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Fall 2009
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Obituaries from the Fall 2009 Issue
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(44 Colby obituaries found from the Fall 2009 Issue)
Colby Obituaries
William H. Steinhoff '32
William H. Steinhoff '32, March 8, 2009, in Hanover, N.H., at 103. He was a management analyst for the Town of Oyster Bay, N.Y., and the County of Nassau, N.Y. With his wife, Blanche, he raised two sons, William and George.
Milton P. Kleinholz '35
Milton Paul Kleinholz '35, June 4, 2009, in Brunswick, Maine, at 94. He was a chemist who worked for several oil companies, retiring from British Petroleum. He held a patent for an anti-corrosive lubricant composition. An avid birder and wildlife observer, he traveled extensively in search of unusual birds and wildflowers. Predeceased by his brother, Lewis H. Kleinholtz '30, and his uncle, Frank Kleinholz '23, he is survived by his stepchildren, Peter Graham and Kristianne Andrews, and a cousin, Burton Krumholz '48.
James N. Lewis '38
James N. Lewis '38, May 26, 2009, in Portland, Maine, at 92. He was a sales engineer for the Foxborough Company until his early retirement in 1973. He moved to Maine, where he lived half the year. He cultivated a garden, traveled, and supported the Nobleboro Historical Society. He played bridge and badminton, enjoyed music and the theater, and discussed history and world affairs. Survivors include his daughters, Nancy Nash and Sally Pearce, five grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Lois Britton Bayless '39
Lois Britton Bayless '39, June 18, 2009, in Katy, Texas, at 91. She taught Latin for several years in Maine and Texas, but her main focus was her home and her children. Survivors include sons Steve and Robert, six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Violet Hamilton Christensen '39
Violet Hamilton Christensen '39, May 21, 2009, in Columbus, Ohio, at 92. She earned a master's from Curry College and taught English, speech, and drama in New York and New Jersey. She worked in libraries and was a storyteller and freelance writer. Predeceased by her uncle and aunt, Alpheus 1912 and Ruth Hamilton Whittemore 1912, her survivors include her sons, Richard and Geoffrey, three grandchildren, and two brothers.
Janet Hollis Doswell '39
Janet Hollis Doswell '39, July 19, 2009, in Auburndale, Mass., at 92. A mother and a homemaker, she was active in her church, the Auburndale Women's Club, and the Hunnewell Club of Newton. Predeceased by her brother, Harry K. Hollis '38, she is survived by four children, Janet Zocchi, Penny Armstrong, Stephanie D'Inncenzo, and Robert Doswell, 13 grandchildren, and 29 great-grandchildren.
Sue Rose Bessey '42
Susanne Rose Bessey '42, July 12, 2009, in Waterville, Maine, at 88. An involved and active Waterville resident, she was a supporter of the United Church of Christ, the Waterville Women's Club, and Colby, receiving a Colby Brick in 1982. She was hostess and “project manager” for her many family gatherings, was a 25-year veteran in the annual Maine Audubon loon count, skied and golfed, and traveled the world. Survivors include her children, Earle Bessey, Camilla Thompson, and David Bessey, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
Kenneth C. Hawkes '42
Kenneth C. Hawkes '42, July 26, 2009, in Westbrook, Maine. He was ordained in 1938 and ministered in churches in Maine and Massachusetts. He held administrative roles for the Universalist Church, marched with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Ala., and was an elder of the Maine Society of Mayflower descendents. Survivors include his wife, Janet Beiling, three children, two stepdaughters, a sister, and 33 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary Farrell Lacombe '42
Mary Farrell Lacombe '42, Aug. 8, 2009, in Webster Groves, Mo., at 89. She was a teacher and also worked as a legal assistant. She and her husband, Raymond E. Lacombe '42, established a scholarship fund at Colby. She is predeceased by her husband.
Alice Lyman Young '43
Alice Lyman Young '43, May 18, 2009, in Beverly, Mass., at 86. She earned an M.S.W. from Boston University and then established a North Shore office for The Home for Little Wanderers and was president of The Children's Friend and Family Services. She was an interior designer and started Old Harbor House, a decorating business. A sailor, a chef, and a bridge player, she loved to entertain. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Robert, two children, and three grandchildren.
