In Memoriam

Richard Prentice Hopley

Former longtime Westminster faculty member Richard Prentice Hopley of South Windsor, Conn., died May 7. He joined the faculty in 1958 and retired in 1987.

Dick, who was born and raised in Fitchburg, Mass., attended local schools and was a graduate of Fitchburg High School, Class of 1951. He then earned his Dick Hopley B.A. in Latin and classics from Bowdoin College in 1955. He continued his education with a master’s program at Columbia University until being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served his country during the Korean War until his honorable discharge.

While at Westminster, Dick taught Latin, classics, English and drama, and coached hockey, football and baseball. He continues to be honored at Westminster with the annual award of the Richard P. Hopley Excellence in Latin Prize, which is presented to a student who has demonstrated excellence in Latin. Additionally, his legacy is recognized at each term’s awards ceremony when the HopleyJackson Award is given seasonally to the Westminster lower team with the best season. The award is named for Dick and Michael Jackson ’49, who were both lower team coaches for many years at Westminster.

Dick was an avid gardener and enjoyed playing and watching sports.

He is survived by his sister, Jean Hopley Klein; his nephew, Stefan Hopley Klein and his wife, Laura, and two grandnieces, Marlena and Caroline Klein; his stepdaughter, Connie Buch; and three stepgrandchildren, Amy Sach, Ben Woodhouse and Abigail Woodhouse ’12. In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his dear friend Shirley Buch and two stepdaughters, Marcia Buch and Lori Woodhouse ’80.

“Our school community, in particular, alumni who learned Latin from him, who played on his teams, and who benefited from his advice and care, will join me in mourning his passing and celebrating his inspiring legacy,” said former Head of School Bill Philip in announcing Dick’s death. “Personally, I will always remain grateful for the lessons I learned from Dick’s kind and patient perspective, when I was a new, young teacher at Westminster.”

TRIBUTES

Dick Adams, former faculty member

In remembering “Hop,” I can’t help but think how fortunate Westminster and I, a brand-new teacher to the school, were to have him on the faculty. However, to me the greatest beneficiaries of his tutelage were the new Third and Fourth Form boys who had him as their Latin teacher or their coach on the football and baseball fields. Hop brought with him an extraordinary caring affect to his relationships with these boys while quietly instilling the discipline that they would need in the years ahead. He was a “standards man.”

In 2021, we can easily forget the challenges these boys faced at Westminster, wearing the black ties, ever fearful of stepping on the Sixth Form Lawn or going out the “in door” in the dining room. To me, they seemed always on guard. Hop made thirds football and baseball a place where for two hours each day they could be themselves — relax and have fun — and in football (which was strongly encouraged for all new boys) confront the physical nature of the sport. As his assistant, I was immediately aware of the fear that a number of these boys felt playing football, but Hop wonderfully encouraged them that they were up to those challenges and up to all the other challenges that lay ahead of them. It was a great introduction for those boys to Westminster. Their respect and commitment to him were a wonderful testament to a man who was deeply committed to Westminster and the students in his care.

Alan Brooks ’55, former faculty member

I have many fond feelings for Dick Hopley, my next-door neighbor for many years on Hopmeadow Street, not the least of which for his patient assistance in helping my oldest child get through his third year of Latin.

But equally dear in my mind was the assistance Dick gave me one afternoon when mowing my lawn, I stupidly drew the machine over my right toe. My wife was unavailable at the time, and our two very young boys playing in the yard, finally recognizing my agonized groans, could offer little help. But Dick from his window spotted my situation and, without missing a beat, managed somehow to get me, roughly twice his size, into his car and off to the emergency room at Hartford Hospital. Along the way, ignoring the mess I was making in his car, Dick chattered away, fearful I suppose that I might pass out on him. Dick stayed with me at the ER until my wife showed up.

Thank you, Dick, for being a great teacher, neighbor and friend.

Nelson Van Atta ’64

I have very vivid memories of Mr. Hopley. He helped guide me through my early years at Westminster. He had a large amount of empathy and his kindness is not forgotten. My condolences to all in his family.

