Deceased December 8, 2022
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In Memory
John Wire passed away on Dec. 8, 2022, in his longtime home of Portland, Ore., surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Carol, a Mount Holyoke graduate; sons Joseph, Ben (Katie) and Daniel (Katie); grandchildren Max, Ally and Maddie; and devoted pup Pippin. John used his energy, talents and abiding love to support and nurture them for more than 50 years, leaving behind a beautiful legacy.
Born in Chicago on April 8, 1945, to David Biklen Wire and Elizabeth Matz, John grew up in Hinsdale, Ill., and Millbrook, N.Y. He carried fond memories of his high school years at Suffield Academy and majored in psychology and Middle Eastern history at Amherst. Following a year at the University of Minnesota, where he focused on Middle Eastern studies, the armed services called his draft number. Enlisting in the Air Force as a medical technician, John discovered a lifelong interest in medicine. After earning a master’s degree in health administration from the University of Washington (class of ’75), he began a career in the medical field, leading medical practices in Portland and Eugene, Ore.; Hartford, Conn.; San Diego; Phoenix; Atlanta; and Albuquerque, N.M. When John retired, he returned to Portland.
At Amherst, John pledged Phi Gam. He was my roommate in the old social dorms during our sophomore year, and we remained friends for many years. John was the best man at my wedding.
Chris Nugent ’67