Deceased June 11, 2023
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in memory
Charlie came to Amherst from nearby Deerfield Academy. As an undergraduate, Charlie joined the Deke fraternity and was in the Sailing Club, band, Christian Association, freshman sub-council and ROTC. He majored in history, and Professor Salmon encouraged Charlie to take history honors. In our 50th reunion booklet, Charlie wrote, “I loved all that the College offered—campus, classes, fraternity and great faculty. Evolution was a profound experience. Amherst is the hub of my life, the golden haze of college days.”
After graduation, Charlie spent three years in the Air Force. Following jet training, he was assigned to the Strategic Air Command, where he was a bombardier/navigator, stationed at bases in Texas, Arizona and Louisiana. During that time, he was able to fly a plane to visit and court a Smith student, Connie Roberts. (I remember Charlie relating how he landed the plane at that small airport next to I-91 and the Connecticut River near Northampton!) The two were married in September 1957.
With his military responsibilities fulfilled, Charlie went to Wharton, receiving an MBA in 1961. He was a bond salesman and then an aerospace analyst and bond analyst for First Boston Corp. for 13 years. From there, he spent time in portfolio management for several banks and money managers. After that ended, Charlie was a flight instructor for a year and then worked for the Internal Revenue Service until he retired in 2006.
The class of 1955 was fortunate to have Charlie serve as our class treasurer for many years, until the College took over that activity. Charlie was a kind, caring person, never uttering a harsh word about anyone. We should all emulate those characteristics of his. He was a true gentleman. Charlie died peacefully in his sleep on June 11, 2023.
Rob Sowersby ’55