InMemory Fall 2024

Constance (Crandall) Britt ’45 on March 6, 2024. Connie studied economics at Kalamazoo College. She married Max Holt Britt in 1946. They moved to Union County, New Mexico, and had two children before moving to Los Angeles. In 1966, Max succumbed to a heart attack. Widowed with two children, Connie moved the family to Lubbock, Texas, where her sister lived. There Connie became involved with conformation dog shows, a hobby she enjoyed for the next two decades. Connie moved to Denver, then to Austin. She was involved with the League of Women Voters. Connie enjoyed music all her life (cutting her own demo recording as a teenager), especially big band music; once she moved to Austin, she quickly found kindred spirits in support of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. In the early ’80s she took a trip with her daughter to Europe—13 countries in 27 days!—that sparked an insatiable travel appetite. Connie visited all seven continents, several more than once, including five trips to her favorite destination—Africa. In 2008, she discovered the island of Salt Spring in British Columbia, and promptly set up a summer residence schedule. In her 100th year, she was able to spend 10 weeks in her Canadian home, bird watching and reading a novel a day. Constance was predeceased by a granddaughter, Melanie. She is survived by her daughter; son; granddaughter, Winter; and great-grandson.

Joseph Pizzat ’49 on January 27, 2024. Joe enlisted in the Air Force and served his country in the occupational forces in Europe after World War II. Upon his return, he attended Gannon University before transferring to Kalamazoo College, where he studied art and competed on the elite tennis team. He met Ruth Carol Lusk ’52 at K; they married and moved to New York City. Joe earned a Doctorate in Education in fine arts and art education at Columbia University. He was an art professor at colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Minnesota and South Dakota. In 1972, Joe and his family moved back to his hometown of Creekside, Pennsylvania. He taught at Mercyhurst College for 32 years, primarily in art appreciation and art education. As a United States Professional Tennis Association master tennis professional for over 55 years, he taught the game of a lifetime to hundreds of people of all ages. During the summers, Joe and his family worked at various country clubs in the Midwest and Northeast. In 2004, Joe and Ruth retired to South Carolina to be near their son and family. He continued teaching art and playing tennis. Since 2014, they have lived in Columbia, Missouri, close to their daughter and her family. Joe was a loving husband and father whose joy for life was infectious. He was a humble man with a deep faith in God, which he expressed uniquely through his many religious works of art. Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Ruth, two children, four granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.

Ronald Harvey ’52 on May 8, 2024. Ron was born in Kalamazoo, the oldest son of Loree and Lois Harvey ’29. He attended Kalamazoo College and graduated from Northwestern University with a B.S. in business administration. Ron and Louise J. Bauer were married in 1952, after which Ron served for four years in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. In 1956, Ron joined Equitable Life Insurance Co., retiring as owner of Harvey Financial Services in 1996. Ron was an active member and officer of many community groups and a 50-year member of the YMCA, playing for a decade on the Y’s traveling power volleyball team. He enjoyed racing his Hobie Cat and often crewed for others in Gull Lake sailboat racing. For 70 years, Ron was an active member of Kalamazoo’s First United Methodist Church, serving as a youth counselor, a baritone in the choir, and in various official capacities. Until his death, he was an active member of the Portage United Church of Christ. Ron was a volunteer and docent at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo. Louise and Ron enjoyed family camping, traveling with all four children throughout the lower 48 states. Louise and Ron traveled multiple times to many European countries, Mexico, the Canadian Rockies, the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands. They enjoyed the home they built on Wolf Lake in Baldwin, Michigan. Ron is survived by his wife, Louise; four children; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

David N. Stuut ’56 on March 31, 2024. David was a kind, genuine and humble man who was a joy to know. He was a gifted athlete who excelled at football, playing for Kalamazoo College and graduating with a degree in sociology. He would remain a loyal supporter of the Hornets for years to come and enjoyed returning to watch a game whenever he could. On December 11, 1954, he married the love of his life, Judith (Lyon) Stuut ’57, who survives. They worked hard together to provide a happy home for their family as David’s career took him to different locations. He began working for Clarage Fan Co., Aeromotive and would retire from Garden City Fan Co. in 1995. David was handy and had an aesthetic eye, leaving his mark on any home he owned. After retiring, he spent the winter months in Arizona, where he made many friends. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending afternoons at the links with Judie and friends. He had a lovely voice and never missed a chance to sing. He had a strong faith in the Lord. Above all, David was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He loved watching his two sons grow and was always available to lend a guiding hand. He was a dedicated grandfather who rarely missed the opportunity to watch one of his five grandchildren’s activities.

