The class of 1961 recently lost a valuable and dedicated member. Pete Synnott passed away on February 18 after battling advanced Parkinson’s disease for the past 15 to 20 years. In spite of his deteriorating physical condition and his declining ability to communicate orally, since our Vail, Colorado, mini-reunion in the mid-1990s, Pete and his aide attended nearly every class reunion and mini-reunion event during the past 15-plus years. Not only did Pete attend these class events, but he was an active participant in each and every one. Through the years Pete became a rallying symbol for our class, a small but persevering class with few superstars but lots of camaraderie and participation, as well as the ability and willingness to look after each other. Fortunately, Pete was able to attend our 50th reunion last spring, where the class, justifiably so, acknowledged publically at a major class function Pete’s tangible and intangible contribution to the great class of 1961 and presented him with a special class award. In closing, I would propose that the class of 1961 dedicate its upcoming fall 2012 on-campus mini-reunion weekend to his memory. I believe that Pete would appreciate that. Let us know what you think.


On another tack, Ken Walker, and his wife, Margot, are the proud parents of two daughters, one of whom, Leese, graduated from Dartmouth in 1991, while the other daughter, Sabrina, is a special-needs person who has accomplished many things in her young life of 38 years. Sabrina has been an inspiration to the entire family with her perseverance and her athletic achievements in overcoming many difficulties to become a champion in Special Olympics gymnastics at the World Games in 1995; she now competes successfully in the Special Olympics equestrian program. Through the years Ken has become increasingly active in the Special Olympics program and has helped many participants, as well as the program itself. Kudos to Ken (and Margot).


Art Kelton was actively involved (with Steve Waterhouse) in the publication of the recent book on the history of skiing at Dartmouth project. He has also been very active in the production of the upcoming film on the same history of skiing project, including the contribution to skiing by the ski program at Dartmouth College and by numerous Dartmouth alumni. Anyone wishing to become involved or more involved financially or otherwise should contact Art to discuss.


Note that the date for this year’s on-campus class mini-reunion has been revised to the weekend of October 12-14. Class mini-reunion co-chair Maynard Wheeler stated that this was done in order to allow for more options and to prepare a better weekend of events for our classmates. Since this revised date encompasses both my birthday (October 13) and that of my “fraternal twin” Dave Prewitt, we are both happy with the change and look forward to once again sharing our mutual birthday. As a footnote, we tried to palm off to our classmates that Dave and I were “identical twins,” but found out quickly that this designation simply did not pass muster with our Ivy League classmates.


—Victor S. Rich, 5 Red Ground Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568; victor.rich@rsmi.com