheus ... for
the first time in over 40 years! I also serve as docent and
on several committees at the Pima Air and Space Museum. With
more than 250 aircraft, we are the third-largest air museum
in the U.S. Come and see us!"
Dick Arnold's "big news is the birth of a new
granddaughter, Grace Arnold Turnipseed, on September 9,
2002. She is beautiful and looks just like me. (Forgive me;
I repeat myself.)" Wade Covill has "retired to my
home in Montana, close to my family and the community where
I practiced for most of my career. Medicine isn't practical
on a part-time basis, but I stay busy with construction
projects and the many interests I could never find time for
before."
Rufus Goodwin is producing more than ever while
most of our class is slowing down. I received the following
info which I'm glad to share: "Rufus Goodwin sold Mr.
President, the novel coming out in the Fall with Educare
Press (Seattle), to the German house Ullstein Verlag. It is
being translated. Another novel, Sinai Option, will
be out in July and Poets Novel went into a second
edition, and another volume of verse, Ocean Reporter,
comes out this summer. Lindesfarne Books has accepted
Dreamlife: How Dreams Happen, a nonfiction piece of
research, for publication this year. Dante University will
also release this year Goodwin's translation of The
Prince by Machiavelli."
Don Roberts and I had a very enjoyable dinner with
Donald Walker scholarship students Robert Carr, Matt
Lewis, and Eric Diamond. All three of these guys are good
company, and we enjoyed them, and ourselves, tremendously.
The preceding notes are leftover from last month. OK,
let's start again.
The Yale Club of New Haven has been interacting with the
Connecticut Job Corps, a group made up of some 200 men and
women who can be described as "youth at risk." To complete
the voluntary program a participant must earn a GED, hold a
job for a year, or enter higher education. The success rate
is over 85 percent. Alan Lovins chairs the project
for the YCNH. The program permits greater or lesser time
commitment and, to quote Alan, "We can bring our life
experiences to bear on the kids' education and truly make a
difference in their lives."
Jesse Lemisch continues to be an active voice for
the left and would be happy to share his published views
with those who wish to contact him at utopia1@attglobal.net.
Don Roberts finished his 28th Boston Marathon (not
consecutive, as he received an "incomplete" in 1976 in
90-degree weather). His time was 4:55, versus 2:56 25 years
ago. This works out to an average annual "speed loss" of 4.8
minutes. He only lost a minute from 2002 to 2003; I guess
this means he has slowed the rate at which he is going
slower. Congratulations, Don.
Walter Clarke writes, "My second career keeps me
busy as a part-time consultant to the U.S. military in
various exercises around the world, helping our superb
military to work more effectively with international
humanitarian organizations, nongovernmental groups,
diplomats, and host-nation officials. Working with a group
of internationally recognized epidemiologists and public
health experts, I was recently named senior advisor to the
director, Global Center for Disaster Management and
Humanitarian Action, in the College of Public Health,
University of South Florida, Tampa. Chantal and I also
participate actively in the periodic lunches, dinners, and
other activities of the great Yale alumni group here in the
Tampa area. Keeping involved in things you like to do is the
best recipe for retirement."
Thanks to Mitch Kur for a highly representational
note. "Now up to seven grandchildren. (One, the oldest at
age 9, is a girl — Abigail; the next six are boys.) An
eighth grandchild (gender unknown) is on the way. What a
kick! All in the last ten years!" I wonder what the largest
flock of grandchildren is, from our class.
We received a sad note from Jim Richardson. "It is
with a heavy heart that I send you the obituary of our
classmate, Carl Peterson. He was my roommate from
freshman year on, and my closest pal at Yale. We
double-dated with our Debbies. The memorial service and
large gathering afterward at the Country Club of Waterbury
were profound testaments to the many lives he graciously
touched and enhanced. Carl was an extremely good listener
wherein he had a way of sublimating his ego. His many
accomplishments were always done in a low-key and quiet kind
of way. We can all be proud of our classmate." Thanks for
your thoughts, Jim. They mean a lot to classmates and
family. Our condolences to "Debbie" and the rest of the
family. It is my intention to put Carl's obituary on our Web
site.
The following note appeared in the South Florida
Sun-Sentinel. "Brad Krosnoff wanted his ashes
scattered in the pond at the famed 17th island hole at the
TPC at Sawgrass Stadium Course after he was cremated, and
that's just where his caddie friends scattered them Tuesday.
