Burton C. Quist ’68

Burton C. Quist ’68, retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel, died of cancer on January 25 at his home in Middletown, Rhode Island. Born August 7, 1946, in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Charles and Elizabeth (Martin) Quist, Burt was raised and attended high school in nearby West Boylston. At Dartmouth Burt majored in history, served in Navy ROTC, led a freshman trip, and was a rifle team member. He earned M.A. degrees from Wesleyan (teaching) and University of Pennsylvania (international relations). Burt’s life was characterized by his dedication to service of his country and community. Commissioned a Marine in 1969, he followed a tradition begun by his ancestor, Ephraim Chenery, during the Revolutionary War and continued by his father and father-in-law, who served with the Marines at Guadalcanal and New Britain in World War II. Burt served with distinction and retired from active service in 1996 after various deployments and assignments, including teaching at the Naval War College. He met his future wife, Cathy, at a 1st Marine Division reunion. Burt’s contributions to family, the College, the military, and his community are too numerous to detail. Burt’s life was one of service that answered the question he often posed to sons Erik and Carl, who became Marines themselves, when they were young: “What have you done for God and country today?” In addition to his sons, Burt is survived by Cathy, brother Steven, grandchildren, extended family, and many friends.