Theodore Kenneth Knott ’57 on March 1, 2024. Ted attended the University of Michigan before transferring to Kalamazoo College. On September 7, 1957, he married Gail Kaiser, who survives. He served with the Counter Intelligence Corps in the United States Army Reserve until 1961, when he became a field representative for Aetna Life Insurance. He joined Charles A. Boyer Inc. in Manistee, Michigan, in 1962 and served as president from 1967-1981. Ted served as a former director at Security National Bank, Manistee, and founded Four Point Travel Inc., International Management Co. Ted discovered a passion for sailing while living in Manistee. He participated in numerous races, including the Boyer Cup, the Chicago Mackinac, the Bayview Mackinac Boat Race and the Newport Bermuda Race. He cherished summers with his family on the Great Lakes skippering The VII Knots. He was the former president and director of First Ohio Finance Corp., Celina, Ohio; president and founder of Brokers Placement Inc., Lima, Ohio; a former member of Lloyd’s of London; and an executive vice president of Ohio Reins Corp. Ted was a Rotary past president and a Paul Harris Fellow and a board member of the Lima Symphony Orchestra. He and Gail were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. His son Brett preceded him in death in 2002. He is survived by his wife, Gail; three daughters; a son, Kurt; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Shirley Elaine Martens ’57 on January 28, 2024, from complications of kidney failure. While working as a nurse, she earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kalamazoo College. Later, she worked at University Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and met and married James R. Wheeling. She had two children while still working as a nurse and helping her husband complete medical school. In 1964, James was commissioned into the United States Army Medical Corps, and Shirley spent the next 20 years as a homemaker raising her children in the various places around the country where he was posted. This included Tacoma, Washington; El Paso and San Antonio, Texas; Aurora, Colorado; Fayetteville, North Carolina; and a year back in Kalamazoo while her husband was deployed to Vietnam. Wherever she lived, she enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles and her lifelong passion for birdwatching. Despite her scientific education, she had the eye and heart of an artist and became a proficient hobbyist in watercolors, oils and calligraphy. After divorcing, she settled on a rural property outside Carlton, Oregon, in 1985. Here she continued her gardening and birdwatching activities, cared for her father, aunt and brother in their last years, and took up quilting as a new artistic pursuit. She is survived by her daughter, son and two grandchildren.

Anneliese Dorothy (Frey) Tift ’57 on January 27, 2024. Anneliese graduated from K with a degree in psychology. In her 20s, she went to Europe with a Quaker work group to help rebuild from the devastation of the war. Anneliese married Thomas Tift and had two children, Thomas Jr. and Trudy. They moved to San Diego in 1960, where they had two more children, Larry and Wendy. While raising her children, Anne was very active in community activities, including the PTA and the Open Housing Movement to fight housing discrimination. She had a lifelong fondness for swimming, and passed on her zeal for the water to scores of children as a Red Cross backyard swim instructor. When her youngest started school, Anne went back to San Diego State University to earn a master’s degree in social work. She was passionately devoted to her ensuing career as psychiatric social worker at Children’s Hospital, where she provided therapy to children and families for the next two decades. She found an outlet for her commitment to nonviolence and social justice through her involvement with the local Unitarian Church. Anneliese’s dazzling smile exuded a relentless cheer and optimism in good times and bad. She is survived by her long-time partner, Jon Nelson, four children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Ruth Adelle Knoll ’58 on November 8, 2023. Ruth was the choral director at Hartford High School in Hartford, Wisconsin, from 1958 to 1998, and involved in voice lessons, solo-ensemble contests and musical theatre productions. Her Hartford High School Concert Choir performed twice with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. She received the Herb Kohl Fellowship for excellent teaching in 1991. In addition, she founded the Hartford Community Chorus in 1960, which continues to this day with performances in the Ruth A. Knoll Theater in the Schauer Center, as well as at Holy Hill with up to 100 voices. The city of Hartford proclaimed December 12, 2010, as “Ruth A. Knoll Day” and presented her with a key to the city. Ruth appreciated all aspects of the arts, the beauty of nature, and sitting on the deck of her childhood home on Lac La Belle in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, watching the changing aspects of the lake as dusk would settle upon the earth.

