Torrey Arnold Welch, age 84, of Lincoln, California passed away on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
Torrey A. Welch ’57
Clare D. Conover ’51
Clare Doverspike Conover, 91, longtime resident of Guilford, CT and most recently of Essex passed away at her home on August 16, 2023.
Clare was born in New Haven, CT on July 15, 1932, daughter of the late Charles Woolsey Conover and Anne (Rudolph) Conover. Beloved sister of Scott Conover and his wife Margaret of Guilford and Charles Woolsey Conover and his wife Bea of Holderness, NH. Also survived by nieces and nephews, Beth Berestecky and husband Mike of Madison; Christine Holland and her husband Mark of Needham, MA; Scott Conover, Jr and his wife Pam of Baltimore, MD; Professor Charles W. Conover, Jr. and his wife Sharon of Oakland, ME; Rev. Bill Conover and his wife Deb of Olympia, WA; and Grand nieces and nephews, Michael, Lauren and Reed Berestecky; Hap and Teddy Conover; Andrew and Will Holland; Beatrice and Arthur Conover; Emma Thakker and Nell Conover Crocket and Clare’s loving friend Mary Mather.
Clare is a 1951 graduate of Northampton School for Girls and a 1953 graduate of Colby Junior College. Before retirement she had for worked as a Medical Technologist / Medical Researcher for several Hospitals in CT; including Middlesex Hospital, which she retired from in 1997. She enjoyed reading, and her many outdoor activities of swimming, hiking, biking and kayaking.
Friends are invited to a Memorial services at the First Congregational Church of Madison, 26 Meeting House Lane, Madison on Saturday, September 16 at 1pm. Burial services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Audubon Guilford Salt Marsh Sanctuary, 4 Meadowlands, Guilford, CT 0643.
Lawrence Ball ’52
Lawrence “Larry” Ball was born August 10, 1933 in Albion, NY. He passed on August 10, 2023 in Grand Junction, CO, on his 90th birthday with his children at his side.
Larry attended Williston Academy, Antioch College, and The University of Ohio. Geophysical Engineering is the core field of his study and profession. Combining two of his loves, cave exploration and radio communications, he developed radio technology to communicate through the earth, especially to trapped miners.
As a pioneer in this field, he was called upon by a few world governments. He started working in his field for DECO/Westinghouse and eventually changed jobs to work for the Department of Energy.
After retiring from DOE in 1993, he became very busy with many activities, including the Colorado Head Injury Foundation, SCUBA diving/rescue, Ham radio/emergency communications, fishing, Ski Patrol, long-distance bicycle riding, Rotary Club, and many others.
Larry is survived by children, Daniel, Logan, and Stacey (Lucero), six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Caroline Ball, his youngest son Ryan ’87, and two granddaughters.
During this difficult time, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the support and care we received, especially by the HopeWest Hospice care team. The departure of Dad has left a profound emptiness. Your kind words and presence mean a lot to our family as we live through this grief. We will never forget him for his love, wisdom, and the time we shared together. Thank you for being here for us.
Memorial Services are planned for 10 AM Saturday, August 19th, 2023, at the Patterson Road Church of Christ at 2893 Patterson Rd, Grand Junction, CO 81506.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away”. – Revelation 21:4
Roderick Stuart Thomson Jr. ’54
Roderick “Stu” Thomson Jr., of Sarasota, Florida, passed away July 13, 2023. You can read more about Stu’s life at A Champion for Williston.
Brenda Hubbard Plut ’69
December 4, 1951 – July 10, 2023
Beloved wife of Joseph Plut. Loving mother of Gordon Kee of Ottawa and grandson Kieran. Loved step-mother of Matthew Plut (Emily) of Calgary and Stephen Chelli of Tasmania. Dear sister of David Hubbard (Patricia) and Ruth Lovinsohn. Brenda will be fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews and many friends.
A celebration of Brenda’s life will be planned for a later date. If so desired memorial donations to the Alliston & District Humane Society would be appreciated.
Richard R. Francis, Former Faculty
Richard Reid Francis passed away on July 8th, 2023 with his wife Marilyn by his side.
Rick was born in Middletown, Connecticut in 1934 to Paul and Ruth Francis. He graduated from Choate School in 1952 and Wesleyan College in 1958. He spent 2 years in the Army from 1955-1957. While at Wesleyan he lettered in Football, Baseball and Track and earned Little All-American in football.
Rick joined the Faculty of Williston Academy in 1958 where he became the head football coach and a math teacher. He later added Basketball Coach and Athletic Director to his titles. Rick worked at Williston for 42 years, retiring in 2000.
Rick married Marilyn Koch on September 2nd, 1961 and they remained married for almost 62 years. Rick has two children; Jeff ’81 and Todd ’83. He has 5 grandchildren; Brooks, Chase, Grant, Sam and Sasha and 3 great grandchildren; Anthony, Cody and Caden. Rick was predeceased by his parents and his bother Paul “Frosty” Francis.
Rick was elected to the New England Prep School Football Coaches Hall of Fame, New England Basketball Hall of Fame and the Williston Northampton School Hall of Fame. Rick served as the President of both the Western Mass Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame and the New England Prep School Athletic Council.
Rick began attending Camp Monomoy (Cape Cod Sea Camps) in 1945 as a camper. He remained there as a camper and a counselor and eventually became the Program Director. This is where he met Marilyn, as her father Grant Koch, was the Director of Camp Monomoy. Rick retired from “Camp” in 2012.