Russell E. Brown '44
Russell E. Brown '44, April 28, 2009, in Valley Forge, Pa., at 86. He earned two master's degrees from Andover Newton Theological School and became an ordained Baptist minister in 1947. He was a missionary for nine years in Burma, where he established a medical clinic and literacy program. He studied Buddhism, wrote hymns, and worked for the Baptist headquarters. He was awarded honorary degrees from Colby in 1968 and from Central Philippine University in 1969. Survivors include his wife, Becky, four children, a brother, a sister, seven grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Robert A. St. Pierre '44
Robert A. St. Pierre '44, Aug. 28, 2009, in Brunswick, Maine, at 89. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He taught high school in Jay and in Brunswick, Maine, and was a coach at both schools, earning his master's in education from the University of Maine along the way. He played semipro baseball and was an avid golfer, scoring two holes in one. Survivors include his sister, Lucille Curtis, five children, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Paul G. Gaffney '46
Paul G. Gaffney '46, May 1, 2009, in Falls Church, Va., at 86. He left Colby to serve with the Army during World War II, when he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He graduated from Brown in 1949 and was a standout halfback. He played semipro football, worked in business, and then became a realtor. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Elfrieda, two children, a sister, and a granddaughter.
Mary Louise Strait Smith '46
Mary Louise Strait Smith '46, June 18, 2009, in Ballston Spa, N.Y., at 84. A homemaker and mother, she enjoyed gardening, ceramics, and camping. Survivors include her husband, Donald, two children, and two grandchildren.
Margaret Scott Carter '47
Margaret Scott Carter '47, June 10, 2009, in Portsmouth, N.H., at 83. She was an antiques dealer and owned M.S. Carter Antiques in Portsmouth. She served on boards at Strawbery Banke and the Portsmouth Athenaeum and belonged to the New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association. Survivors include her children, Melissa Alden, Elizabeth Alden, Roberta Schultz, Nancy Carter Clough '69, Harriet Field, R. Forrest Alden, and Ted Carter, 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and a brother.
Vida Harrison Neilson '48
Vida Harrison Neilson '48, July 30, 2009, in Westwood, Mass., at 83. She graduated from the New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. A mother and homemaker, she was active with her church and a crafter's group. Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Steve, three daughters, four grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
Frederic S. Hubbard '49
Frederic S. Hubbard '49, May 29, 2009, in Berlin, N.H., at 85. He served with the Army during World War II and then was a medical physicist who worked for the state of New York. He enjoyed history books, movies, and working with his computer.
Hugh B. Jordan '50
Hugh B. Jordan '50, June 20, 2009, in Tinton Falls, N.J., at 80. He worked as a field geologist in Texas and New Mexico, and then as a geologist for Esso Eastern and Esso Middle East. He later worked in public relations for Exxon, retiring in 1985. He belonged to the historical society and the volunteer fire department, was active with his church, and enjoyed golf and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Audrey Fountain Jordan '49, three children, two granddaughters, and two sisters, including his twin, Mary Jordan Magargee '50.
Allen F. Langhorne '50
Allen F. Langhorne '50, July 28, 2009, in Camden, Maine, at 82. He served as a Navy seaman during World War II. He earned an M.D. from New York University and practiced medicine in Maine and in Florida. He established a scholarship at Colby, where his children, Rachel Langhorne Grogan '78 and William A. Langhorne, attended. He is also survived by his wife, Nancy.
Paul F. Christopher, Jr. '51
Paul F. Christopher Jr. '51, June 14, 2009, in Haverhill, Mass., at 83. He served with the Army Air Corps during World War II, after which he graduated from Tilton School and then Colby. He worked for the Massachusetts Division of the American Cancer Society for more than 33 years, retiring as executive director. He was the chairman of Democratic Ward 7 Committee and a member of the Haverhill Housing Authority. Predeceased by his father, Paul F. Christopher '14, he is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice, and four children.
Catherine Burns Hudson '51
Catherine Burns Hudson '51, Aug. 3, 2009, in Terre Haute, Ind., at 80. She received a master's and a doctorate from Purdue University. An educator and counselor, she worked with Head Start, founded cooperative preschools, and was a professor of child development at Indiana State University. She served on professional and civic boards, played bridge, and spent time at the family lake cottage. Survivors include her husband, Dale, three daughters, six grandchildren, and a brother.
Albert S. Johnston '52
Albert S. Johnston '52, Aug. 28, 2009, in Woodlands, Calif., at 81. He got his bachelor's from Stanford and then worked in insurance. He served on the planning commission and participated in the Marines' Toys for Tots drive. He was a duck hunter, a fisherman, and a golfer. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Gail, three daughters, and five grandchildren.
Richard A. Noonan '54
Richard A. Noonan '54, July 17, 2009, in Colorado Springs, Colo., at 77. A member of ROTC at Colby, he had a 32-year career with the Air Force as a B-47, B-52, and O-2 pilot. He was also a maintenance squadron commander and director of logistics. He enjoyed golf, hunting, camping, and reading. Survivors include his wife, Ann Burger Noonan '53, six children, nine grandchildren, and two sisters.