Merrilyn (Cigard) Vaughn-Hoffman ’58 on February 5, 2024. Merrilyn attended Kalamazoo College for three years, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa her junior year. She transferred to Michigan State University for her senior year, graduating with a degree in history and languages. In March 1958, she married Thomas Holley Vaughn, her high school sweetheart. Upon Tom’s death in 1966, she was left with their two children before the age of 30. Merrilyn was very active in the community, holding many offices in the organizations to which she belonged: the American Association of University Women, Spartan Alumnae of MSU, Kalamazoo College Alumni Association, Lansing Women’s Symphony Association, The University Club, Sparrow Hospital Junior Division and Service Auxiliary, The Peoples Church of East Lansing, East Lansing Public Schools, Capital Area Women’s Network and Great Books of the Western World. Professionally, she was administrative assistant to the special counsel of Gov. G. Mennen Williams, secretary for the Democratic State Central Committee, owner of Expert Editing and Typing for over 25 years, software administrator in the telecommunications division of the State of Michigan Bureau of State Lottery and the Department of Information and Technology, and search and call coordinator for the United Church of Christ, Michigan Conference. In 1999, Merrilyn married Steward B. Hoffman Jr., who passed into eternal life six months later. Merrilyn loved Siamese cats, bright colors, funky and fun jewelry and purses, the theatre, gin martinis, reading (especially Murakami), classical music, limes and almonds. Her children and grandchildren gave her the greatest pleasure. Surviving are two children, including Karen Michelle Vaughn ’86 (Michael Ouding ’86); and four grandchildren, including Jane Louise Ouding ’19.

John P. Kuch ’60 on February 14, 2024. After graduating from K, John worked as an insurance adjuster in the local area for many years before his retirement. John married the former Martha Walters, and the couple traveled to the Evart Music Festival every summer, where they performed and presented workshops. He liked sailing and planes and was an avid model railroader who enjoyed building railroad layouts in his basement. Martha preceded him in death in 2022. John is survived by his two sons, including James Kuch ’88 (Deborah ’87); grandchildren, including Celia Kuch ’24; and a great-granddaughter.

John Francis Michkovits ’61 on February 7, 2024. John earned a B.A. in psychology from K, where he was a member of the band and the Century Forum and played basketball. He went on to the University of Detroit Mercy Dental School, was a member of Psi Omega Fraternity, and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1965. After graduation, John enlisted and served in the U.S. Army for three years as a captain. He was assigned to the 279th Station Hospital in Berlin, Germany, and became the chief dental officer at Spandau Prison, where he attended to Hermann Hesse and other Nazi war prisoners. John traveled extensively in Europe and returned to Michigan in 1968. Wanting to be near Lake Michigan and finding an opportunity to open a practice, he settled in South Haven and opened a practice in January 1969. In 1975, he built an office at Broadway, Dykman and Williams streets and practiced there until 1999. John also was active in the Episcopal Epiphany Church. John was a member of Michigan and American dental associations, Kalamazoo Valley Dental Society and the Academy of General Dentistry. He served as a volunteer and board member at We Care Community Resource Center and was a previous member of the South Haven Yacht Club. John enjoyed international travel (he visited all continents), Alpine skiing and keeping current on world news and events. John was preceded in death by his son Mark. He is survived by his best friend, Liz Jeltema; his daughter, Claire; and his son, Nicholas.

