John Driscoll Wardrop ’59

John Driscoll Wardrop ’59 died on June 21, 2019. He entered Dartmouth from East Grand Rapids (Michigan) High School, majored in history, and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. Following graduation from Dartmouth he took postgraduate courses at Aquinas College and Michigan State University and taught and coached at Forest Hills Central High School near Grand Rapids. John then began a long business career with Sparks Belting Co. and affiliates for about 35 years, including as president for more than 20 years, until his retirement in 2002. He then served as a chair for TEC Midwest, a CEO membership organization. John was an active community volunteer in the Grand Rapids area, serving many organizations, including the local board of education, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, YMCA, and Goodwill Industries. He served as president of the National Industrial Belting Association and was an active supporter of Grand Valley State University, leading its establishment and serving in a mentoring program. He was president of the Dartmouth Club of Western Michigan for a two-year term He was an avid golfer and follower of many sports. He leaves Maribeth, his wife of 53 years; sons Scott and Brett (and his wife Jennifer); three grandsons; and brother Steve.