S. Gary Spicer Jr.
Memorial Service May 14, 2016
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The University Liggett School community came together during Alumni Weekend to remember S. Gary Spicer Jr. ’93, who passed away in January 2016. He was 41. The courtyard outside the Booth Library was filled with alumni, friends, faculty and family members who attended a memorial ceremony for Spicer, who was described as the heart of the class of 1993.
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“Here we gather on a non-milestone year Alumni Weekend, and our reunion today is the largest gathering of our class since graduation,” longtime friend Amy Shanle ’93 told the crowd. “And yet here we are today, where so many people have made an effort to come in from far and near – all to pay tribute to S. Gary Spicer Jr. … Only Gary could draw this crowd.” Sergeant Spicer was a Scout Sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps. “He was all that we aspired to be,” said his sister, U.S. Marine Corps Major Katherine Spicer, who joined the Marine Corps because of her brother. “Gary was the most humble soul you’d ever meet,” she says. Upper School art instructor Karen Katanick and Faculty Emeritus David Backhurst also spoke during the ceremony. “I still feel his presence in my heart,” Katanick told the crowd. At Liggett, Spicer was a three-sport athlete in baseball, basketball and soccer and earned nine varsity letters and several post-season awards including co-captain, co-MVP and numerous All-State recognitions in soccer. In recognition of his accomplishments, a memorial patch with his athletic number will be awarded yearly on a selective basis to an upperclassman on the varsity soccer team who embodies Gary’s enthusiasm, spirit, sportsmanship, athletic excellence and commitment to others.
1. Rev. Peter Henry; 2. Katy Spicer ‘97 and Faculty Emeritus David Backhurst; 3. Glynn Conley ’59 GPUS; 4. Rev. Peter Henry and Amy Shanle ’93
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PERSPECTIVE
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