Deceased July 15, 2008
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In Memory
John Burroughs School in St. Louis is where John Martin, Ferg Fowler, and I all met “the Deich.” Amherst had a very strong alumni group there, and we all decided that this was the place for us. (None of us had ever seen it!)
Al met Jeanne in St. Louis—they were nearby neighbors! They were married shortly after college (Skip Gay ’52 was their best man) and were together for 56 1/2 years. Jeanne visited Amherst for a long weekend and dance at the Beta house.
Al carried on his gift for singing at Amherst, played soccer, tried wrestling and cheerleading, but, of course, the concert choir was his love.
His career with Sears lasted 40 years in a number of different roles, especially setting up the computer system for all the stores, yet staying in the Chicago home office. It was in Deerfield, Ill., that I again met Al—he was singing in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church.
For seven years, Al was on oxygen, and finally on July 15, 2008, the COPD condition was too much.
Jeanne and Al had been able to travel extensively before then and enjoy their two sons, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Jeanne says Al always had a strong feeling for Amherst, and he is probably “up there” singing now.
Ralph Gildehaus ’51