cl a ss notes
1939
1952
Nelson Rulison Knox Jr. died on July 17, 2012. Ruly earned a degree in economics from Harvard and enlisted in the Army shortly after. He was awarded many medals and ribbons for his courageous work and good conduct, including the Victory Medal and three Bronze Battle stars.
Emery Bradley Goff and her husband, Bill Carhart, are still enjoying antiques shows, crosscountry skiing and gardening. They ardently support sustainable agriculture, organic gardening, and political petitions for socially responsible causes.
Ruly worked in sales, living in Spain, Peru and Venezuela. He developed a lifelong interest in Spanish language and culture and later became a math teacher. He enjoyed sailing, building model trains, classical music and reading. Ruly is survived by many family members, including his wife, Ruth. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery this fall.
Though Jon Beecher has formally retired, he continues to teach European history part-time at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He loves teaching and claims that it keeps him young. His wife, Merike, who was born in Estonia, is completing a translation of Between Three Plagues by Jaan Kross. Older son, David, is working on a Ph.D. in Eastern European history at U.C. Berkeley, and his younger son, Lembit—composer in residence with the Opera Company of Philadelphia—recently composed a trio for piano, violin and cello. This piece, first performed at the 100th celebration of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C., was commissioned by David Ehrlich for the anniversary of his Southwest Chamber Players.
1942 Susan Byers Plant reports that her husband, Graeme, died in November 2011. “It was sad to have him go, but he had Alzheimer’s, so in a way it was a relief. I was able to care for him at home, and he died here peacefully.” John F. Bassett is three years into retirement and enjoying every minute. “Being here for the 70th Reunion is a major achievement. I have fond memories of Milton and of my classmates. I find great joy from them, and from my three children and seven grandchildren. Here is looking at you, Class of ’42.”
1951 Elsa Williams reports that her husband, Howard H. (Terry) Williams, died suddenly of a heart attack on July 21, 2012. Friends can contact her at elsawill2@verizon.net.
1954
1955 Paul Robinson has returned home after 103 days in rehab following surgery. His wife, Lee, and two cats, Tashtago and Squantum, missed him. Paul spent the summer at home in Dorchester by the Sea. He thanks all of those who sent cards and visited, including Parky Damon, Tedo Francis, Ray Crocker, John Arnold and John Noble, and sends a special thanks to Lee Stout Dane, who sent a get-well message and card every one of the 103 days. He also thanks
Bob Hubby ’57—with classmates Ludlow Keeney and Steve Anderson—reunited their student band, The Three Pigs, over reunion weekend. Bob even resurrected his washtub bass.
Gordon Sewall, Ted Ahrens and Marie-Claude Tanny of the Milton staff for visiting. “To those I have missed, forgive me,” he says.
1957 Kenneth Gregg is close to full retirement from work as a physician. His wife, Judy, is active in the animal rescue league, plays tennis, ushers at the Rockport Music Theater, and helps with their four grandchildren. The couple has traveled in Europe with Ken’s choral group. Their
son, James, had a bike crash leaving him partially paralyzed, “but still just about everything works,” Ken says.
1958 Ella Clark is retiring after 20 years at the Chore Service as founder and executive director. The Chore Service is an organization that helps elderly and disabled residents of Canaan, Cornwall, Falls Village, Kent, Norfolk, Salisbury and Sharon in Connecticut stay safely and independently at home in the community. Fall 2012 75