Rick (and Marilyn) were avid sports spectators watching as many of their sons’ and grandchildren’s games as they possibly could. In their retirement, Rick and Marilyn moved to Cape Cod and travelled the world extensively for as long as they could.
There will be a Celebration of Life at Williston Northampton School on September 30th, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Donations in Rick’s name may be made to the Rick and Marilyn Francis Appreciation Fund at Williston Northampton School.
Albert J. Ackermann ’68
Albert John Ackermann, affectionately known as Al or Buddy, peacefully passed away on June 25, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by his loving children. Born on September 14, 1949, in Saint Louis, Missouri, his remarkable journey was marked by his achievements as an elite swimmer, successful career in banking, and his role as a devoted father.
An accomplished swimmer, Al’s love for the sport was cultivated as the son of a swim camp owner. He excelled in swimming at The Williston Northampton School and Harvard University and traveled abroad as a member of the US swim team. Despite facing health challenges, including a rare form of blood poisoning, rectal cancer, and a battle with a neurological disease, Al’s unwavering spirit remained strong.
In his professional life, Al achieved success as a banker, earning respect within his field. He also actively participated in ToastMasters International, nurturing his public speaking skills and forming meaningful connections.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Al treasured his personal life and the invaluable relationships he cultivated. He was a devoted and proud father to his children, AJ Ackermann, Grant Ackermann, and Elizabeth (Ackermann) Hogan. Their shared experiences were filled with laughter and cherished memories, including deep-sea fishing, go-karting and engaging in spirited rounds of putt-putt golf in Al’s favorite place – Naples, Florida.
Al’s adoration extended to his beloved grandchildren, Oliver Hogan and Harvey Hogan, as he enthusiastically followed their progress in swimming classes. Al found joy swimming, reading, savoring symphonic music, and passionately supporting his hometown baseball team, the St. Louis Cardinals. He also had a fondness for movies and was an active member of Masters Swimming. Al maintained a lifelong friendship with his ex-spouse, Cindy Ackermann, offering mutual support throughout life’s journey.
Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Albert John Ackermann. He is survived by his children, AJ Ackermann, Grant Ackermann, and Elizabeth Ackermann (Patrick Hogan), as well as his sisters, Bev Shoop (Dee Shoop) and Janet Zucker (Bob Zucker). Al’s memory will live on through his beloved grandchildren, Oliver and Harvey Hogan.
Al will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His kindness, considerate nature, and unwavering love will forever be remembered. The family will hold a private ceremony to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
As we bid farewell to Al, we carry his memory in our hearts, honoring the legacy of a remarkable man who touched the lives of many.
Frederick S. Eaton ’52
Frederick Eaton, local retired lumberman (Eaton Lumber Company of Ludlow) died peacefully on July 13, 2022 after a long and full life. He will be greatly missed by his best friend and partner Sandra Bruschi, five daughters and sons-in-law, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was an avid golfer and longtime member of Ludlow Country Club. Fred was an active outdoorsman, nature lover, fisherman, athlete, retired lumber business manager, father and a kind and gentle man. Services are private.
Robert S. Little ’73
Robert Shackford Little, 68, of Winchester, Massachusetts, and Laconia, New Hampshire, passed away surrounded by family on Friday, June 2, 2023 after a brief illness.
He leaves Mary Beth née Livingston, his wife of 43 years; his daughter, Kate Little; and his son, Matthew Little, daughter-in-law Erika, and granddaughter Eliana. He also leaves his sister, Jo Binette née Little, and his brother Geoff Little and his wife Esmé Little, as well as nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Bob grew up in Melrose, Massachusetts, and graduated from Williston Academy. He attended Bates College, and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. He also received a business degree from Northeastern University.
Bob spent all or part of every summer of his life on Lake Winnipesaukee, making many life-long friends. His passion was being on the lake in a boat: driving one or building one. As a teenager, he raced a yellow Tahiti in Class A Division water skiing, winning many trophies. Recently, he was active with the New Hampshire Boat Museum in Wolfeboro.
An avid snow skier, Bob travelled around the country skiing various mountains with family and college friends. He was a member of the Gunstock Ski Patrol. Bob was an extremely loyal and loving person, valuing family above all. He loved family traditions and holiday gatherings.
A Memorial Service is planned for later this summer.
Susan Gibson Schiller ’58
Susan Gibson Schiller, 83, passed away on June 9, 2023, at Blossom Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Salem, Ohio. She was born on Aug. 2, 1939, in Youngstown to the late William K. and Constance (Tice) Gibson. Susan graduated from the Northampton School for Girls before attending Centenary College in Hackettstown, N.J., and Youngstown State University. She worked at the Salem Public Library for over 25 years and prior to that was a receptionist for Dr. Howard Moore. She was a charter member of the Board of AID and sat on the Century House board. Susan also volunteered for the Salem Historical Society and its museum for many years. Susan married the late Royal Schiller on Aug. 5, 1961, and they had one son, David A. Schiller. Susan will be remembered by her brother, William K. Gibson Jr. of Poland; sister, Jane Salter ’64 of Corvallis, Oregon; and five nieces. She is preceded in death by her husband, son, parents and one niece. Visitation will be from 4-5 p.m., Wednesday, June 14 at Stark Memorial. A memorial service will immediately follow at 5 p.m., Wednesday, June 14. Burial will take place at Grandview Cemetery. Memorial donations in Susan’s name, can be made to the Salem Public Library, 821 E. State St., Salem, Ohio 44460; or Salem Historical Society Museum, 208 S. Broadway, Salem, Ohio 44460. If unable to attend, join our complimentary “Hugs from Home” program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.