E. Turner Lewis ’63 on May 13, 2024. A resident of Vermont since 2009, he enjoyed the wonderful people, the beautiful land, the strong seasonal changes—even mud season—and the lifestyle. He practiced veterinary medicine for 40 years in Massachusetts, and then part time in Vermont until 2020. Veterinary medicine was his professional passion, especially caring for sled dogs on long distance races in Alaska, Montana, Minnesota, Oregon, Michigan, Maine and Canada. He would repeatedly say that veterinary medicine was the second-best decision he ever made next to that of marrying his wife of almost 59 years, Katherine “Kay” (Seaman) Lewis ’65. He always enjoyed meeting new people, traveling with Kay and family members and friends, watching and talking about sports, bluegrass festivals, singing, cribbage, reading nonfiction, cutting, splitting and stacking wood, crossword puzzles, the daily Jumble and Sudoku. Kalamazoo College and Michigan State University shaped his future. He served on the Board of Trustees at Kalamazoo College from 1991–2009 and joined Rotary and other local organizations wherever he lived. He was full of gratitude for his many blessings and good fortune. He loved life. Turner was so very proud of his children and grandchildren and their spouses.

Edwin Lauermann ’64 on December 5, 2023, at his home in Melrose Park, Illinois. One of the greatest football players in the history of the College, Ed was inducted into the Kalamazoo College Athletic Hall of Fame on October 7, 2005. Sixty-one years ago, Ed set the College’s single game rushing record when he ran for 271 yards against Kenyon College. The 916 yards he gained in 1963 is the second most yardage gained in a single year and the 1,904 yards he gained between 1960–63 is fourth most in career rushing. He was named to the All-MIAA team in 1962 and 1963, All-State Team in 1962, and Honorable Mention “Little All-American” in 1963. Ed was a member of two MIAA championship teams in 1962 and in 1963, the year the Hornets were undefeated and untied. As his great teammate and friend, Bob Peters ’64, has said, “Ed made his teammates better. He was always prepared and led by personal example. He had the skill and patience to get the most out of each play…Ed never talked about statistics, and records were unimportant to him. What he did was all about team…Ed epitomized what is right about Division III football and Kalamazoo College athletics.” Ed majored in economics and was a member of the Student Senate, Century Forum and K-Club, a great dancer, always meticulously dressed and a gentleman. He was loved and respected by all of his teammates and most of all by his wife, Rita, and their children, grandchildren, beloved sister and adoring nieces and nephews.

Robert L. Phillips ’65 on January 24, 2024. At K, Bob earned a degree in biology, after which he pursued a career in business, starting with Shakespeare Fishing Tackle and Chambers Belt Co. Bob owned and operated Desert Extrusion Co., of Phoenix, for 27 years. Meeting during their college years, he married Linda in 1966, and they shared 58 years together. They lived in Michigan, New York, Illinois, South Carolina and the Netherlands before moving to Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1980. They were blessed with three daughters and six grandchildren. Bob’s passion during his high school and college years was sports, mainly football, but his life interests included hunting, fishing, golf, traveling and reading.

Rev. Terry Michael Brown ’66 on April 4, 2024. After K, Terry started doctoral studies at Brandeis that were interrupted by U.S. Army service in Japan in the late 1960s. He began a lasting affiliation with the Anglican Church of Canada after his return from the military, and trained for ordination at Trinity College, Toronto. After his ordination to the priesthood, his main ministries were as lecturer at Bishop Patteson Theological College in the Solomon Islands from 1975 to 1981, tutor in church history at Trinity College Toronto from 1981 to 1984, and Asia/Pacific mission coordinator for the Anglican Church of Canada’s General Synod from 1985 to 1996. He was consecrated as the fourth Bishop of Malaita in 1996 and held that position until his retirement in 2008. He was a key figure in the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission. In the 16 years after his retirement, he served in the Diocese of Niagara, at All Saints Church, Church of the Ascension and Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton, at Trinity College of the University of Toronto and at the Canadian Church Historical Society.

