Orson Kirk Spurr ’52

Orson Kirk Spurr ’52 passed away on June 30, 2023. He was born on September 4, 1930, in Cambridge, New York, and graduated from Cambridge High School before earning a degree in chemistry at Dartmouth. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He then attended Cornell University, where he earned an M.S. and Ph.D. in physical chemistry. He retired after 27 years as a research chemist for the engineering plastics division of Union Carbide and three years post-retirement for the Amoco chemical division of Amoco Oil Corp., both in Bound Brook, New Jersey. Following the loss of his wife of 42 years, Janet Nelson, to Alzheimer’s disease in 1994, he began a new vocation as an archaeologist and artifact collector. This interest sprang from his many summer family camp visits to Moosehead Lake, Maine. He participated in more than 40 archaeological excavations in 11 states and published several articles concerning these experiences. His archaeological interests covered the country although his collecting interests focused on Maine and other states of New England and the New York area of his birth. He was a member of several respected archaeological societies, reflecting his continued interest in and commitment to his profession. Many of his photographs were used as illustrations in architectural publications. He is survived by son James ’77, daughter Linda, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.