4 minute read
In Memoriam
Gary Dwyer ’62 as pictured in the 1962 Telesis
Alex Witherill ’87
By Andrea Witherill
Meatball, Alcon Cornelius, A Dub, 006, Baby Bull, AWOL, Al, Sizzly, Mayhem, Al Pal. You know you have lived a full life, when your list of nicknames is longer than most lists of close friends, and when those who call you a friend consider you one of their best. With family at the center, his global tribe grew exponentially throughout his life. He left us all too soon. Alex was one of a kind. Many may be defined by career, but Alex was so much more. His interests could not be contained. Equal parts James Bond, John Wayne, and Hunter S. Thompson, he lived life with verve in all directions. He traveled voraciously, attacking each continent with vigor. He golfed, hunted, and played chess, but also dared himself to do anything requiring fearlessness: heli-skiing, dirt biking, and car racing kept his adrenaline level at the optimal Mach 10. A lifelong MENSA member, his mind was equally never at rest. Armed with a political science degree he broke into the highly competitive world of investment banking in San Francisco, eventually earning a place on Barron’s Top 1000 Advisors list. Alongside investing, film making was his passion. He produced and executive produced many films, including the latest, Give Me Liberty, which earned a spot in the National Board of Review’s Top 10 Independent Films. He never left an argument on the table, a shot in the glass, or person in need. He donated generously, debated heatedly, joked endlessly, and lived passionately. Alexander J. Witherill was born on October 30, 1968 and passed away May 11, 2020. He is survived by his mom, Carol Pike, and his sister, Andrea Witherill, alongside a tribe of dear family and friends. He was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. Editorial note: Despite only attending CA for Grades 8 and 9, Alex had many friends and attended numerous reunions and events, including CA’s Centennial Celebration in 2007.
Gary Colburn Dwyer ’62
Gary Dwyer passed away on August 9, 2020 at French Hospital in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Born in Colorado on October 1, 1943, he graduated from Colorado Academy in 1962 and from Syracuse University and SUNY with a double degree in Fine Arts and Landscape Architecture. Immediately after graduation, he formed a construction company and participated in the master plans for Telluride Valley and Franconia College. Dwyer then earned an MFA in Sculpture from the University of Denver, where his first project was the creation of three sculptures and the Sculpture Garden in the center of the CA campus. Gary donated the sculptures to the school, as well as his time and effort. Dwyer had a prominent career as a sculptor, photographer, and author and was an inspiring, demanding, unconventional, and beloved professor and mentor at California Polytechnic State University until he retired in 2010. While teaching, he created numerous works in sculpture and landscape architecture in the United States, France, Germany, and the former Yugoslavia. Over the course of time, his career turned to photography, a field that combined his passion for travel, art, and poetry. He published many books of his photography and writings. Gary is survived by his wife Odile, daughters Heather and Chelsea, stepdaughter Celia, five grandchildren, and numerous friends and former students.
A celebration of his life will be held some time down the road, when the world is a little safer. Donations may be made to the World Monuments Fund.
Condolences may be sent to: Odile Ayral 300 Ferrini Rd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93405-1149 Read more about Gary on page 22.
Alex Witherill ’87
CA Alumni Association
Important Dates 2020-2021
Thursday, December 17, 2020 College Alumni Lunch* Sculpture Garden, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 Alumni/Former Faculty Virtual Book Club with Linda Plaut, Their Eyes Were Watching God
Thursday, February 11, 2021 Alumni/Former Faculty Virtual Book Club with Anne Strobridge, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 Alumni/Former Faculty Virtual Book Club with Paul Krajovic, Dandelion Wine
Friday, May 21, 2021 Giant Relay Day* BBQ Lunch, Carnival for Children, The Race, Alumni-Faculty Party, Alumni-Varsity-Faculty Games
Saturday & Sunday, Reunion Weekend* May 22-23, 2021 1970, 1971, 1980, 1981, 1990, 1991, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2010, 2011, 2005, 2006 *Subject to change due to Social Distancing Orders Please check the Alumni Home Page on the CA website, coloradoacademy.org, for Updates and New Events.
Senior-Kindergarten Buddies, Then and Now
2008
Kindergartner Griffin Stevens with his Senior Buddies (L to R) Connor Abernathy ’09 and Spencer Devereaux ’09 Senior Griffin Stevens (on left) with his Kindergarten Buddy, Charlie Barnes, and Senior Levi Pinkert (on right)
2020
3800 South Pierce Street Denver, CO 80235
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Colorado Academy Journal Fall 2020
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