D.G. Van Clief Jr. ’66

Although I was not a Latin scholar, I played on Mr. Hopley’s football and hockey teams. He was a wonderful teacher and caring mentor at all times, and all of us who benefited from his skills as an educator will always remember him with great fondness.

TRIBUTES

Jim Mendillo ’67

I never had Mr. Hopley in class, however, he coached us in hockey and football. Back then, in the fall, we had JV and varsity soccer and four full teams of football! I had the pleasure of being one of his “grunts” as a novice fourth team offensive and defensive lineman my Third Form year. I was a third line forward, defenseman and backup goalie on Fourth Team Hockey for two years. Coach Hopley commanded respect and taught us fundamentals, teamwork and discipline. RIP, coach!

Keith Barrand ’68

One thing I remember about Dick Hopley is the dog he had that used to run around the athletic fields. The dog’s name was “Boozer,” and if you threw a rock into the woods, Boozer would retrieve it and bring it back to you. It might take him an hour, but when he finally came back, he had the rock. Not just A rock, THE rock! He was my coach on the third and fourth hockey teams.

David Hays ’77

Sad to hear of Mr. Hopley’s passing. No offense to anyone, but my favorite teacher. Perhaps it was because I was not all that good at Latin, but he never made you feel so. Perhaps it was the five-point bonus questions on every test: What is the name of the hill that the school sits on? Or, the baseball field is named for what former teacher? Two of his favorites. Or when we all had a good laugh one class, when he had a piece of chalk in one hand and a cigarette in the other, and mistakenly put the chalk in his mouth. “Dum vivet,” Mr. Hopley. Long live, Westminster School!

William Graham ’77

Mr. Hopley had great patience when he tried to teach a North Carolina boy Latin! He also had great patience when he coached some thirds teams I was on. He is one of the most memorable faculty members I had.

Tony D’Agostino ’80

Mr. Hopley was a kind gentleman and scholar. He made Latin easy. Impossible for a lesser man to have done so. I had the privilege of living in “Hopley House” my Sixth Form year. Mr. and Mrs. Hopley treated us like extended family. I cannot credit Mr. Hopley with this, but Mrs. Hopley made the best apple pie that I have ever had in my life. She refused to give me her family recipe. To Mr. and Mrs. Hopley, to Lori, may you rest in peace.

John Hamblett ’80

Mr. Hopley was a great person, coach and advisor. He was very thoughtful and patient and really helped me during my first two years at Westminster. He taught me the love of the game and to keep working hard. I have many fond memories of him.

Gay Sheffield ’81

Mr. Hopley was a patient teacher, a good human being and kind. Obtaining a classics minor along with a Bachelor of Science degree later in college may seem a paradox, but it was directly a result of the lessons he taught in the translation of ancient words, in rhythm, conveying timeless emotions. Thank you, Mr. Hopley. Sincerest condolences to his family and grandchildren.

Roderick A. Smith ’81

Mr. Hopley was my Latin professor for my freshman through junior years, and my lower team football and baseball coach for my first two years. Of the many excellent teachers and influencers who helped shape my academic growth at Westy, he was by far the most impactful and, undoubtedly, my favorite. I imagine I’m not alone in that sentiment. Thank you, Mr. Hopley. I will always remember and be grateful for the important role you played in my life.

Perry Welch ’81

My remembrances go out to Dick Hopley. He was one of my favorite teachers in the early ’80s. I actually use Latin all the time in my profession that involves botany. I think of Mr. Hopley from time to time. Thank you, Dick. You made a positive impression on my life.

Peter Sonne ’87

I have some fond memories of Mr. Hopley and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He was my faculty advisor and my Latin teacher for all four years. He definitely had a positive influence on my experience at Westminster!

OBITUARIES

1945

James Barnett Slimmon Jr. died Aug. 10. Born in Hartford, Conn., he is survived by his wife, Julie Ann Hovey Slimmon, and three children, Jamie Somes ’76, Ann Woolsey, Andrew Slimmon, and eight grandchildren. He lived in West Hartford before moving to Bloomfield, where he was part of the Duncaster community. He served in World War II in the U.S. Army.

