Class Note 1996
Issue
Sept - Oct 2016
This year has been one of wonderful highs and saddening lows for the class of 1996. In the year following a wonderful reunion in Hanover, we’ve faced both the good and the bad: welcoming multiple class babies into the world and saying goodbye to a beloved classmate for the first time in many years. It is in keeping with the patterns of recent months that this Class Notes brings with it the same mix of emotions.
For the second time this year I regret having to inform the class of the passing of a fellow ’96. I heard from his sister, Cynthia, that Tom McClure passed away on June 14 after a long battle with liver disease. He had been living since the late 1990s in Seattle, where he worked in information technology sales and customer support, acting as a nationwide consultant to many leading corporations. Throughout high school in his hometown of Richardson, Texas, and also during his tenure at Dartmouth, Tom was an avid track and field participant, excelling at the high jump in particular (with a personal record of 6’9”). He was also a member of Zeta Psi who brought a unique viewpoint to many a conversation. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in English literature. His sister wanted to remember him as a “brilliant thinker who was kind and generous with keen wit and a loyal friend to many” and who loved the outdoors, gardening and sharing his love of fishing. He was also a beloved son, brother of four sisters and uncle to two nephews who all “will cherish his memory forever.” His family will be holding a memorial service on August 27 in Richardson. They have also established a memorial fund in his honor through the University of Washington’s School of Nursing in recognition of more than 10 years of inpatient and outpatient care he received at their Harborview Hospital. After a valiant battle, may you finally know peace, Tom.
On a much happier front, it is also my honor to pass along some cheerful news as well. I was elated to hear that Mal (Wrenn) Corbin met her match, marrying Greg Corbin on May 14 at a quaint little inn on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She indicated that they lucked out with the most beautiful day, but one that was not lacking in a healthy dose of adventure as well! While she was off with girlfriends for a pre-wedding hair appointment, Greg and her 12-year old son Jack went out for a bike ride with just a few hours to go before the ceremony. Jack, who incidentally was doubling as the couple’s “best man,” fell off his bike and hurt his wrist. He still managed to walk her down the aisle and handle all his best man duties for the evening—only to discover the next day that he had actually broken his wrist! Mal was happy to report that the cast was coming off in the final days of June, but that it provided a day that none of them will ever forget (especially Jack!). Congratulations to the now family of three and here’s to many injury-free years ahead!
Lastly, in another bit of joyful news, I’m elated to report the arrival of Jonathan David Lee, who was born to Ken Lee and his wife, Becky (Symmes) Lee ’98, on June 3. He joins his two older sisters and helps dad even the household gender balance a good bit! Welcome to the extended Dartmouth family, Jonathan, and congrats to the entire Lee family on their newest member!
—Garrett Gil de Rubio, 1062 Middlebrooke Drive, Canton, GA 30115; ggdr@alum.dartmouth.org
For the second time this year I regret having to inform the class of the passing of a fellow ’96. I heard from his sister, Cynthia, that Tom McClure passed away on June 14 after a long battle with liver disease. He had been living since the late 1990s in Seattle, where he worked in information technology sales and customer support, acting as a nationwide consultant to many leading corporations. Throughout high school in his hometown of Richardson, Texas, and also during his tenure at Dartmouth, Tom was an avid track and field participant, excelling at the high jump in particular (with a personal record of 6’9”). He was also a member of Zeta Psi who brought a unique viewpoint to many a conversation. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at Dallas with a degree in English literature. His sister wanted to remember him as a “brilliant thinker who was kind and generous with keen wit and a loyal friend to many” and who loved the outdoors, gardening and sharing his love of fishing. He was also a beloved son, brother of four sisters and uncle to two nephews who all “will cherish his memory forever.” His family will be holding a memorial service on August 27 in Richardson. They have also established a memorial fund in his honor through the University of Washington’s School of Nursing in recognition of more than 10 years of inpatient and outpatient care he received at their Harborview Hospital. After a valiant battle, may you finally know peace, Tom.
On a much happier front, it is also my honor to pass along some cheerful news as well. I was elated to hear that Mal (Wrenn) Corbin met her match, marrying Greg Corbin on May 14 at a quaint little inn on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She indicated that they lucked out with the most beautiful day, but one that was not lacking in a healthy dose of adventure as well! While she was off with girlfriends for a pre-wedding hair appointment, Greg and her 12-year old son Jack went out for a bike ride with just a few hours to go before the ceremony. Jack, who incidentally was doubling as the couple’s “best man,” fell off his bike and hurt his wrist. He still managed to walk her down the aisle and handle all his best man duties for the evening—only to discover the next day that he had actually broken his wrist! Mal was happy to report that the cast was coming off in the final days of June, but that it provided a day that none of them will ever forget (especially Jack!). Congratulations to the now family of three and here’s to many injury-free years ahead!
Lastly, in another bit of joyful news, I’m elated to report the arrival of Jonathan David Lee, who was born to Ken Lee and his wife, Becky (Symmes) Lee ’98, on June 3. He joins his two older sisters and helps dad even the household gender balance a good bit! Welcome to the extended Dartmouth family, Jonathan, and congrats to the entire Lee family on their newest member!
—Garrett Gil de Rubio, 1062 Middlebrooke Drive, Canton, GA 30115; ggdr@alum.dartmouth.org