Deceased April 9, 2020

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In Memory

Reflecting on their lifetime friendship, Charlie Johnson ’60  “was fortunate to have shared many life experiences with Quis at Bronxville High School, at Amherst, at University of Virginia Law School and then at Ft. Dix, but thereafter at his homes in New York City and skiing in Vermont. Quis succumbed to the coronavirus following a long series of health issues on April 9, 2020.

“Quis was blessed with friends who understood his generosity as a host, art collector, golfer and benefactor, as well as his brilliance as the ‘George Washington of mortgage-backed securities.’ having almost single-handedly pioneered the crafting and marketability of bundled mortgages with Brown-Wood in New York. Yet it was his caring for those who valued his friendship, including the late classmates, John Bartlett ’60 and Fred Kelley ’60, that characterized his life. His gift to Fred’s son of a state-of-the art viola exemplified his generosity.”

Joe Zgrodnik ’60 considered it “a bit of social engineering to have a sophisticated Bronxville guy room freshman year with two farm boys. As Quis put it, ‘I bet I am the only guy at Amherst with two roommates with RFD home addresses.’ After being labeled an ‘underachiever’ by Dean Porter, Quis switched from physics to American studies, and his grades shot up. Searching for a ‘gut course,’ we settled on fine arts. Isn’t it ironic that Quis’ major legacy to Amherst will be his donation of his priceless Hudson River School paintings!”

Hugh Jones ’60 recalled “Quis’ extraordinary hospitality when he hosted gatherings of Amherst classmates at his ski house in Okemo. Quis, by the way, was a reluctant but accomplished skier. He was also an essential part of our annual gathering of classmates for a winter basketball game or two at Amherst. He was such a gracious, sensitive and generous friend and will be sorely missed.” 

Charlie Johnson’ 60, Hugh Jones’60 and Joe Zgrodnik ’60