Jim was the former owner of the James B. Slimmon Jr. Insurance Agency in Hartford, which merged in 1972 with R.C. Knox & Co., where he was a senior vice president until he retired in 1987. He was a devoted member of the greater Hartford community, serving as a trustee of Westminster from 1972-1976 and Renbrook School in West Hartford, a corporator of Hartford Hospital and as a committee member of Asylum Hill Church. At Westminster, he was also a class agent 1994-1998 and reunion chair in 2010. He was equally passionate about his summer community in Weekapaug, R.I. An avid sailor, he was a former commodore of the Weekapaug Yacht Club and of the Off-Soundings Club.

1953

Thatcher Magoun Brown III died June 25, 2020. A native of Rye, N.Y., Tim spent a year at the Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, England, returning to attend Yale University, Class of 1958. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, Military Police Battalion 728, serving in Seoul, South Korea, until 1960 when he joined the Wall Street office of Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. He received his master’s degree in business and finance from New York University in 1966. At a waltzing party in 1961, he met Sarah (Sally) Louise Brown, and they were married in 1963. Their dance together lasted 56 years and was enlivened by three children and six grandchildren.

His interest in the management of philanthropic organizations led to the establishment with Sally of ST Brown Associates, a fundraising advisory firm for not-for-profit organizations and a two-year position as the first advancement director at the Yale School of Organization and Management, (now Yale School of Management). Tim and Sally went on to purchase the Barrows House in Dorset, Vt., a country inn which they ran as a family enterprise for seven years. An apartment on Central Park West remained Tim’s true home for 50 years, and he referred to Central Park as his “country place.” For a time in the late 1960s, Tim served on the executive committee at Westminster.

1954

Harry D. Conkey II died March 26, 2020. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and longtime Mendotan. Harry was born in Mendota, Ill., and attended Blackstone School until 1943, when his father, Robert, purchased the Matthiessen home and property in Deer Park. There, he attended a one-room country school and developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. He learned to hunt, fish and trap along the Vermilion River. He routinely hit 20 of 25 clay pigeons, even well into his 70s and with his grandfather’s dependable old Browning 12 gauge.

Harry attended Cornell University, but only for his freshman year. He often said all the activities that accompany living in a fraternity contributed to his “failing out.” His father, unamused, recommended the military, and in November 1955, Harry enlisted in the U.S. Navy for two years and was assigned to Great Lakes Naval Academy. In 1956, he started dating the love of his life, Lynn Sitterly. They were married in the spring of 1957, and their marriage lasted 63 happy, adventurous years.

Harry graduated from Lake Forest College in 1959 with degrees in both religion and business. He considered attending seminary, but he joined the family business, H. D. Conkey & Co., founded by his grandfather in 1907. Harry’s love for Mendota and community was boundless. He was a board member for 19 years and past president of the Mendota Community Hospital, a pioneering volunteer with Lynn of the Mendota Community Ambulance Service, a volunteer with Mendota Civil Defense, and a charter member and past president of Mendota Rotary Club. He also served on the board of the National Bank of Mendota.

In addition to his wife, Harry is survived by three children and many grandchildren.

1957

Keith B. McCulloch died March 30. Born in 1939, he was an accomplished artist who studied at Yale School of Art. His paintings can be found hanging in homes all over the world. After art school, he sailed the high seas for a few years. He was also an accomplished fisherman and owned a few deep-sea charter boats in the 1970s in Sarasota, Fla. He is survived by his wife, Karen, two sons and their mother, two stepchildren and several grandchildren.

1958

Henri Morton Whitman died Feb. 5. His wife Jennifer, whom he married in 1974, writes: “One of the first trips we made after our wedding was to your beautiful campus. He told me many stories about his years at Westminster; a lot of them were hilarious. He had a huge fund of funny stories.”

Mort was born in Manhattan right at the beginning of World War II, and the war left its mark on him. He remembered seeing flashing lights across the water when on vacation on Long Island, legacy of the Battle of the Atlantic. And he remembered his mother’s anxiety over her family in Holland under the Nazis, and her brother in a Japanese concentration camp during the war. He maintained a lifelong interest in the war.

Mort sang in choirs all his life, starting at the age of 8. He learned music by ear.

He attended grade school in New York and spent two summers on a working cattle ranch in Wyoming. Mort was a storyteller, and many of his funniest stories came from those two formative summers.

