Class Notes

Your scribe has learned from Barbara Plyer that her husband Bruce Plyer died on November 15, 2018. In an email to your scribe, she reports that “He had just finished lifting weights and came upstairs. His death was a sudden catastrophic event and took only minutes. He loved his time at Yale. He was a member…

Ken Brown writes: “Over the weekend of October 20th, 6 members of our class with 3 spouses attended a weekend in Charleston, SC.  Last November, Ben Slotznick and Ian Glenday from the class of 1970 approached me with the idea of a joint class of 1969, 1970, and 1971 off- site mini-reunion.  The thought was…

Michael Emery Smith died April 23, 2018, at home with his family by his side after a short, but hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Here is what we know: “Michael’s career was mostly in commercial banking. Michael was an involved member of his community as part of the MDI Lions Club and served on…

Some news about 50th Reunion activities, reports from Harold Ozer’s life, and a request from Barney Brawer regarding an intergenerational sharing of perspectives, possibly to be held with other classes at our reunion.

The Mother of all Reunions is set for May 30-June 2, 2019.  That is less than a year away! The latest news about our program and attendees will be posted on the Class Website at yale1969.org. It is time to mark your calendar. Your scribe looks forward to seeing all of you. The Reunion Committee…

In the process of preparing obituary/remembrances for our 50th Reunion ClassBook, your scribe and others have learned that several more of our classmates have died. We have also found out more about the lives of others who have passed away. When there is room in future issues of this column, I will publish more information…

How do we top the unalloyed joy of a magnificent upset of the Cantabs in 2016? How about a brilliant 2017 season (9-1) capped with an Ivy Championship, and a delightful drubbing of our hapless nemesis from up north? Your scribe’s white hankie waved with many others in the Bowl, as our long trek through…

News about the life of Ed Boyle, who blazed a brave and productive path to his end in 1999, leaving behind a lot of people who deeply respected and admired him.

Some reports & stories from Don Lewis and Sam Weisman. References to Joe Mohrman, Bob Horvitz, Reed Hundt and Roger Haile. RIP: Robert Struse. Read more: advanced golf, Jewish ancient wisdom texts and directing a play at regional theatre!

Chris Hoffman publishes a new book of poetry. Some delayed and sad news about Thom Graham, who died in a farming accident in 2012. And we highlight some recent recognition about our own Frank Shorter after the 40th anniversary of his win in Montreal Olympics.

From David H. Johnson: “My wife and I recently visited Mary Starnes, widow of former Dramat director Leland Starnes. Mary lives in Salisbury, Maryland. Lee was teaching and directing at Salisbury State College (now University) when he passed away in 1980. Mary’s as bright, pretty, and perceptive as she ever was. She remembers all the…

From Skip Hobbs: “David Friend, a pioneer in digital data cloud storage, has been a collector of fine mineral specimens all his life. He recently funded the $4 million renovation of the Yale Peabody Museum mineral collection and exhibition hall, and donated some of his unusually large and magnificent specimens. (Pictures)  On October 21 the…

On a surprisingly mild late November afternoon in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a miracle happened. After a decade of disappointment, Yale’s underdog Bulldogs played superbly on both sides of the ball and upset a potent Cantab team, 21–14. Your scribe enjoyed every minute of it, and will continue to savor sweet victory, undimmed “through mem’ry’s haze.” The…