... Krosnoff, who died at 67 of leukemia, worked on all
three major American professional tours (PGA Tour, Champion
Tour, LPGA), toting for David Ogrin, John Huston, Tom
Purtzer, and Val Skinner. He wasn't your typical caddie. He
had an undergraduate degree from Yale and a law degree from
Dickinson [as well as an MBA from George Washington]. Tour
veteran Dan Forsman and 16 caddies performed a ceremony at
the 17th hole." It's good to know that there's a legitimate
future out there for all the lawyers. Brad was well-liked in
both his professional careers and we extend condolences to
his wife and family.
I am really sad to report the death of Allan
Kaplan. Allan was the soul and conscience of Lehman, and
Dick Fuld, Lehman's chairman, spoke with emotion at the
memorial service on May 21. Many letters to the New York
Times showed the breadth and depth of the loss his
passing represents. Don Roberts, John Watling, Reed
Rubin, Charlie Grimes, Johnny Herrmann, Phil Gignoux, Toby
Briggs, and Steve Flagg were at the service,
possibly others. Our profound condolences to Alice and the
family, to Allan's friends, to Yale, and to our class.
Have a good summer.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: May 2003
The Class of '57 held its annual meeting and dinner in
New York City on March 13. Steve Hopkins had a full
agenda for the class council meeting, and I will comment on
the highlights. Most of the reports of class officers were
routine (though, of course, excellently presented), but it
was exciting to hear good news from your chair of class
agents, Rod Correll, who has his team hustling and
the results have been good: more giving and more classmates
participating. It's said that "people give to people, not to
causes," and our agents' greater activity is showing that
bromide to be true.
Steve is using his role of class secretary in a variety
of ways, but is definitely encouraging more regional
activity to keep our class in touch with itself. New York
and Washington have periodic class lunches (third Tuesday of
each month in New York), and efforts are underway to have
regular lunches in Boston (Bill Wrean), Chicago
(Fritzsche and Muller Davis), Denver
(Bain) and San Francisco (Boasberg). There are
early initiatives to hold a mini-reunion (perhaps in
Washington, DC) in 2004.
Malcolm Mitchell, Nick Tingley, and Don
Roberts reported on the Music in Schools Initiative and
discussed the program at the Lincoln Bassett Elementary
School in New Haven that the class is supporting, by
cheerleading and generous giving. You have received a letter
and other information describing the effort in detail, and
the Web site, under the direction of Phil Richards,
provides information that will get you up to speed (www.musicinschools.org). There were other
items of interest discussed at the meeting; it's a good
feeling to see our class enjoying the past and planning for
the future.
Dinner was excellent, both for gourmands and gourmets. We
are considering Lutece for next year's venue for reasons of
economy. (In this difficult time Lutece is serving a prix
fixe dinner for $59.) Steve Hopkins gave a brief review of
the council meeting and a welcome to the 85 people present
for dinner. Brian Walsh provided a benediction for
the gathering and the feast, and we all observed a moment of
silence in memory of Howie Gillis and other
classmates we have lost in the last year.
After stuffing ourselves we were treated to a talk on
"Biology and the Law," by Gil Merritt,circuit judge,
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. The role of DNA
in the legal system is an issue to occupy a lot of time and
space. The content of Gil's remarks was provocative and
timely, and attracted a number of questions from the
audience. Thank you, Gil, for sharing some of your learning
and ideas with your classmates, and for bringing your bride,
Robin, to share the evening with us.
In attendance for the evening's activities were Doug
Almond, Don Bab, Larry Bodkin, Bill Bogert, Toby Briggs,
Andy Carothers, Tom Chittenden, David Christenson, Merrell
Clark, Joe Clayton, Ed Cook, Rod Correll, Muller Davis,
Ellsworth Davis, Doug Dial, Art Diefendorf, Charlie Grimes,
Randy Guggen heimer, Gar Heller, John Herrmann, Alan
Hockstader, Steve Hopkins, George Hutchin son, Allan Kaplan,
Len Katz, Gus Kellogg, Andy Kner, Berne Kosto, Lars
Kulleseid, David Laventhol, Denny McGill, Gil Merritt,
Malcolm Mitchell, Jerry Neary, Jock Newbold, Dick Newman,
Charlie Peet, Tom Perkins, Phil Pillsbury, Tom Quirk, Rex
Robbins, Don Roberts, Reed Rubin, Tom Ruhm, Nick Tingley,
Bud Trillin, Rob Walker, Brian Walsh, and Bill
Wrean. In the absence of the long-time host of this
event, Sandy Clark, Don Roberts performed most of the
welcoming activities, for which we are grateful.
