Marriages, Births, and In Memoriam

1
Winter 2017

Marriages & Unions

(2016 unless otherwise noted)

Chris Stephens ’81, P’20 and Cindy Miller ’89, P’20 at their wedding

Click to read a Colgate love story by Cindy Miller ’89, P’20 and Chris Stephens ’81, P’20.

Macieo (Mace) Anderson ’71 and Dennis Rager,
May 7

Elissa Knox ’99 and Justin Slezak, July 24

Heather Diskin ’01 and Gregory Ramsey, June 27, 2015

Shannon Ollerhead ’03 and Tim Cuff, April 23

Sarah Banks ’04 and Erik Tacvar, August 27

Doug Chapnick ’04 and Karen Foster, July 2
(correction from autumn issue)

David Conrad ’04 and Patricia Loftus, August 6

Alexandra Dattelbaum ’04 and Brian Burkarht, September 17

Tara McCann ’04 and Michael Davis, October 1

Matt Schutzer ’04 and Allison Elliot, September 24

Bradley Oastler ’06 and Emily Murphy ’09, October 8

R Michael Ventura ’06 and Danielle Vreeland, June 25

Karlene Aiken ’07 and Michael Archer, October 8

Jennifer Andrews ’07 and Christopher Nylen, May 31, 2014

Jennifer Pflug ’07 and Kevin Plominski, September 3

Jason Sutton ’07 and Catherine Folan, June 12

Christophe Lagrange ’08 and Kelly Rosen, August 26

Catherine Mendola ’09 and Matthew Muskin ’10, September 10

Zachary Portin ’09 and Elizabeth Brodsky ’11, June 11

Laura Westerhold ’10 and Tyler Baker, October 1

Robert Bosco ’11 and Madeline Malone ’12, June 10

James Gerken ’11 and Kristen Lipari, May 29

Elisabeth Murphy ’11 and Ryan Barclay, September 24

Mary Gilligan ’13 and Brian Haughwout, May 28


Births & Adoptions

(2016 unless otherwise noted)

To Ben and Jennifer (Bombard) ’00 McGovern: Andrew Benjamin, January 25, joining Ella and Tyler

To John Thompson ’00 and Jodi: Brooks William, May 4

To Brian and Leslie (Dougiello) ’01 Wheelin: Mackenzie Laura, April 3, 2015

To Matthew Behum ’02 and Sharon: Colin Samuel, April 8, joining Evan Edward and Hannah Kathryn

To Juston Payne ’02 and Erika: Juliet Elizabeth, September 9

To Michael and Stephanie (Schraeter) ’02 Lindy: Russell Benjamin, July 11, joining Sarah Rae and Alexis Morgan

To Kim Malecka ’02 and John Wutz ’02: Ingrid Margaret, August 29

To Michael and Lauren (Fisher) ’03 Thomas: Scarlett Alexandra, July 2

To Brooke Bengier ’05 and David Lydon: Arielle Bengier, July 19

To Steven Fair ’05 and Lila: Blakely, Oct 21, 2015

To Brian ’06 and Megan (Sobel) ’06 Yellin: Eliana

To James and Jessica (Johnson) ’09 Amato: Caroline James, September 5


In Memoriam

The Scene runs deceased notices on all alumni, current and former faculty members, honorary degree recipients, and staff members and others who the editors determine would be well known to alumni.

David W Gates ’43, July 21, 2016. Beta Theta Pi, University Chorus, tennis. US Army Air Forces: WWII. An Army flight instructor in WWII and after graduation, he went on to work for Eastern Airlines in New York City. He then was head of government sales for the Mohawk Rubber Company. In 1989, he moved to Naples, FL, and went on to have a second career with the Collier County School System for 16 years. He was predeceased by his wife, Hope, and a grandson. He is survived by 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Marshall L Ham ’44, October 12, 2015. Theta Chi, University Chorus. US Marine Corps: WWII. He had a long career as an oil and gas loan officer at Bank First, Fidelity Bank, and Founders Bank in Oklahoma City, retiring in 2006 after 33 years in the banking industry. He is survived by his wife, Sue, 4 children, 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Sol Jacobson ’44, January 11, 2015. US Army Air Forces: WWII. He was a sales agent for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co before becoming the owner of Jacobson Insurance Agency in Utica, NY. He is survived by 3 children.