Brenton J. Croft '55
Brenton J. Croft '55, Dec. 2, 2008, in Natick, Mass., at 76. He was an accountant for Vappi & Company. Along with his wife, Lorraine, he raised the three children who survive him: Barbara Croft Spillane '79, John Croft, and Paul Croft. Three grandchildren also survive him.
Mary Ellen Mc Goldrick McGowan '55
Mary Ellen McGoldrick McGowan '55, July 24, 2009, in Woodbury Lake, N.J., at 75. She earned a master's in education from Harvard and then was a teacher, director of Head Start, and educational consultant. She fought for improved education programming, was committed to social justice and the environment, and was a poet. Survivors include four children, Colleen Hardin, Maureen McVail, Sean McGowan, and Brian McGowan, four siblings, and seven grandchildren.
Ruth McDonald Roberts '55
Ruth McDonald Roberts '55, Aug. 12, 2009, in Rochester, Minn., at 76. She volunteered while her husband served in the Air Force in Europe and the Americas. They returned to Waterville, where she entertained and volunteered at the Women's Interim Club, the First Congregational Church, and the food bank. An avid bridge player, she made a grand slam the day before she left for cancer treatment. She was awarded a Colby Brick in 1995. Predeceased by her mother, Helen Dresser McDonald '23, she is survived by her husband of 54 years, David L. Roberts '55, daughters Susan Roberts Dangel '86 and Linda Roberts Pagnano '88, and five grandchildren.
Paul W. Christie '56
Paul W. Christie '56, June 22, 2009, in Hallieford, Va., at 74. A businessman, he was president of a glass company, owned a car dealership, and later owned a restaurant. He was predeceased by his father, Lindon E. Christie '30, an uncle Donald M. Christie '32, and a cousin Dawne C. Shisler '62. Survivors include his wife, Jessamine, two children, a stepdaughter, four grandchildren, two brothers, including Lindon E. Christie Jr. '54, and nieces and nephews including David P. Christie '76.
Kenneth A. Houston '57
Kenneth A. Houston '57, July 9, 2009, in Newport, Maine, at 74. He served in the Air Force and was stationed in Germany. In Maine he held various jobs including log driver, newsman, researcher, and radio announcer. He was a five-time Maine state pistol champion, played the guitar and mandolin, and was a reader and a writer. Predeceased by his brother-in-law, Gedeon George Picher '58, he is survived by his wife of 50 years, Annette Picher Houston '57, and three children.
Carl M. Cobb '59
Carl M. Cobb '59, Aug. 17, 2009, in South Chatham, Mass., at 74. He served in the Army as a medic and then began a career in journalism. He was a medical writer for the Boston Globe and won the 1968 Lasker Award for Medical Journalism. He later worked as an administrator at Children's Hospital in Boston and at Seattle Children's Hospital. Predeceased by his father, Edward S. Cobb '31, he is survived by his wife of 51 years, Deborah Robson Cobb '58, two children, and four grandchildren.
Nancy Nelson Hellquist '59
Nancy Nelson Hellquist '59, June 14, 2009, in Springfield, Mass., at 72. She earned a master's from American International College and then taught fifth grade for 28 years. She served with the AFS Intercultural Programs, the Agawam (Mass.) Counseling Center, and the Feeding Hills Kindergarten. She played in nationally sanctioned cribbage tournaments and belonged to the American Cribbage Congress. Survivors include her daughters, Karen Carpenter, Lisa Gore, and Christine Impoco, nine grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a sister.
Courtney L. Davis '60
Courtney L. Davis '60, Aug. 5, 2009, in Wakefield, R.I., at 71. He earned a master's from Boston University and then taught economics and was a high school guidance counselor. He sang tenor with various groups and was the founding member of the South County (R.I.) Chamber Singers. He spent summers sailing the Maine coast, volunteered at the Kettle Pond Visitor Center, and enjoyed photography and growing tomatoes. Survivors include his daughter, Holly Davis, and his brother, Richard Davis '56.
Andrew J. Hayward '61
Andrew J. Hayward '61, May 9, 2009, in Boston, Mass., at 69. He earned a master's in education from the University of Maine and then a master's in mathematics and science education from Colby. He taught math at colleges and high schools in New Hampshire and Maine, coached and played soccer, was an avid fisherman, and played tennis. Predeceased by his father, Bertrand Hayward '33, he is survived by his wife, Carolyn, four children, a sister, a brother, and nine grandchildren.
