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Elizabeth “Betsy” O’Connell '61
March 27, 2020, in Staten Island, N.Y., at 80. Described as a scientist and a spiritual warrior, she held an M.S. degree, worked for 49 years as a senior editor at New York University, and, later in life, became a Reiki master who focused her energy on animals, especially those in sanctuaries. She was a docent at the Staten Island Zoo for 20 years and an animal rights activist. She stood for social justice, lived intentionally, and designed a spiritual practice that centered around nature and animals. Her brother, Frederick O’Connell ’59, survives her, as do mentees and soul-friends.
Norman S. Macartney '61
April 7, 2020, in Newport, N.C., at 81. An active, Christian man, he gave his time and talent to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Running Strong for Indian Youth, and the Katonah Fire Department. He coached young swimmers, started a Boy Scout Troop, volunteered at the local soup kitchen, and raised funds for causes, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Seabee, and he was an educator, teaching in both New York and Texas. He also worked as a geophysicist in the Amazon and for CoreLabs. His personal interests included gardening, motorcycle racing, swimming, writing, painting, and playing the piano and guitar. Survivors include his wife, Armena “Mena”, three children, and three grandchildren.
Norcross E. Teel Jr. '61
April 11, 2020, in Langley, Wash., at 80. Following six months of active duty with the National Guard, he began his career in 1963 at Traveler’s Insurance Company. Seven years later, Pete started working for Mutual of New York and rose through the ranks to retire 20 years later as senior vice president of real estate. In early retirement, he worked part time as a consultant and mortgage loan analyst. He retired to Bar Harbor and then to Blue Hill, Maine, where he was a trustee with his Congregational church and a board member of area nonprofits. He was a sailor who enjoyed racing, and he was a builder, constructing his cottage on Pond Island, Maine. His final years were spent on Whidbey Island, Wash. He enjoyed traveling, hiking, feeding birds, and walking with his dog. He leaves his wife, Elsa, a sister, three sons, and nine grandchildren.
John C. Chapman '62
May 7, 2020, in Topsham, Maine, at 80. After Colby, he attended the U.S. Naval Officer Candidate School and spent four years in active duty during the Vietnam War. He served in the Naval Reserves for 24 years, retiring as a captain. He was also an independent insurance agent in Damariscotta, Maine, where he also sold real estate and served on the board of Lincoln Academy, including two years as president. He belonged to Rotary International for 50 years. Described as quiet, wry, and reliable, he joyfully captained his party barge on Damariscotta Lake and equally loved his home in St. Augustine, Fla. Survivors include his wife, Allison, three children, two step-children, eight grandchildren, and a sister, Janice Chapman ’70.
Carol Pospisil Morton '62
Nov. 23, 2019, in Ellicott City, Md., at 78. A homemaker and mother, she was active with the Towson Presbyterian Church and its Heartlights group, which provided services for the mentally challenged, and its prayer shawl group. Her interests included knitting, baking, reading mysteries, and following the Maryland Terrapins basketball team. She loved animals, especially the dogs and cats in her life. She leaves three sons, five grandchildren, and a sister.
Susan Comeau '63
Nov. 19, 2019, in Venice, Fla., at 78. She started her 38-year career at State Street Bank in Boston modestly, as a customer service representative, before receiving multiple promotions and rising to executive vice president and head of human resources. Her trailblazing career shattered glass ceilings and placed her at the forefront of change in the ’70s and ’80s. She volunteered extensively for Colby, as a class agent, on the Alumni Council 1979-85, and on the Board of Trustees 1987-2009. She was active in Colby clubs in Boston and volunteered for the regional campaign in Boston 1995-96. For her leadership and commitment to the College, she was awarded a Colby Brick in 1986 and the Ernest C. Marriner Distinguished Service Award in 2003. She gave generously to many charities, and, at Colby, established two funds, including the Susan Comeau Scholarship Fund in 1993. Although she never married, she surrounded herself with friends and family, whether traveling internationally or in her home. She leaves two siblings and their extended families.
Douglas R. Johnston '63
Dec. 5, 2019, in Haverhill, Mass., at 77. He left Colby and eventually became a realtor and owner of Stony Brook Realty in Westford, Mass. While living in Naples, Fla., he was a patient advocate and did volunteer work with Parkinson’s patients and the homeless. He played the banjo in a folk group, participated in tennis tournaments, and enjoyed playing backgammon. He leaves his wife, Marjorie, two sons, two step-daughters, nine grandchildren, and two sisters.
Thomas G. Mayer '63
Nov. 20, 2019, in Camden, Maine, at 79. After managing orange groves in Florida for several years, he became a long-haul trucker, satisfying his love of driving. Later, he owned and operated a limo service in New York City. He was a Life Master bridge player and an accomplished bowler and golfer. Survivors include two children, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three siblings, including Sandra Mayer Zinman ’60.
Stephen W.A. Thompson '63
Jan. 13, 2020, in Marblehead, Mass., at 79. His entire career was spent as an insurance broker for Marsh & McLennan, eventually becoming managing director of the company’s Boston office. Along the way, he completed the executive M.B.A. program at Harvard Business School. He loved to read, and he followed current affairs; he enjoyed traveling with his wife; he was a lifelong boater who belonged to Marblehead’s Corinthian Yacht Club and to Five Islands Yacht Club in Maine, where he summered for 70 years. Predeceased by his wife, Joan Phillipps Thompson ’64, he leaves two sons, four grandchildren, and a sister.
George A. Burks '65
Oct. 23, 2019, in Houston, Texas, at 75. After serving two years with the U.S. Army, he earned his law degree at South Texas College of Law. He became an attorney specializing in business law, working at the firm Burks Brush.
