Harry Fletcher Espenscheid ’34


Harry Fletcher Espenscheid ’34 died April 2 in Santa Barbara, California. His wife, Dorothy, predeceased him. He leaves two sons and a daughter. In college he was very active in the Outing Club, Canoe Club and Cabin & Trail. He was a Dartmouth club vice president in Illinois from 1985 to 1987. Craving adventure, Harry took off after college and traveled around the world, mostly by bike, from 1935 to 1936. He met his wife at a dude ranch he co-owned in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They shared a passion for riding for the rest of their lives. When he entered the Navy in WW II he had to sell the ranch, but that area was in his heart for the rest of his life. After the war he and Dorothy moved to Rockford, Illinois, where Harry bought Northwest Construction. He later established Gypsum Supply Co., which expanded into 10 locations in three states. His son was eventually president and Harry continued to go to the office every day until he was 90. He later sold his company to his employees, some of whom had worked for him for 38 years. He and his wife loved the community and contributed much to it, including land for three parks. An Eagle Scout, Harry was honored by the Boy Scouts of the Blackhawk Area Council last year during their 100th anniversary when they named their bike ride the Harry Espenscheid Tour de Blackhawk. Harry gave generously to his favorite charities, including research projects at the Dartmouth Medical School.