He was told he was not college material and went into the U.S. Army after graduation. While in the Army, he met Roger Fleming, his lifelong friend and mentor. After resigning from the army, he attended Lycoming College in Williamsport, Penn. He graduated with a degree in English literature in 1964. From there he went to Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania, working all kinds of ministries while on summer break.

After receiving his master’s degree in divinity from Westminster Theological Seminary, he received a call from students at the College of William and Mary to come and start a church. The church he started as Westminster Chapel, OPC, is still going strong as Grace Covenant PCA. Mort pastored at several churches, became a missionary and worked as a hospital chaplain. He leaves behind his wife and two children.

Warren Sanford Stone III died July 9. Warren was born in Washington, D.C., to the late Warren Sanford Stone II ’26 and Margaret South Stone. He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Jane, in 2006. Warren grew up in Bethesda, Md., and graduated from Duke University in 1962. After joining the Air Force ROTC in college, he served for two years in San Antonio, Texas. Upon completion of his active duty tour, he began his career in investment banking in Washington, D.C., before joining the Wilmington Trust Company in Wilmington, Del., in 1972. He worked in the personal trust department until 2000. He carried on managing personal trust assets, retiring in 2016 after an extensive and successful career. Warren enjoyed traveling, with favorite trips including Antarctica, Norway, France, the Caribbean and the American West. He is survived by three daughters, six grandchildren and a sister.

1963

Dennis A. Diemand died Aug. 16. Although Dennis began battling serious health issues starting in his 30s, he always found a way to smile. He was born in the middle of a blizzard in New Britain, Conn. He grew up in Middlebury, Conn., and attended McTernan School in Waterbury before heading to Westminster, followed by Dickinson College. A former resident of many Waterbury suburbs, he resided in Wolcott until 2015.

Dennis began his career at Uniroyal in the footwear division. He went on to work for BIC pen and Paparazzo Construction before buying Thomaston Industries in the late 1980s. Dennis worked to modernize all aspects of the Thomaston factory and continued as president of the company until it was sold in 2014.

Some of Dennis’s fondest memories took place at the Country Club of Waterbury. He spent many summers there in his youth learning to play golf and tennis, and perfecting his swimming. In fact, it was reported that he was the first person to dive into the club pool when it opened in the mid-1950s. As an adult, he enjoyed playing golf there every weekend and joined the Night Riders league weeknights. One of his favorite golf moments was when he birdied the 18th green at St. Andrews in Scotland, the day after the British Open had been played there.

In 2010, Dennis began spending winters in Venice, Fla., where he loved the beaches, sunsets and the community where he lived. In 2012, he was elected to the board of directors of the community and served as a board member, president and treasurer before retiring in 2020.

He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings, Judith Diemand and Robert Diemand ’60. In addition to his wife, Rosalind (Finn) of 33 years, he leaves his children, stepchildren, five grandchildren and his loyal rescue dog, Buddy.

1966

William W. Bodine III, who died April 30, grew up in Villanova, Penn. Many of Warren’s Westminster classmates remained his lifelong friends. In 1969, after his second year at Lake Forest College in Illinois, he entered the U.S. Army and was assigned as a sergeant to combat forces in Vietnam. A year later, he received the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster for helping save the life of his commanding officer, then captain, now retired, Gen. Wesley K. Clark. Later that same year, Warren received a near fatal head wound and was awarded the Purple Heart.

After the war, Warren settled in Rockland, Maine, where he became an active and much respected member of the community. In 1978, he bought the local independent bookstore, The Reading Corner, and the following year, expanded the business by moving it across the street from its original location where it remained a vital part of the downtown shopping district for almost 40 years. Warren loved his staff and customers at The Reading Corner, and his business is often credited with leading the 1980s revival of downtown Rockland.

Warren’s longtime housemate, friend and bookstore manager, Brian Harden, remembers the store being “remarkably well stocked by Warren, who always bought too much for the budget … but the customers loved it. … He also refused to cut hours or lay off staff when business was slow, knowing that they depended on him for their employment.” Warren and Brian co-ran The Reading Corner and stayed active in the Downtown Rockland Association until Warren closed the store and retired in 2015. He later sold the building to Loyal Biscuit Co.