On February 22, Tom and Wendy Chittenden
"married off" their daughter Eva to James Glanville.
Perkins, Quarles, Hopkins, and Clayton were in
attendance, and all behaved, I'm told, with appropriate
dignity and joie de vivre.
There was an interesting article about Peter
Fritzsche's company in the Chicago Tribune and an
excellent photograph of his nose with face attached. I'm
sorry I can't share it with you; maybe on the Web site.
I heard from Reid White, calling from Boca Grande,
Florida, to tell me that he and John Shaw, Hank
Conlan, and Todd Kendrick had pulled in 120 lbs.
of assorted fish from Florida waters, including red snapper,
amber jack, grouper, and others. They enjoyed their feast as
well as their fishing. They were preparing to participate in
a Whiff songfest with other Whiffs from classes 1949-1977,
and classmates Gerry Neary, Ren Zimmerman, and Bob
Hewett.
Keep the news coming!
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: April 2003
The "news" these days is primarily about grandchildren,
travel, meetings among classmates, and the passing of a
member of YC'57. This latter category is a statistical
trickle, but an emotional flood. "No man is an island,"
etc., comes to mind often these days, and the realization
that we are all diminished by every man's death.
Among the vital, social interaction proceeds at a
"lively" pace. A number of Washington classmates met for
lunch in January and enjoyed a lively discussion appropriate
to our nation's capital (think significant and meaningful,
not vapid): Bob Joost, Bill Eaton, John Quarles,
Phil Pillsbury, Andy Glass, Warren Cox, Don Backe, Jim
Banner, Tim Towell, Art Gibb, Steve Hopkins, Steve
Weitz, and Tom Perkins. The New York monthly
luncheon met the next day and the following were in
attendance: Rod Correll, John Watling, Toby Briggs, Larry
Bodkin, Alan Hockstader, Sandy Clark, Tip Atkinson, Andy
Kner, Malcolm Mitchell, Tom Chittenden, and Tom Perkins.
You may have noticed that Tom Perkins was a double dipper,
perhaps because he is involved in various activities in his
home city of Baltimore, and involved romantically in New
York, New York. It must be nice to be young.
On February 8, 25 classmates and spouses came to New
Haven for a mid-winter attraction featuring lunch at Mory's
and the choice of basketball versus Harvard or hockey versus
Clarkson, as well as freelancing in-between events. (Then,
again, lancing ain't what it used to be). Comprising the
classmates in this gathering were: Ed Robinson (yes,
he went to the basketball game at the John Lee auditorium),
Tom Chittenden, Larry Bodkin, Steve Hopkins, Rod Correll,
Rob Walker, Don Bab, Doug Almond, Dick Jones, Art Nassau,
Joe Clayton, Nick Tingley, Tom Perkins (of course),
Gus Kellogg, Steve Flagg, Dave Christenson, Mike
Sweedler, Tip Atkinson, Binky Davis, and Ed
Meyer. Meyer and Kosto were in charge of the
event, and it was a great success, in spite of Bern's
being out of the country. Thanks to all involved.
We enjoyed hearing from Norwood Hill who writes
(enthusiastically), "I am mostly retired except for
infrequent biotech consulting. Sarah and I recently designed
and built a new home about 40 miles north of Dallas. We are
out in the country about a mile from Krum, a town of about
2,000 people. We are also next door to our youngest son, his
wife, and our youngest granddaughter. Our remaining children
and grandchildren are scattered to Atlanta, Santa Fe, and
Los Angeles. We still travel to interesting places. Last
year we went to Kashgar and other western China stops on the
old Silk Road. When at home, I plan to be a gentleman
farmer; that is, large-vegetable gardener as well as avid
golfer." Norwood has traveled to China four times, and
promises to travel to New Haven for our 50th Reunion.
Charles Strong tells us he is "still enjoying
retirement in central Florida, work in seniors program at
Universal Orlando periodically. Traveled for a month in 2002
in midwest and northeast U.S., sightseeing and visiting
relatives." "Still enjoying retirement" sounds a little
ominous — what's next?