Richard J Collins ’45, July 25, 2016. Phi Gamma Delta, Colgate Thirteen. US Army Medical Corps: Korean War. University of Rochester: 1947. Following his military service, he joined his father’s medical practice in Avon, NY, retiring in 1994 after 4 decades. He served on the boards of the University of Rochester Medical Center and Strong Partners Health System, in addition to holding the position of Avon Town and Livingston County Republican Chairman for many years. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary. He is survived by 4 children, including Timothy ’71 and Bernie ’78, 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

Alton L McDaniel ’49, June 18, 2016. Kappa Delta Rho, Maroon. US Navy: WWII. Bethany Theological Seminary: BDiv, 1964. An editor of the Federalsburg Times from 1950–1961, he later served as a pastor in Virginia and Kansas for 25 years. He is survived by his wife, Lucille, 4 children, 3 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.

Joel W Ager Jr ’50, November 15, 2015. Lambda Chi Alpha, Maroon, University Chorus. Syracuse University: MA, 1957; PhD 1960. A longtime psychology professor and researcher at Wayne State University, he was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth. He is survived by 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

Lloyd J Colenback ’50, July 9, 2016. Phi Gamma Delta, Masque and Triangle, International Relations Council, basketball. Case Western University School of Law: JD, 1953. He worked in the Pentagon with the US Army’s Counter Intelligence Corps during the Korean War before relocating to Michigan to work in sales, management, and later, real estate development. As volunteer director of ToledoVision, he helped to reinvigorate much of downtown Toledo. He was predeceased by his wife, May. He is survived by 3 children and 4 grandchildren.

Warren H Davis ’51, July 20, 2016. Phi Kappa Psi, Konosioni, football, student government, Scene class editor. US Marine Corps. An employee of the New Jersey Bell Telephone Co from 1962–1989, he served in a variety of community relations positions. He received many awards and accolades, including the William Bishop Man of the Year Award for his dedication to the Salvation Army and President George Bush’s Thousand Lights Award, which was presented to him at the White House. He was predeceased by his daughter. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, 3 children, and 5 grandchildren.

John A Haynes ’52, July 14, 2016. Sigma Nu. US Army. He worked in business administration at Lockheed for 37 years and retired in 1988. He is survived by his wife, Anne, 3 children, and 5 grandchildren.

David C McMahon ’52, July 22, 2016. Phi Kappa Psi, hockey. US Army. After his honorable military discharge in 1955, he relocated to Virginia with the Rome Cable Corp. Later in life, he was the owner and president of Copy Ban Inc and Copy Cat. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, 2 daughters, and 4 grandchildren.

Phillip M Purdy ’52, August 5, 2016. Lambda Chi Alpha. US Air Force: Korean War. In 1984, he retired from his position as a sales representative with Met Life Insurance Company, moving on to become the administrative lieutenant of the Madison County Sherriff’s Department. He was predeceased by his wife, Jean. He is survived by 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

Frank A O’Toole ’53, July 13, 2016. Phi Delta Theta, ROTC, football. US Marine Corps; US Air Force. In 1961, he retired from the Air Force as a first lieutenant. He then worked with Remington Rand until 1973, advancing to the position of director of marketing. In 1973, he moved back to Maryland and founded FA O’Toole Office Systems. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and a great-grandson.

Harry L Fisher ’54, November 21, 2015. US Army. Pennsylvania State University. He owned and operated Fisher’s Stationery business in Waynesboro, PA, from 1958–1995. He was active in civic affairs and was a charter member of the town’s planning and zoning committee for 36 years. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, 2 children, 4 grandchildren, and his brothers, Watson ’54 and David ’61.

Robert W Shively ’54, July 18, 2016. Delta Kappa Epsilon, Colgate Thirteen, Konosioni, Outing Club, student government. US Air Force. Harvard University: EdM, 1962. Cornell: PhD, 1970. A lifelong educator and administrator, he taught English and Latin at Deerfield Academy before becoming director of admission at Cornell’s business school. He later became a founder and dean of Wake Forest University’s Babcock School of Management. He is survived by his wife, Julia, 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Harry R Critchley Jr ’56, July 22, 2016. Kappa Delta Rho, Maroon, Pep Band, ROTC. US Air Force. Purdue University: MS, 1967. Rising from the rank of navigator to lieutenant colonel, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross award and retired from service in 1977. He began a second career as the VP and comptroller of the grocery warehousing business Marshall Warehouse Co in Teterboro, NJ. He is survived by his wife, June, 2 children, and 4 grandchildren.