Dennis D. Hammer '64
Dennis D. Hammer '64, Sept. 16, 2008, in Beaufort, S.C., at 66. He earned a D.M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and was an oral surgeon in the Navy Dental Corps. His hobbies were photography, showing cats, and building and flying radio-controlled aircraft.
Patricia McClay Gauer '65
Patricia McClay Gauer '65, June 13, 2009, in Waterville, Maine, at 65. She taught French and Spanish at Waterville Junior High and Senior High schools for 33 years and taught part time at Thomas College and at the Let's Talk Language School. She was active with the Franco-American Heritage Society, loved to cook, and traveled extensively. Survivors include her husband, Ernest A. Gauer '58, two children, four grandchildren, her father, two sisters, a brother, and her uncle Paul F. McClay '55.
Lorraine M. Rudman Armstrong '67
Lorraine Rudman Armstrong '67, Jan. 25, 2009, in Prescott, Ariz., at 63. She worked in business and had a special bond with animals, specifically greyhounds, which she adopted and raised. Survivors include her former husband, Christopher Armstrong '68.
Mary Ellen Lyle Henry '69
Mary Ellen Lyle Henry '69, Aug. 17, 2009, in Washington, D.C., at 62. She earned an M.F.A. from the University of Hawaii and a Ph.D. from American University. She taught history and college writing at American University and was a freelance writer. She belonged to the Organization of American Historians and the American Sociological Association, volunteered for the March of Dimes, and sang in her church choir. Survivors include her husband, Douglas, three sons, and two sisters.
Alison L. Smith '72
Alison L. Smith '72, July 9, 2009, in Woonsocket, R.I., at 58. She worked in the medical supply manufacturing industry, most recently with Contech Medical, Inc. She worked on her family's farm, Christiansen's Orchards, and was a lifelong member of the Slatersville (R.I.) Congregational Church. She died of emphysema. Survivors include her parents, George and Shirley Smith, a brother, a sister, and nieces and nephews.
Alan M. Linsky '73
Alan M. Linsky '73, July 10, 2009, in Kaneohe, Hawaii, at 58. He earned an M.B.A. from Babson and then became a computer programmer, a business owner, and a Web designer. He was a photographer, enjoyed canoeing, fishing, and bicycling, and competed in triathlons. Survivors include his wife, Deborah H. Ikehara '74, two daughters, and two brothers, including David P. Linsky '79.
Mary Wadsworth Barney '74
Mary Wadsworth Barney '74, Sept. 21, 2009, on Monhegan Island, Maine, at 57. A renowned baker and cook, she baked for the Trailing Yew Inn on Monhegan Island, cooked for 12 years on the schooner Mary Day, was a licensed yawl operator, wrote a cookbook, and won the 2004 Windjammer Weekend Schooner Pie Baking Contest. She knitted, made soap, spun oakum used to caulk wooden boats, and played the accordion and squeezebox. Survivors include her sister, Ann, and several cousins.
Martha L. Dewey '76
Martha L. Dewey '76, June 26, 2009, in Ithaca, N.Y., at 55. She earned a bachelor's degree from Kalamazoo College and a master's from Yale Divinity School. A musician and dramatic artist, she was a lecturer, teaching assistant, musical director, and artistic director in many locales and venues. She died in a car accident. Survivors include her husband, Kent Goetz, two sisters, and a brother.
Nancy Wilson Maltez '76
Nancy Wilson Maltez '76, Aug. 9, 2009, in Springdale, Utah, at 55. She served in the Peace Corps in Africa and later was a systems programmer. She was involved with The TreePeople, helping re-tree the Los Angeles area. She died while hiking in Zion National Park. Survivors include her husband, Byron, three children, her mother, and three siblings.
Catherine Fulton Teeven '80
Catherine Fulton Teeven '80, Aug. 21, 2009, in Naples, Fla., at 51. She taught AP history at high schools in Florida and was a coach and swim official. She was an avid runner and played the piano for her church. Survivors include her husband, Gerry Teeven '79, two children, her mother, and a sister.
Thomas P. Noel '86
Thomas P. Noel '86, Aug. 12, 2009, in Providence, R.I., at 44. He was an inventor and the founder and president of Modular Thermal Technologies. He was previously a commercial fisherman. Survivors include his parents, Governor Philip and Joyce Noel, and four siblings.
Sean A. Glew '91
Sean A. Glew '91, July 12, 2009, in Portland, Ore., at 39. He was chair of the history department at Holderness School and, at the time of his death from thymic carcinoma, a graduate student at Wesleyan. He coached sports, mentored students, read nonfiction, and enjoyed exploring New England and the Pacific Northwest. Survivors include his wife, Nicole, two children, his parents, three brothers, and a grandmother.
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