I trust your holidays were happy and healthy—and now we move forward into 2013. Another milestone for the class of ’38—nigh on to 75 years out—keep thinking the possibilities!


Received acknowledgement from the Dartmouth athletic sponsors program thanking the class for “renewing our athletic sponsor program membership with a recent donation of $1,000 for the 2012-13 year.”


Received word of the passing of Eugene Waggaman. Gene enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the magazine industry, primarily as general manager of Motorboating and Sailing and marketing director for Newsweek. As successful as Gene was in his professional endeavors, his priority was always his family, a value he instilled in his children that is continuing to be passed down from one generation to the next. His progeny also inherited, in varying degrees, Gene’s wicked sense of humor and penchant for one-liners and puns, a value perhaps less treasured by family members unrelated by blood. We have also learned of the death of Robert Southworth. He was the only U.S. Navy veteran of WW II I’ve known who wrote of his service in terms that made it sound as if it were a trip to the amusement park with often scary rides on the roller coasters. During the last three or four years he suffered severe spinal scoliosis that virtually welded his chin to his breastbone. Despite that, he was among the few we could count on every single day for a hearty laugh. Our deepest sympathy to their families.


I saved this comment for last as I feel it explains what the class of ’38 epitomizes: “Maybe old age isn’t for sissies, but Bob Southworth did his darndest to make it a romp in the park right up to age 95. More like him coming out of Dartmouth would be a good idea.” This written by Harry Hampton ’45. I guess this says it all as relates to all gentle-“men of Dartmouth” and for people everywhere.


Bless you all—stay well!


—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road, Unit O-139, Wilbraham, MA 01095