Thomas P. Wilsted ’66 on April 6, 2024. Tom had three great loves in his life: family, history and cycling. At Kalamazoo College, he met his soulmate and partner of 57 years, Mary Brubaker ’66. His love of history led him to a graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and into his career as an archivist. He was fortunate to apply this talent of organizing and keeping history for organizations including the Turnbull Library in Wellington, New Zealand; the National Salvation Army Archives in Manhattan; the American Heritage Center at the University of Wyoming; and the Thomas J. Dodd Research Center at the University of Connecticut. While maintaining the history of others was important to Tom, making his own history with his family was his greatest joy. Tom, Mary and their young son, Jeff, moved to New Zealand early in his career, where he traveled the whole island and made lifelong friends. As part of his church in Westfield, New Jersey; Coventry, Connecticut; and Green Valley, Arizona, Tom enjoyed both socializing and serving his community. He also loved bonding with friends and family while cheering on his University of Connecticut Husky basketball teams. After retiring and moving to Green Valley, Tom re-discovered his passion for cycling and found a community that welcomed him. He would ride almost every day, no matter the weather, and could proudly claim to cycle his age in miles on every birthday up until recently. He always gave to others selflessly and humbly, whether writing newsletters for the Posada Peddlers and GVR Cycling groups, organizing bike drives for local charities, volunteering within La Posada, or helping Mary reach the dishes on the top shelf. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his son and daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.

Richard P. DeTar ’67 on January 30, 2024. Rick earned his undergraduate degree at Kalamazoo College and a master’s degree at Western Michigan University. He earned his Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1998. Rick spent over 20 years working as a claims representative for the Social Security Administration. Richard was a very intelligent man and had a passion to continue to learn throughout his life. Rick married Judith James in Denver in 1995. He and Judith enjoyed traveling the world and learning through those travels. He had many passions and was a very compassionate man. Rick is survived by his wife, Judith.

Barbara L. Trimmer ’68 on February 10, 2024. Barbara attended Kalamazoo College and the University of Toledo. Her life was made complete when she married Frank Ayers on October 3, 1987. Frank will miss her in both their quiet moments at home as well as their amazing memories of travel, which ultimately led them to finding their special home in Ireland after they both retired. Barbara’s love for travel brought her many places, including Britain, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. She and Frank spent many years in Ireland forging friendships and establishing themselves firmly in the day-to-day life of Kenmare, in County Kerry. Her other great love was Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas. Barbara was awe-inspired by the beauty of the island but even more impressed by the community and the resilience of the people who lived there. Barbara is survived by her husband, Frank, two daughters and five grandchildren.

Phillip A. Salopek Sr. ’69 on March 25, 2024, from complications of frontotemporal dementia. Phil was a proud Kalamazoo College alumnus and student-athlete, where he earned all-conference honors as catcher of the baseball team in 1967. He received his master’s degree in sociology from Michigan State University and retired as a branch chief after a distinguished 30-year career with the U.S. Census Bureau. Phil lived in the Chelsea and Grass Lake, Michigan, areas for the past 15 years, moving from Maryland after retirement. Phil was most recently a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea. In retirement, he embraced the raising and training of Portuguese Water Dogs and Havanese show dogs. He was a lifelong athlete who became an avid golfer and cherished the opportunities to watch his grandchildren perform in their sports activities. Phil was a devoted husband, loving father and doting Poppa, and enjoyed annual trips to Outer Banks, North Carolina, with his family. He will be fondly remembered for his warm and easy demeanor, infectious smile, steadfastness and wonderful sense of humor, and he was deeply loved by all who had the honor to know him. Phil was preceded in death by his wife, Kathleen. He is survived by two children, four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Jane Anne (Meyers) Higley ’71 on May 14, 2024. Growing up in Rockford, Michigan, she kept horses and attended a one-room schoolhouse. Jane left Rockford for Kalamazoo College, but returned to live at home to comfort her father after the death of her mother. She finished a Bachelor of Science in psychology and later earned a master’s degree in education from Western Michigan University and a teaching certificate from Aquinas College. Jane worked many different jobs during her life, but three of her most notable were stay-at-home mom, elementary school teacher’s aide and nutritional counselor. These jobs were all a natural fit and exemplify her caring, empathetic and gentle nature. She enjoyed playing pinochle with her card group, exercising every day, competing in triathlons, baking delicious pies and doting on her dogs. Jane is survived by her husband, David, four children and five grandchildren.