Don Bab was blessed with a "third grandchild born
at end of September: Benjamin, a son of my daughter Emily
'90, joins Rebecca and Jason, children of my son Andrew
'86." I'm grateful to John Poinier for a very newsy
note, as follows: "Alice and I had a great fall. Family
visits to Jen and Bryan Ballinger to attend 1-year-old
daughter Merrill's christening. Next to Boise to see Ann,
MD, carry on the family hockey tradition in the Boise
Women's Hockey League, and her husband Mark Weinrobe MD.
They work at St. Luke's clinics. Next, in December, after
Alice returns from a three-week birding trip to New Zealand,
we visit Sara and husband Ari Gold and near-1-year-old son
Tobin. Kate is in the nursing program at Seattle University,
playing for a few soccer teams and enjoying life. We are her
Thanksgiving guests. See Bryan Ballinger's animated movie,
Jonah and the Whale."
I'm sorry to report the death of John Stockwell on
December 19, 2002, after a long illness. John lived in
Boxford, Massachusetts, and worked in Portsmouth, New
Hampshire. He was active in his community and will be
missed. Our condolences to his wife Deicy, his children (4)
and grandchildren (7), and other members of his family.
From Jesse Lemisch: "Paul Asselin died at 67 in
Los Angeles on Sunday, January 12. An extraordinary
celebration and memorial took place there on January 19. It
was arranged in expectation of an east coast memorial which
will take place in New York City in March, so it focused on
two of his worlds in LA, as an Emmy-winning producer of
documentary television and dramatic network specials, and
his recent life as a high school English teacher." Please
see our Web site for Jesse's extensive and interesting
obituary of Paul.
The luncheons in New York and Washington are much enjoyed
by the participants. There are other cities (certainly in
Connecticut) that could follow suit. This is a call for
social entrepreneurs to take initiative.
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: March 2003
Howie Gillis's death on December 4, 2002, is a big
loss to his family, his law firm, and definitely to the
Class of '57. Howie was reunion chairman for nine reunions.
(He shared the job in 1997, when he was quite ill.) His most
recent production, last June, may have been his best. Howie
loved to see people having a good time, and particularly
enjoyed being responsible for their pleasure.
Howie's wake, and his funeral service, were sad
occasions, but were testimony to the productive life he led.
In addition to family and friends, the following classmate
friends were in attendance: Tony Hogan, Don Roberts,
Sandy Clark, Larry Bodkin, Dave Bowman, Al Hockstader, Eddie
Meyer, Dick Jones, Peter Fritzsche, and yours truly.
The day after our 45th Reunion, Howie volunteered to
chair our 50th. Whoever succeeds him will have a "tough act
to follow," but will have Howie's spirit as back-up and
guiding light. The class's condolences are extended to
Edwina, to Tom, Joe, and Ed, to their wives and Howie's
grandchildren, and to other family members.
Howie once commented to me that Choate was hard, law
school was a lot of work, and he really had a good time at
Yale. He had a good time at the many reunions he chaired,
and the ski trips, etc., he took with his family. Thanks for
a lot of good memories, Howard.
It was good to hear from Carl Becker. "Susan and I
just returned from a vacation in San Diego where we are
restoring a beach cottage that was built in 1935. We
acquired a fifth grandchild, Benjamin Tyler Reynolds, a few
weeks ago. Our son, John R. Koethe, is working hard, but
thoroughly enjoying his third year at Yale Medical School."
Russell Goddard is working hard to finish his
autobiography by our 50th, and is grateful to his '57
classmates for their encouragement. Jim Cunningham
writes, "Retired from Rabobank as of May 31, 2002. Returned
from New York, where I spent the last two years with
Rabobank, to my permanent love in London. Getting used to
doing 'nothing' and enjoying it so far."
Glad to hear from Ed Meyer, as follows, "Having
moved to the New Haven community last year, Patty Ann and I
have so much enjoyed a variety of Yale activities: music,
sports, lectures, and the museums. I appreciate Yale more
now than in 1957, some 45 years ago!" Ed does not write
about a frightening heart attack he suffered while playing
tennis last summer. His recovery has been awesome, and he
looks great.
Former class secretary Bernard Kosto sends good
news: "With great joy, we welcome the first female
grandchild, Aviva Troxel Kosto, born October 3, 2002, to
Adam '89 and Andrea '91. She joins the other Kosto
palindrome Asa, now 2 years old. In January we enjoyed a
spectacular trip with Morris and Jan Raker to
Burma and Cambodia."
