Deceased April 15, 1992

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In Memory

The joyous celebration of our 25th reunion was tempered by the news that our friend, classmate and fraternity brother John Cross had recently died.

John will be remembered for his irrepressible optimism, his warm and good nature and his wonderful loyalty. He was always available to his friends at Amherst and beyond, and his choice of a career as an obstetrician in a small town in the northwest corner of Virginia is testimony to his dedication to helping others. While at Amherst, John’s smile and southern charm were always a bright spot. It can be honestly said that he had a good word for everyone, never spoke ill of anyone and left Amherst a much better place for having been there.

After graduation from Amherst, John married Ann Swetland, who was a frequent visitor during our college years. Together they raised three children, Walker, Jason and Paul, who should be very proud of their father, not only for his contributions to the medical profession and his community, but most importantly for his charming and sincere character.

John chose not to burden his friends with the illness he must have been aware of. When we last spoke, just prior to his death, he did not mention his own problems. Instead, true to form, we reminisced about the good times we had share and our plans for the future.

We will miss John, and we will remember him.

Jay Beech ’67
Tom Alpren ’67
Bob Hemley ’67
Steve McDougal ’67