IN MEMORIAM

Gary Spiess 1940–2022

Former trustee and Board Chair Gary Spiess P’87’89’94 passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 25, 2022.

A loyal friend of Holderness, Gary was among the longest-serving trustees in Holderness School’s history, serving on the board from 1992–2005 and again from 2011–2019. Gary’s steady leadership saw the school through head of school transitions, complex economic situations, and a rapidlychanging educational landscape.

As a parent and board member, Gary was devoted to the people at Holderness, the school’s mission, and the commitment to serve others.

Former Head of School Phil Peck recently shared that Holderness would not be the school it is today without Gary Spiess. Indeed, the fingerprints of Gary’s care and thoughtfulness are visible across campus and in the actions of the school.

Gary led a remarkable life, as a devoted father and husband, as a deeply-respected lawyer, and as a volunteer in support of initiatives and organizations committed to justice, health, education, and environmental stewardship.

Bill Morton ’65 1945–2023

Alum and former Trustee Bill Morton ’65 passed away on January 23, 2023. Known for his courage and adventurous spirit, Bill earned his private pilot’s license at 17 and sailed from Newport, RI to Copenhagen, Denmark in a transatlantic race at 21. Bill exemplified the sort of grit that Holderness seeks to build in its students, sharing that “the importance of perseverance by never accepting ‘you cannot’ or ‘should not’ pursue something you are determined to achieve.”

Following his graduation from Middlebury College, Bill entered into a successful career in business, ranging from construction and real estate development to manufacturing, banking, and venture capital.

Bill served on the Holderness Board of Trustees from 1972 to 1990.

Freddy Hall ’04 1985–2022

Bermudan professional soccer player and former Holderness soccer standout Freddy Hall ’04 tragically passed away following a car crash on April 24, 2022.

While at Holderness, Freddy received All-Lakes Region and All-New England recognition. He was also named a Boston Globe All-Scholastic player, a member of the New England Prep School Soccer Association (NEPSSA) Senior All-Star game, and was a nominee for the Boston All-Scholastic Player of the Year.

Freddy began playing college soccer at the University of South Florida before transferring to Quinnipiac University, where he was a threeyear starting goalkeeper. In his senior year, he led the NCAA in total saves. He was also named to ESPN Soccernet’s Top 10 Goalkeepers of 2010 and earned All-Northeastern Conference First Team accolades.

Building on his success in college soccer, Freddy played for a number of professional soccer clubs including Toronto FC, Northampton Town, AFC Telford United, Oxford City, and Limerick. Freddy also represented Bermuda in international competition.

On February 14, Holderness held its first-ever Snow Day. In addition to learning how to ski, skate, and skin up mountains, the community had an amazing day of ice fishing, backcountry Nordic skiing, volunteering with the Squam Lakes Association, and learning how to cook over an open fire.