Ron Savin, one of the many physically active
members of our class, informs us as follows: "My wife and I
took two bicycle trips with VBT this year — the Po Valley,
Italy, and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. To our surprise
Pat Hollyday (Este F. "Pat" Hollyday) was also on the
trip. Needless to say, we had a ball. Any other bike tourers
out there?"
I received word that one of our active class authors,
Rufus Goodwin's next title in the U.S is Mr.
President, about a hologram elected to the presidency.
The title will be published by Educare Press, Seattle, and
has already sold the foreign German rights to Ullstein
Verlag of Munich. Goodwin's Poems from 42nd Street
appeared this year, and he is selling a book on how dreams
happen titled Dreamlife — the chemistry and
background of dreams (not interpretation of dreams), a book
that follows his successful Story of Prayer
(Lindisfarne Books/1999).
George 'Tip' Atkeson had a well-attended
and critically acclaimed presentation of more than 50 of his
photographs in a one-man exhibit, The Color, Shape, and
Texture of Nature, at the Garden Education Center near
his home in Greenwich, Connecticut. His pictures reflected
Tip's world-wide travels and ranged from birds to flowers to
landscapes. Since retiring a few years ago, Tip has become
increasingly serious about his life-long love of photography
and has exhibited his pictures at many shows, this being the
most extensive and important. Others attending the early
December opening included Ann and John Herrmann,
Birgitta and Alan Hockstader, and Judy and Steve
Hopkins.
Edward Elgar, Ltd. has published Economic Behavior and
Distributional Choice: Selected Writings of Harold M.
Hochman, the key papers on income redistribution and
policy written by the William E. Simon Professor of
Political Economy at Lafayette. "For me, economics is not
pure science, and ideas emerge and develop in context,
personal and intellectual," says Hochman. "My writings, in
spirit, reflect who I am, how I evolved, and how I think
more broadly about individual and communal life; at the same
time, they have helped to shape it. And they are a lens
through which I can, by reflection, attain a better
understanding of myself and what's going on around me."
—Ellsworth Davis
Notes: February 2003
The first half of our Big Three season was successful,
the second half against Harvard was not. So here is some
info on the Princeton game. Robert Carr, a Donald Walker
Scholarship student, sparked an 85-yard drive, accounting
for 38 of these yards late in the game, leading to our only
score in our 7-3 win. Carr was the subject of an article
that appeared on the front page of the sports section of the
New Haven Register. Among other noteworthy
statistics, Robert has produced the only back-to-back
200-yard games in the 80-odd years Yale has been keeping
records. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds on the first
day of practice freshman year. Robert is interested in math,
biology, economics, and music. Running backs coach Larry
Ciotti said, "He has exceeded my expectation as a person,
because he is a better person than a football player. He is
humble. He is a team player and leader. He is quick to help
another teammate. He truly cares about people."
The party after the game was up to the Mongillo
standard: great food, good conversation, and strong drink.
Frank Jr. and Wendy joined Nancy as our hosts. Thanks to all
three. Saturday morning there was a class council meeting,
the first under our new secretary Steve Hopkins, and
the following were on hand: Gus Kellogg, Ed Meyer, Rod
Correll, Dave Laventhol, Bern Kosto, Alan Hockstader, Don
Roberts, Nick Tingley, Art Diefendorf, and Bill
Ellis. Others who were in New Haven (for the game or the
Mongillo party) included Dick Jones, Tom Perkins, Don
Bab, Bill Bogert, and honorary classmate, Susie
Abuza. There were a number of spouses "brightening up
their lives" (and ours), but not one Mildred, Maude, or
Mabel.
Major items on the council meeting agenda included the
following: Class trip to eastern Europe from May 13 to June
2, under the guidance of Alan Hockstader; class
dinner on Thursday, March 13, 2003, at the Yale Club in New
York City (Judge Gil Merritt will be our speaker); a
February 8 mini-reunion with activities including lunch at
Mory's and the choice of a hockey or basketball game. Don
Roberts presented a report on the Music in Schools
Initiative, the class project, which was received
enthusiastically. The following report from Don and
Malcolm Mitchell will bring you up-to-date:
"Our class can now claim paternity of a live, and very
lively, music program for more than 500 New Haven school
children in grades K-4. Several classmates recently paid two
visits to the Lincoln-Bassett School for a first-hand look
at the program, initiated this year as part of the New Haven
leg of our class project.
