John “Jack” P. Ettershank Jr., ’52 Dec. 23, 2006, Newport News, Va. Mr. Ettershank retired as command chaplain, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, Fort Monroe, Va., in 1987 after 31 years of military service. In 1974 he was the first chaplain to graduate from the National War College in Washington, D.C. He was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and Master Parachutist Badge. Following retirement from the Army, he served as interim pastor for several Presbyterian congregations. He is survived by his wife, Irene, and two grandchildren. David Rowe Harris, x53 Dec. 12, 2006, Orland, Calif. Mr. Harris loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, played golf and was very fond of sailing. After serving in the Korean War, he attended Park, where his parents, Harold E. Harris, ’29, and Lucille Rowe Harris, had met. He worked in cancer research at Roswell Park Research Center in Buffalo, N.Y., and later taught computer science at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Mr. Harris finished out his career as professor and chair of computer science at California State University, Chico. In 1977 he bought a farm in Orland, Calif., where he raised cattle and Saaren goats. He also established a sanctuary for Belgian draft horses. Virginia “Ginny” Evans Schrader, x55 June 26, 2005, Panama City, Fla. Her husband, Bob Schrader, ’54, wrote, “I met her at Park, and she was the only girl I ever loved — we were married for 54 years.” Rosemary Allen Seneker, x56 Aug. 10, 2006, Mount Vernon, Mo.
Mrs. Seneker was a retired first-grade teacher who enjoyed archaeology, her large family and writing children’s stories. She was married to the late Donald L. Seneker, ’57. Their daughter Becky Shannon died July 16. Mrs. Seneker is survived by three sons and two daughters and their spouses, 12 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.
’60s John Loren Washburn, ’62 Jan. 12, 2007, Loganton, Pa. Mr. Washburn taught political science at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., from 1965 to 1972 and political science at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, Pa., from 1972 until his retirement in 2002. At Lock Haven, he chaired the political science department, served on the university promotions and curriculum committees and was an adviser to pre-law students and Harrisburg interns. Professionally, he authored papers, wrote book reviews and participated in academic conferences. He was active in his church, where he sang in the choir and was a council member, president and treasurer. He served a six-year term on the executive council of the National UCC. While serving, he was council vice chairman and chaired the planning committee for the General Synod. Over the years, Mr. Washburn was active in the regional church affairs of UCC’s Penn Central Conference. He is survived by his wife, daughter, a son and two grandchildren.
Michael Best, ’68 Oct. 17, 2006, East Windsor, Tenn. Mr. Best was an active member of Park’s Men of Chesnut fraternity. He began his career in transportation with Northwest Airlines and settled in Anchorage, Alaska, where he founded Anchorage Express. He relocated to Burlington, Conn., where he founded Hartford Express and raised his family. He was on the board of Burlington’s Economic Development Commission. He also was well-known in and around Bradley International Airport as the courier of record; as such, he was president of the Connecticut International Transportation Association. Mr. Best flourished as a father, grandfather, brother, friend and entrepreneur with his laid-back spirit, eclectic stories, a good joke and loyalty for all. He is survived by two children, two sisters, two grandchildren and his former wife. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter.
’70s Ernest L. Conway, ’74 May 16, 2006, Kansas City, Mo. Douglas B. Brittain, ’76 Nov. 25, 2006, Baton Rouge, La. Col. Brittain served in the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was accepted to the Air Force Officer Training Corps and became a pilot. Trained in fighters as well as bombers, he loved flying the B-52. His 28 years of military service included numerous awards and decorations, among them the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and the Air Medal with 19 oak leaf clusters. After retirement, he flew corporate jets. Phillip S. Vawter, ’76 June 26, 2006, Walled Lake, Mich.
Edward A. Hegner, ’66 March 18, 2006, Fair Oaks, Calif.
Spring 2007 ‹‹
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