Perhaps most personally rewarding was Warren’s longtime involvement in the Rockland Historical Society, where he was a founding member and served for many years on its board and as treasurer. He helped the society’s landmark effort to purchase and restore the birthplace of Edna St. Vincent Millay and to set it up as an independent nonprofit.

Warren was predeceased by his parents, his younger sister and favorite aunt. He is survived by his brother Lawrence Dilworth Bodine ’69 and his family; his sister Anne Bodine Cresci and her husband; as well as Anne’s son and his family; and by his friend Brian Harden.

Retired U.S. Army Gen. Wes Clark writes: “To me, he was Sergeant Bodine, the best of our hand-picked sniper team. Competent, calm, totally reliable, an outstanding soldier and leader. He walked point on the day I went on patrol with second platoon, A Company, 1-16 Infantry. We were on foot, on patrol, in a woodcutting zone near the village of Long Thanh in Vietnam, Feb. 19, 1970. We were tracking an enemy force. It was almost 4 p.m., the sky cloudless, the sun beginning to sink. The jungle was thick, green, with a broad, hard-packed path. We knew the enemy was close. We crossed a little footbridge, quietly, well-spaced out, alert and Sergeant Bodine looked back at me and whispered, ‘We’ve lost the trail.’ He was the best ... how could he have lost the trail? I wondered. I went forward and he was right. The trail ended. Just then the enemy saw us and opened fire. I was hit in the first burst. We scrambled back. Sergeant Bodine covered me, returning fire and placing himself between the enemy and me. We called for the rest of the platoon, and they charged up and we overran the enemy position. But for a few moments it was the ‘gunfight at OK Corral,’ with the bullets whizzing by and the outcome in doubt. Sergeant Bodine saved my life. I have always been grateful. I was evacuated and sent home to recover. He soldiered on. I’m glad he survived and had a good life, did good things for his community and had a family. Fiftyone years ago. Seems like only yesterday. He was a good man. I send my deep condolences to all the family and my everlasting gratitude to Sergeant Bodine for his courage that day.”

1971

Jonathan P. Edwards died May 28. Jon grew up in Villanova, Penn., with a sister, Lee, and two brothers, George and Ned ’76. Jon attended The Haverford School in Pennsylvania and Franklin & Marshall College. At Franklin & Marshall, he helped pioneer the squash program while also captaining the tennis team. He moved to New York after college, working in metals trading at various firms. Jon met his wife, Libby Edwards, in 1979 in New York, and they were married in 1986. Jon and Libby have two sons, Reed ’05 and Charlie, and raised them in Bedford, N.Y. Jon worked locally at Ginnel Real Estate. He was actively involved in the local sports community and helped shape the tennis program at Bedford Golf and Tennis Club as well as being club champion in tennis, paddle and golf. He is survived by his wife, sons and brothers.

1973

Michael S. Kennedy died Oct. 3. Born in Danville, Penn., he graduated with a degree in economics from Gettysburg College in 1977 and completed two postgraduate programs in benefits and retirement plans at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Mike was in the financial services business since 1977, holding various management, sales, consulting and administrative positions with Wachovia, Meridian Bank and American Bank. Most recently, he founded the Kennedy Group at Merrill Lynch and served as a senior financial adviser and vice president.

Michael is survived by Leda Kennedy (Noecker), his wife of 44 years, as well as his two children. Michael was one of the founders of the Wyomissing Area Basketball Club, and coached youth basketball, soccer and baseball. He loved collecting Lionel trains, playing guitar and working on home improvement projects. He also served as president of Rho Beta Fraternity at Gettysburg College.

1974

John Robert Huber Jr. died March 7. Born in Tuxedo Park, N.Y., to Hanni and John Huber, Jack was humble, hardworking, honorable, kind, sweet and charismatic. He spent his life protecting his family, making certain they were well taken care of through love and support. Jack will continue to be the glue that keeps his family together. Jack is survived by his mother, sister, wife, eight children and 12 grandchildren.