"Representing the class at the visits were Binky
Davis, Gus Kellogg, Dave Mininberg, Malcolm
Mitchell, Don Roberts, and Nick Tingley. Professor Paul
Hawkshaw, of the Yale School of Music, and Claudia Merson,
Yale's Public School Partnership coordinator, were also part
of the visiting team.
"At the opening ceremony for the workshops, Don Roberts,
on behalf of the class, accepted a plaque from Dr. Regina
Lily-Warner, supervisor of music for the New Haven Schools,
thanking us for bringing the music program to the
Lincoln-Bassett school. The plaque will be on hand at the
class dinner next spring in New York and at future class
events. We'll report more on the project in coming months.
We urge all classmates to log onto the project Web site,
which Phil Richards has created and is maintaining."
These comments are excerpted from a report which can be
viewed, in its entirety, on our Web site.
Harold Hockman is retiring from Lafayette College
this year, and he and Merle are splitting their time between
NYC and Sunar, New Hampshire.
William Keen is "still able to wake up in the
morning and don't have to brush dirt off my chest, which I
consider a good sign. My major activity is editing the
Military Vehicle Preservation Association's magazine
Supplyline, and I maintain and display several
historic military vehicles in commemoration of our military
heritage and those who participated in it. I haven't met any
other Yalies in this endeavor, but there must be some
similarly inclined."
Kim Cheney writes, "I'm a candidate for the
Vermont state senate, democrat in a three-member district.
Providing universal healthcare at reasonable cost is the
major serial issue of our time." Charles Gold: "Spent
September and early October having and recovering from a
quadruple bypass operation. All goes well. I look forward to
many more years of activities." We heard from Keith
McEligot who assures everything is okay for now. (A
healthy attitude for all of us. — ed.)
Delightful note from Phil Pillsbury: "My wife Nina
and I took a postponed trip to Kenya and the Okavargo Delta
in Botswana in August. We saw the famed migration in the
Masai Mara and the incredible variety of birds and animals
in the Delta. For a few days, while on our mobile tented
safari (just our guide, the staff, and our tents set up in
the wilderness), we managed to create for ourselves the aura
of what Hemingway may have done in the 1930s." Sounds great!
Everything but Robert Ruark for sundowners.
The inimitable Mike O'Hearn writes from the
frontier, "Great visit, though too short, in August with
Jeff and Landa Freeman who were meeting
Fritz Kinzel (also Yale) and his wife for a week of
hiking in Glacier National Park. As I write, Sherry and I
have the pleasure of hosting Lars Kulleseid and
Marit here in Bigfork, Montana, for five days. Great
fun for us and everyone is well."
Jack Curlett and Anne are home in
Winston-Salem, still enjoying memories of our 45th Reunion,
and with good words for everyone, including chief
armtwister, Tom Perkins.
William Everett and spouse have started a new
business, Everetts' Healthways, in Mystic, Connecticut. He
assures us his products are "environment friendly."
Sam Guy's 39-year-old son has married, completing
the pairing of the Guy children. He likes his extended
family and welcomes "real people, good people, and friendly
people to the family fold." It'll never sell, but it sounds
great. Congratulations.
Nice note from Peter Green, to wit: "Dividing our
time between Alabama and Edgartown with the odd yacht
delivery thrown in every now and again, tho' with 9/11 and
the gyrations of the market, business is off a bit this
year. Traveled to the capitals of the Baltic and St.
Petersburg this summer. Had a fantastic time."
Larry Kramer notes, "I am going to New Haven
December 4 to be a Morse Fellow (at Morse College,
obviously) and then on the next night, December 5, I have
been invited to speak at Berzelius, courtesy of Townie
Luddington. He said I was the number-one choice of the
kids to be a guest. Fancy that. To get into a society after
all these years. What will happen next?"
I'm sorry to report the death of Charles S. Brown
MD. Linda advises us he died of lymphoma in May 2002. Our
condolences to Linda and Tim's children, Charles Jr. and
Loulie. We also received notice of the death of Theodore
Gamble, of Carmel Valley, California, also last May. I
have no other particulars.
Howard Gillis died on December 4. This is a huge
loss to our class, to his community, and, primarily, to his
family. I saw eight members of '57 at either the funeral
home or the church service. Because of space problems,
appropriate coverage will have to wait for the next issue.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Edwina and the rest of the
family.
Please keep sending any news; and if you haven't usually
sent dues, try it — you'll like it.
—Ellsworth Davis
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This Page Last Updated: January 1, 2008.
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