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Elaine Weeks-Trueblood '71
Oct. 2, 2019, in Middletown, Del., at 69. Deciding that she did not want to become a teacher, she shifted gears, earned a master’s in corporate communications from Fairfield University in 1978, and established a career in marketing and new-business development with Fleet Financial Group. She married in 1994 and received a cancer diagnosis a year later. Time with family, reading, and quiet walks became priorities for her. She belonged to the First State Symphonic Band in Newark, Del., and served on the Workforce Readiness Curriculum Advisory Board. She also enjoyed golfing and baking. She is survived by her husband, Rollyn.
Danny D. Smith '72
May 25, 2019, in Augusta, Maine, at 69. He devoted his life to historical, genealogical, biographical, and archival work, owning a private practice and conducting research on projects for the Gardiner Library Association, Maine Cemetery Association, the New England Historic Genealogical Society, among others. He was most proud of his work preserving the “Yellow House Papers,” a collection of papers covering nine generations of Julia Ward Howe’s family, which he donated to Colby’s Special Collections. He also wrote two pictorial books, was editor of a biography of Dr. Sylvester Gardiner, and published numerous genealogical articles. Survivors include his mother and two brothers.
Brian E. Cone '73
June 14, 2019, in York, Maine, at 67. He was most proud of his children: Francesca, who followed in her father’s footsteps, graduating from Colby in 2013 and from Boston College Law School in 2016. Kyle graduated from St. Michael’s College in 2017 and followed his father’s footsteps by starting as shortstop for St. Mike’s Knights. Brian treasured his lifelong friendships with Coach Richard McGee and the McGee family, and he loved his Colby brothers as evidenced by their 50-year friendship. Survivors include his wife, Signe La France, his children, and four siblings, including Kate Cone ’76 and her husband, Pat Brancaccio, Zacamy Professor of English, Emeritus, and Thomas Cone ’82.
Wendy Knickerbocker '73
June 8, 2019, in Bangor, Maine, at 70. One of Colby’s first American studies graduates, she earned an M.L.S. from Simmons College in 1980 and became an academic librarian, first in Rhode Island and then in Maine, eventually becoming director of the Nutting Memorial Library at Maine Maritime Academy. She held other positions as well, including editor, bookkeeper, and manager of Geddy’s Pub in her hometown of Bar Harbor, and she published articles on a variety of topics and wrote two biographies of American religious figures. Wendy was active in her community by serving on boards and by being an avid walker, which connected her to nature and the towns in which she lived. She also wrote award-winning poetry, practiced privately as a Quaker, and valued her friendships. Her husband, David E. Avery, survives her, as do two siblings.
Medhane G. Egziabher '74
Aug. 21, 2013, in West Bloomfield, Mich., at 64. “Med” continued his education by earning a master’s in psychology from the University of Connecticut in 1976 and a Ph.D. in 1986. He settled in Detroit and worked for 25 years as a clinical social worker for the Michigan State Department of Mental Health. Later, he cofounded Michigan Habilitation-Learning and Healthcare Facilities to provide services to and advocate for those with limited mental function. He also cofounded Saint Mary’s Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Ferndale, Mich., and helped with mission work to build clinics in his homeland of Ethiopia. He leaves his wife, Elizabeth Menda, three children, and three siblings.
Richard A. Warn Jr. '74
June 24, 2019, in Portland, Maine, at 67. A businessman and entrepreneur, he founded and operated CStars of Maine, a software development company that provides a point-of-sale system for retail businesses. Pastimes included boating and skiing, reading, and supporting the softball pursuits of his two daughters, who survive him, along with his wife, Elizabeth Knight Warn ’76, and three sisters.
Gail Dixon Tewhey '75
May 8, 2019, in Scarborough, Maine, at 66. She earned a B.S.N. from St. Joseph’s College and worked in hospitals in Maine, for the American Red Cross, and at Health Dialog. Later, she worked for her father’s business, Cushing Printing. She enjoyed reading and caring for her cats. Her husband, Michael, and a brother survive her.
Joan E. Molino '81
March 23, 2019, in Mantua, N.J., at 59. She was a real estate manager with her own business, Molino Enterprises. Her pastimes including reading, playing the piano, roller skating, driving her Camaro, and playing bingo. She also loved cats. Her husband, Jeffrey Muller, and two brothers survive her.
Michael A. Coval '84
Aug. 31, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga., at 57. Described as a lover of freedom, the law, and Bruce Springsteen, he earned his J.D. from Emory University School of Law in 1987 and practiced law in Georgia, where he fought for justice for the homeless and inmates on death row. He also focused on issues relating to employee retirement income, COBRA, and the defense of disability insurance claims. He published articles on these topics and was a featured speaker at seminars and symposia. He also coached youth sports and loved all things New England, including Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire and Casco Bay in Camden. His parents, four children, including Cameron ’16, and a sister survive him.
Elizabeth “Libby” Wheatley '84
March 27, 2019, in Montague, Mich., at 57. Intrepid and scholarly, she earned three advanced degrees: a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s and a doctorate in sociology from the University of California at Santa Cruz. As a sociology professor at Grand Valley State University, Smith College, and Hamilton College, she researched and taught about the intersection of health with social justice, social inequalities, and human rights. A bicycling, kayaking, and backpacking enthusiast, she loved solo treks. Four years ago, she made the pilgrimage to San Sebastian, Spain, along GR-65, GR-10, and Camino del Norte. Two years later, after teaching in Germany, she completed the Tour du Mont Blanc through the Alps. Those left behind following her death from cancer include four siblings.
William O. Butler '86
Aug. 22, 2019, in Carlsbad, Calif., at 55. He earned an M.S. in biochemistry from the University of Maine then moved to San Diego, where he started a career in biotechnology. He worked in pharmaceuticals, leading complex global development teams and programs that led to the development of products currently registered for the treatment of diabetes, infectious disease, and organ transplants. He loved being a father and husband, and he was known for his grilling techniques and cooking awesome breakfasts. His wife, Jennifer, two children, and two brothers survive him.