Richard G Lyon ’61, July 31, 2016. Phi Kappa Psi, Glee Club, Konosioni. US Air Force. Tufts University: DMD, 1965. After his military service, he entered private dental practice in 1971 in Norwalk, CT. He retired in 2005 after 34 years. He is survived by his wife, Gail, 2 children, including Tracey Cacciatore ’93, 4 grandchildren, and his nephew, Matt Palazzolo ’97.

George K Johnson ’65, July 1, 2016. Alpha Tau Omega, Outing Club. Following graduation, he was an insurance salesman and stockbroker before attending navigation school and then moving to Florida, where he became a yacht broker. In 2009, he moved to Thailand, where he embraced Buddhism. He is survived by his former wife, Mary, and 3 children.

Russell M Drumm Jr ’69, January 16, 2016. Beta Theta Pi, lacrosse. He was a senior columnist and reporter for The East Hampton Star for 33 years. He also contributed to magazines such as the Surfer’s Journal and Smithsonian, and authored 3 books. Prior to his journalism career, he was a cameraman and assistant editor for the Academy Award–winning documentary Harlan County, USA, as well as a deckhand on a lobster sloop and the owner of a seafood restaurant. He is survived by his wife, Kyle, a daughter, and a granddaughter.

Sandra Scott Lawson ’79, September 10, 2016. Following graduation, she moved to Boston and began working as a paralegal before realizing that her true calling was teaching. After moving to Philadelphia, she taught at Sullivan Elementary School for 16 years. She is survived by her husband, Clarence, a daughter, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Jeff Schlachtenhaufen ’87, July 11, 2016. Dartmouth College: MBA. His career included positions at Anderson Consulting, Cargill, Renessen, and Graphic Packaging International, primarily in strategic development, planning, and execution. He is survived by his wife, Susie Post Schlachtenhaufen ’86, and 4 children.


Lasting impressions

Yoichi Aizawa
Professor of Japanese and
East Asian Studies
Sept. 14, 1944–Oct. 15, 2016

Yoichi AizawaIn the days leading to my father’s passing, I was fortunate to be at his bedside in his Hamilton home, holding the phone to his ear as friends near and far called to reminisce. The last call came from a group of former students from the Class of 1993, who said, in so many words, that he had changed their lives. He passed away shortly after, surrounded by his family.

My father joined Colgate in 1981 as a visiting faculty member and was hired into a tenure-stream position in 1984. I wonder if, at that time, he ever anticipated the profound impact he would have on many of his students, or the deep gratification he would find in mentoring them. I do know that he had a gift for teaching. He could just as soon teach Taoist liturgies as how to fold the perfect dumpling. Through teaching he was able to exercise his great capacity for kindness as well as contemplation. The simple act of building a bridge between two vastly different cultures — and finding those unique things that bind us as humans — was his life’s work.

Yoichi Aizawa, known as Yo, was born in Seoul, Korea, in 1944. He came to America to attend a post-grad year at Phillips Exeter Academy before matriculating at Haverford College. While there, he met his wife, Michiko Shinjo, who was attending a nearby college. After receiving his bachelor’s in 1968, Yo enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania. He was studying Buddhism when, in 1969, his studies were interrupted by the Vietnam War. Although he was not yet a U.S. citizen, his green card status was enough to get him drafted. By chance, the Philadelphia schools were in need of teachers, and he was hired at H.C. Lea, a predominantly African-American junior high. This may have served as one of his most valuable teaching experiences. A novice teacher in front of a rowdy class, one day, he accidentally broke the lectern (it was rotten and on its last leg). Rumors spread that Mr. Yo was secretly a karate master. Rather than set the record straight, he ordered a “how to” book on karate and proceeded to run exercise drills after school, book in hand, for the students who needed a little extra guidance.

In his 35 years at Colgate, Yo fostered the Japanese program, teaching language at every level as well as core classes, and leading eight Japan Study Groups. He was chair of the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures 1992–1998 and 2006–2009. He was director of Asian Studies (fall 1999 and fall 2000) and chair of Core Cultures 2004–2007.

