O B I T U A R I E S Rosalie Mosher Reynolds ’29, February 28, 2008, in Huntington Station, N.Y., at 100. She taught school in New Hampshire and Connecticut before working as a research assistant at Pfizer for 16 years. While living in Connecticut, she belonged to the Entre Nous Literary Society, the Indian and Colonial Research Center, and a needlework guild. Predeceased by her husband, Verne E. Reynolds ’25, she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Dorothy Reynolds ’59 and William C. Gay Jr. ’59, daughter Bethia Reynolds Morris ’57, six grandchildren, and nine greatgrandchildren. Flora Trussell Larrivee ’31, March 27, 2008, in Manchester, N.H., at 99. She worked for the Works Project Administration after the Depression. During World War II she was a social worker and a secretary at Grenier Airfield. She was active in her church, where she taught Sunday school, and belonged to the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a classical pianist, researched her genealogy, and once shook hands with Teddy Roosevelt. Survivors include her daughter, Barbara Tappin, two grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren. George C. Putnam ’34, March 9, 2008, in Naples, Fla., at 95. He earned his master’s in chemical engineering from MIT and built a successful career in oil refinery design. For the following 40 years, he operated Alden Camps in Oakland, Maine, with his wife. He collected clocks and antiques, was active in Rotary Club, and enthusiastically supported Colby. Described as a wily cribbage player, classical music aficionado, and witty storyteller, he loved family and a steaming plate of lobster. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Vesta Alden Putnam ’33, five children—Elizabeth Hinebauch, Priscilla Putnam Minkel ’63, Deborah Putnam, Carol Putnam ’69, and James R. Putnam ’73—12 grandchildren including Kristin E. Putnam ’05 and Garret A. Hinebauch ’88 and his wife, Susan Maddock Hinebauch ’88, and
nine great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his great-grandfather, Hugh Dempsey 1846. Mar y Small Copit hor ne ’35, February 27, 2008, in Exeter, N.H., at 95. After earning her M.S.W. from Smith College in 1937, she worked in several agencies before establishing a private practice and focusing on individual and marital counseling. She was named New Hampshire Social Worker of the Year in 1984. A long-time member of her church, she was active with New Hampshire NOW, marched on Washington D.C., and loved the power of ideas. Predeceased by her son David M. Copithorne ’60, she is survived by her children Joan Copithorne Bowen ’65, Elizabeth Copithorne Lewis, and Stephen Copithorne. She leaves 12 grandchildren, including Charlie E. Bowen ’96 and his wife, Elizabeth Low Bowen ’96, and seven greatgrandchildren. Ellen Dignam Downing ’35, April 23, 2008, in Appleton, Wis., at 94. During World War II she began a 30-year career with the Treasury Department as a security officer for international affairs. A faithful alumna, she received a Colby Brick in 1976. She was predeceased by her brothers Walter ’33 and Charles ’39 and her sisters Mary Dignam Murphy ’31 and Alice Dignam Grady ’39. Survivors include her nieces Judith L. Dignam ’60, Janice Dignam Mauer ’72, Joan Dignam Schmaltz ’63 and Joan’s husband, Richard R. Schmaltz ’63, and nephew Kevin W. Flynn ’93 and his wife, Laura Silverman Flynn ’94. Virginia Swallow Seepe ’35, May 1, 2008, in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, at 95. After graduating from Colby, she graduated from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in 1936 and worked as a secretary in Maine, including two years for Ninetta Runnals 1908, Colby’s first dean of women. She was a mother and homemaker who was involved in her church. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur W. Seepe, treasurer and professor at
Colby. Survivors include her children, Virginia S. Crane and A. William Seepe ’64, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. John P. Roderick ’36, L.H.D. ’66, March 11, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii, at 93. An Associated Press correspondent whose career spanned five decades, he was an expert on Red China and the Far East and was the first American to report on Communist China. He interviewed Mao Zedong in the caves of Yenan, reported on the Sino-Indian war and the emergence of South Vietnam, and accompanied the American pingpong team’s 1971 visit to China. Posted to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, he was bureau chief in Hong Kong and reopened the AP’s Beijing bureau in 1979. Colby gave him an honorary degree in 1966 and a Distinguished Alumnus award in 1991. He divided his final years between Hawaii and his Japanese farmhouse, restored by his adopted son, Yoshihiro Takishita, who survives him. Roderick was predeceased by his brother, Ernest ’36. Myra Mallett Snyder ’38, January 28, 2008, in Worcester, Mass., at 91. For 35 years she worked with her husband in Worcester selling wholesale flowers. She belonged to the Hadwen Park Congregational Church in Worcester for 50 years, was a skilled quilter, and designed miniature doll houses. She is survived by her children, Gordon E. Snyder Jr., Carol Ann Hoffman, and Marilyn Wimmergren, and by two brothers, a sister, five grandchildren, and a great-grandson. Charles H. Card ’40, February 9, 2008, in Amarillo, Texas, at 90. He earned a teaching certificate from the Farmington (Maine) Normal School and a B.A. from Colby. He was a second lieutenant in the Army during World War II, serving in North Africa and Italy. After receiving his M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh, he became a civilian trainer at Amarillo Air Force Base. He belonged to the Lions Club, was a driver for Meals on Wheels, and loved animals, especially
dogs. Survivors include his Lions brothers and many friends. Nannabelle G. Carter ’40, October 2, 2007, in Machias, Maine, at 88. She taught English and debate in several Maine towns including, for 32 years, Presque Isle. During World War II she worked for Colby teaching physics and aerodynamics to servicemen in training. In 1978 she earned her master’s in education. She was a painter and printmaker and taught ceramics. She knitted bandages for lepers and blankets for newborns, was a four-star member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and belonged to the Machiasport Historical Societ y. Survivors include her children, Benjamin and Candace, a brother, and cousins including Jane G. Rollins ’47. Barbara Towle Wheeler ’40, April 1, 2008, in Waterville, Maine, at 90. A lifelong resident of Oakland, Maine, she involved herself in town affairs and the historical society. A mother and a homemaker who loved nature and animals, she enjoyed physical activities, was active in All Souls Universalist Church, and delighted in summer campers at the family cabins. Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Alfred H. Wheeler ’37, a son, John A. Wheeler ’66, and a daughter, Marilyn Wheeler, and four grandchildren. Charles E. Barnfather ’41, April 19, 2008, in Biddeford, Maine, at 90. He served in the Army during World War II and was awarded a Bronze Star. He lived in West Springfield, Mass., for 77 years and worked as director of computer operations for John S. Lane and Son in Westfield. He was an activist and proponent of civil and human rights, served on community and church boards, and was dedicated to his family. He also loved the Red Sox. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Eva, two daughters, and three grandchildren.
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