Classmate Tom Browne writes: “After graduating Westminster, he earned his degree in economics from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, before spending his career in the financial industry in New York City. I have known Jack since early our freshman year, but it wasn’t until we went to Hobart where we became close, lifelong friends. Humble, quick-witted and with an endless sense of humor, he was the friend you always wanted to have around. But I most admired his devotion to his tight-knit, loving family. I wish I had asked him what his secret was to raising such an amazing clan. I’m sure it would have been met with a quick flip answer that would only make me laugh.”

1975

James DeCamp Redway died Feb. 7. The son of the late Albert ’48 and Eleanor (Nonnie) Redway, he was the husband of the late Elizabeth (Liza) Bean Redway who predeceased him last year. The couple had dated since 1974 and were happily married for 38 years. Jim is survived by their two sons.

Jim received his bachelor’s degree from Hartwick College in 1979 and worked as a laboratory researcher for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Jim’s independent work in marine biology led to a peer-reviewed publication in Bios magazine. Entrepreneurial by nature, Jim launched James Redway Furniture in the early 1980s, which specialized in 18th-century furniture reproductions and other fine handcrafted pieces. His award-

winning work was displayed at The Silver Cherry, a fine American crafts shop that he and his wife operated in Woodbury, Conn. By the mid-’90s, he launched Knightlite Software LLC, which created computer study software for firefighters, EMTs and paramedics. Jim was a longtime member of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department, where he formerly served as a fire officer and EMT.

Jim enjoyed cooking and developing recipes, which he shared in his Silver Cherry Cookbook. He was particularly fond of carrying on family traditions, which included annual treks to Nantucket, making the most of every Christmas and donning tricorn hats and firing the family “cannon” July 4. He also took over, along with his brother, his paternal grandparents’ second home in Stockbridge, Mass., which he regularly visited and rented to vacationers.

In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his brother and his wife. Had he lived a month longer, Jim would have been a grandfather for the first time.

1976

Edwin Weinberg Davidson, who died Sept. 1, was born in New Britain, Conn. He was loved by his siblings, Jodi Davidson, Larry Davidson ’74, Andy Herrmann and Diana Davidson. He was predeceased by his father, stepfather and his stepmother.

Ned attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned a degree in finance. After graduating, he went to New Orleans, where he took part in the retail training program at D.H. Holmes stores. After a detour to Dallas, he made his way back to Connecticut and the family business, D&L Stores. While Ned had worked in the stores and warehouse during the summers of his high school and college years, it was time to share in the behind-the-scenes of merchandising. He later became senior vice president and merchandise manager of The Weathervane stores, another division of D&L Venture Corp. Ned left Weathervane in 2004 to start Jade Marketing Group. Along with his partner, John McKelvey, Ned established a successful and well-respected denim business.

Ned met his wife, Carla Brunalli Davidson, when they worked together at D&L. They were married for 33 years. Inducing laughter was one of Ned’s greatest talents, which contributed to his success as a dad. He excelled at being a father to his two children. His family was his priority, and he was never happier than when spending time with them, meeting their friends and witnessing their accomplishments.

Ned was a gifted athlete and enjoyed sports all his life. His golf swing was a thing of beauty, and his drives enviable. He loved the Yankees and spent a number of happy days at the stadium with his family. He loved to vacation, and beach trips with his family to Grand Cayman were cherished times. He was always ready to do something or go somewhere. His spirit and zest for life will be missed by many.

2001

John Spencer Morton, who died May 10, is survived by his wife and two children. Most recently, Spencer was living and working in Jackson Hole, Wyo., where he was the owner of the Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School. In 2012 and 2013, he was designated as a Top Wyoming Guide and continued to play hockey for the Moose Hockey team. Following Westminster, Spencer attended the University of Vermont.

Former faculty member Tom Earl, who coached Spencer in hockey, writes: “I remember Spencer as an athlete who was committed to the game of ice hockey. I will always remember him as a kind and authentic young man who just loved to play the game of hockey for Westminster.”

Former faculty member Peter Briggs ’71 writes: “I’m grateful that the Westminster community got to know and work with this special, caring young man. The pride of Stowe, Vt. I’m also thankful that Spencer’s occupation in adulthood provided him the love and joy of the outdoors, his true passion in life. He will be sorely missed.”