I was born the year my father came to Colgate and tagged along on many study groups. What lasts from those experiences is a sense of calm, of openness toward exploration and adventure that often settled over the group during the trips he led around Kyoto or destinations farther afield. Of course, there were plenty of struggles and hilarities that erupted when the cultures intersected, which was all part of the adventure.

Through it all, I see my father as a silhouetted figure, backpack on his shoulders and hands clasped behind him. He’s a few paces ahead on a path somewhere, in a mossy temple garden in Kyoto, a crowded street market, or an island off the southern coast, gently pointing out tiny, wonderful details along the way. The path will be a little lonelier without him.

— Yuki Aizawa

He is survived by his wife, Michiko, who recently retired from her position as Japanese language instructor at Colgate. Aside from team-teaching on campus, she was an indispensable helpmate in the study group. He is also survived by their daughter, Yuki, and her husband, Jacob Andersen; his father, Seiji; his sister, Kaye Wilmeth; and his brother, Matt. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Yoichi Aizawa Fund for Overseas Study, Colgate University. Condolences may be sent to the Aizawa family at 1975 Randallsville Rd, Hamilton, NY 13346, or left on the small table in front of Aizawa Sensei’s office in 9A Lawrence Hall.


Robert J. Sheldon Sr. ’52
Aug. 16, 1929–Aug. 8, 2016

Robert Sheldon standing in a doorwayBob Sheldon ’52 had a rugged exterior and no-nonsense attitude balanced by a warm smile and larger-than-life personality. As the director of Colgate University Camp in Upper Saranac Lake, N.Y., for the past 40 years, he was known as “Top Dog.” He and his wife, Jean, were a significant part of what made the camp a special experience for many people — returning campers and newcomers alike.

“In this setting, Top Dog played the starring role with Jean as his leading lady,” son-in-law Greg Drechsel ’88 said during his eulogy. “Together they would create and nurture the great place camp is today.”

Drechsel and his wife, Sandy ’88, the youngest of the Sheldons’ seven children, have been running the camp since her parents retired 20 years ago. “Our father was firm, but fair, and displayed a casual confidence, to ensure that all guests had an enjoyable vacation,” she said.

“Bob and Jean’s imagination, skill, and innate friendliness have made it possible for countless alumni, faculty, and staff and their families to enjoy the Adirondacks — to sail; play golf and tennis; fish for perch, bass, and pike; and solve the problems of the universe. And to make lifelong friends with other campers,” said Howard Jones ’39, in a 1998 Scene article in which people reminisced in honor of the couple’s retirement.

As a student, Sheldon was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and played football and basketball. After graduation, he taught science and coached at Corning Free Academy in Corning, N.Y.

As head basketball coach at St. Lawrence University, Sheldon, hired in 1957, led the team to more than 100 wins and their first-ever ICAC championship victory. He also coached football and taught physical education before becoming athletics director in 1974. During his tenure, he helped St. Lawrence athletics double its number of teams, earn 32 NCAA bids, win two titles, and expand opportunities for female athletes. He retired in 1991, and in 1993, the university inducted him into its Athletic Hall of Fame.

Every summer, he returned to work at Colgate Camp, and his athleticism flourished his entire life: “He fished; golfed; sailed; played basketball, football, and squash; and taught archery,” Greg Drechsel said.

In 1986, Sheldon received Colgate’s Alumni Maroon Citation Award. He also served on his class gift committee from 1994 to 1997.

The Sheldons’ children worked at the camp until they graduated from college, and just as many campers return with their families generation after generation, the Sheldons do, too. Bob and Jean’s oldest daughter, Debbie, has been the cook for 30 years. Sandy and Greg’s daughters, Madeline and Hannah, also work there during the summer.

“It was special growing up there and hearing all the workers talk about how much they respected and loved working for Grandpa,” Madeline said. “I loved seeing him every day and hearing his stories. Everyone respected him so much, and [while] some of the kids were afraid of him when they were young, to me, he was always just grandpa.”

Sheldon was predeceased by his wife, Jean, two daughters, his sister, and a grandson. He is survived by seven children and their spouses, including Katheryn McHugh ’80, and Sandra ’88 and Gregory Drechsel ’88. He is also survived by two brothers and their spouses, 14 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

One Response

  1. Roy T. "Chip" Carlson '59

    Many fond memories of Colgate! I’m often singing “1819!”