Margaret (Buess) Woods ’74 on May 6, 2024. Peg brought joy and warmth to her family, her gentle spirit leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her thirst for knowledge led her abroad during her early college years, where she fondly embraced the experience of living in France as an au pair. During her career, Peg dedicated over 35 years of service to the Paw Paw (Michigan) Post Office, demonstrating unwavering commitment and diligence in her work. Peg’s heart overflowed with love for her family, and her happiest moments were spent in their company. An avid reader, she found solace and joy within the pages of her favorite books. Her love for words extended to crossword puzzles, where she showcased her sharp mind and wit. Nature beckoned her for peaceful walks, where she found tranquility amid the beauty of the outdoors. In the tapestry of her life, Peg wove countless precious memories with her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Edward Woods, and their two cherished sons. Her adoration knew no bounds for her two grandchildren, who brought endless joy to her heart. Peg’s legacy of love, kindness and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

Dennis Delaney ’76 on December 17, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. Dennis attended Kalamazoo College, where he played football. He transferred to Michigan State University and graduated cum laude with a B.A. in telecommunications. Dennis had a very successful career in telecommunications at AT&T, MCI and American Express. He was a meticulous professional and leader in the technology space, someone who could do anything he put his mind to and was never afraid to take on new or unfamiliar tasks. Success in business was one of his many accomplishments, but his greatest pride, joy and love was his family. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa. Dennis is survived by his wife, Mary-Alice, a son, a daughter, and four grandchildren.

Robert L. Foote ’76 on February 20, 2024, from complications of pulmonary fibrosis, in Urbana, Illinois. Bob received his B.A. from K, graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1976, and earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Bob started his career and earned tenure at Texas Tech University. In 1989, he was hired by Wabash College, where he was professor of mathematics and computer science and served two terms as department chair, retiring in 2017. Bob married Cheryl Hughes on October 15, 1994, in Crawfordsville, Indiana. Bob’s research was primarily in differential geometry and his work was published in numerous journals. At the time of his death, he was working with a colleague to complete a new research paper. Bob played trumpet starting in fifth grade and continuing up until a week before he died. He played with many groups over the years. He was an avid cyclist, with memorable extended trips by bicycle in and around Michigan and the Great Lakes, along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and into the Northeast provinces of Canada. Bob learned to use a lathe from his grandfather and enjoyed woodturning as a hobby; he was a member artist with the Athens Arts Gallery in Crawfordsville for years, where his wooden bowls, vases and ornamental wood projects were displayed. He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, a son, and two grandchildren.

Stephen L. Langeland ’77 on April 4, 2024. After K, Steve earned a Juris Doctor degree from University of Tulsa in 1980. Steve then returned to Kalamazoo, where he practiced law and served as a U.S. Trustee for over 30 years. He married his beautiful wife, Deborah, on October 9, 1981. Together they grew a family and built a life. Steve loved photography, nature, travel, reading, studying history and spending time with friends. He enjoyed gardening and created beautiful flower beds with his wife. A pillar of the community, Steve had a soft heart for helping people down on their luck. Steve was preceded in death by his loving wife and a sister, Mary. He is survived by his two children, three grandchildren, and three siblings, including James Langeland ’86 and Margaret Landon ’80.

James Harkness Stoehr III ’80 on February 24, 2024. Jay was known as a cheerleader for all and found success through others’ triumphs, always inquisitive and eager to pass on his learned knowledge to others. These traits remained true even through the final stages of his Alzheimer’s disease. Jay continued the Stoehr legacy and was devoted to his life’s work as the president and CEO of Robbins Sports Surfaces. He prided himself on doing the right thing—a core value ingrained in both his business and personal life. Above all, sailing and his family were his true passions in life. He was also an avid skier and loved spending time in the Northwoods. Jay spent many summers in Northern Minnesota as a former camper, staff member and board member of Camp Kooch-i-Ching; he was an integral part of founding Camp Ogichi Daa Kwe, the sister camp of Camp Kooch, where he served on the board for both Ogichi and the Camping and Education Foundation. He was an instrumental board member of Lyman Orchards, along with the Maple Flooring Manufacturing Association, where he served as president. Jay is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Amy; four children; and two grandchildren.

Kimberly A. Thompson ’02 on January 9, 2024. She graduated from Kalamazoo College with a degree in human development and social relations, with a concentration in environmental studies.