2018

Sam Leopold died unexpectedly in July.

Classmate Matt Cosentino writes: “During Sam’s four years at Westminster, he was known for his great sense of humor, his humble demeanor, his kindness and his maturity. Athletically, Sam was a great teammate and everyone enjoyed taking the field with him. Sam was a very talented baseball player and was one of the varsity baseball team’s captains during his Sixth Form year. Sam will be remembered most for being a loyal friend and for how much he loved his family. Sam adored his parents, all five of his siblings, his two nieces, his grandfather and his late dog, Tessie.”

Members of the Westminster Community

William Nairne Bailey, who served on the Westminster faculty from 1955-1963, died March 5. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeannette, three children, several grandchildren and an extended family. A native of Baltimore, Md., he attended Catonsville High School and then continued his studies at the College of William and Mary. During college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and joined Columbia University’s Midshipmen School, eventually becoming a member of the U.S. Navy Air Corps. During his service, he earned the World War II Victory Ribbon as well as the American Area Campaign Ribbon. Following Pearl Harbor, he returned to his love of learning, studying at Princeton University and then resuming his studies at the College of William and Mary to earn both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Bill successfully worked as a buyer for WR Grace Shipping for several years, but his love of academia, guided him to education once again, this time as a beloved math teacher; coach of swimming, football, track and baseball; and as a mentor to students, student teachers and colleagues alike. He was a

teacher, department chair and headmaster in prep schools up and down the East Coast, as well as the island of Aruba, for over 40 years.

C. Stephen Heard Jr., a former trustee from 1986-1991 and a member of the Centennial Campaign Committee in 1988, died Sept. 6, 2020. He is survived by his children, Erica Heard Reilly ’86 and Lindsey C. Heard ’89, five grandchildren and his wife, Perrin B. Heard. Originally from Westwood, Mass., Steve went on to study at Dedham Country Day School, Milton Academy, Harvard College — graduating cum laude in 1958 — and Stanford Law School in 1964. Steve became passionate about education and, in turn, giving back to the schools that helped guide him.

Former faculty member Dora Moncada died Aug. 15 in Washington, D.C. She served on the faculty teaching Spanish and was involved in the community service program from 1997–2005. Her husband, Luis, was a fixture on the faculty for almost 20 years (1986–2005), teaching Spanish, coaching soccer and serving as Language Department chair. They were warm, vital members of the Westminster community, always ready to share their time and energy with students and colleagues alike.

Dora’s students over her 34-year teaching career included those from Dublin School, Ethel Walker School and Westminster, where she taught various levels of Spanish including Advanced Placement courses. Dora and Luis had been enjoying their retirement years in the country of their birth, Colombia, South America. They spent summers in the United States visiting family and friends from coast to coast. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter and grandson.

Linda Sullivan Powers died July 17. She grew up in Wellesley, Mass., and attended Bates Elementary School and Wellesley High School, where she played field hockey and thrived in a strong academic program that nurtured her curiosity about languages, cultures and the workings of the world. She graduated from what is now known as Manhattanville College in 1969 as a Russian language major. In June 1969, she married Lewis (Jerry) Powers. They lived in Hartford until 1972, when they moved to Westminster where Jerry taught art as a faculty member while Linda, having earned her master’s degree in teaching, taught first grade in Windsor Locks.

Linda thrived in the community atmosphere of Westminster. She and Jerry had two sons, Lewis (Jay) and Sam ’94, and she stopped teaching to focus on being a mother. She later returned to the classroom as a wonderfully creative volunteer in Simsbury and as a long-term substitute on Block Island. While raising her sons, she became a dedicated wrestling and soccer mom. Linda took great joy in people and served as a second mother to countless soccer and wrestling teammates, Westminster and Yale students, and West Point cadets.

One of the great highlights of the family’s life was living in a small town in southern France for a year when Jerry had a sabbatical. In 2000, Linda and Jerry moved to Block Island where they became part of another extraordinary, small community. Among her recent enthusiasms were gardening, selling jewelry at the Not New Boutique and learning American Sign Language. She is survived by her husband, sons, grandchildren and siblings.