System Mechanic - Clean, repair, protect, and speed up your PC!
Ian J. Holt '07, January 1, 2004, in Woodstock, Vt., at 18, in a single-car accident. He was a high school National Honor Society scholar, Habitat for Humanity volunteer and delegate to the Youth Congress and the Model Congress. A three-sport captain of varsity teams and a first-team all-state and honorable mention All-American in lacrosse, he joined the Colby lacrosse team and served in projects for the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter and Hospice Volunteers. Survivors include his parents, Robert and Lisa Holt, and his brother.
Michele Grossman Alexander, December 16, 2003, in Bangor, Maine, at 37, in an automobile accident. She was a visiting assistant professor of psychology at Colby in 1994-1995. A professor of social psychology at the University of Maine, she is survived by her husband, Steven, her son, her mother and father, a brother and a sister.
H. Stanley Palmer, January 30, 2004, in Waterville, Maine, at 81. Following highly decorated service with the Army Air Force during World War II and a professional career as a design engineer, he became plant engineer at Colby in 1972. He retired in 1985 as associate vice president of facilities and planning. He is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Palmer Sherman and Jennifer Palmer Goodyear, and four grandchildren.
Robert E. Merriman, June 19, 2011, Exeter, N.H., at 82. He served in the Army during the Korean War and then worked in insurance, retiring as president and CEO of Acord Corporation in Pearl River, N.Y. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Nancy Weare Merriman ’52, four daughters, siblings Ruth Merriman ’52 and Richard Merriman ’57, and cousins, including John Edes ’58.
John P. Harriman, Sept. 15, 2011, in San Diego, Calif., at 85. He worked at Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company for 40 years. Survivors include his children, Eileen Miller, John Harriman, and Marty Harriman, and five grandchildren.
Lesleigh Amlaw Perry, Aug. 31, 2011, in White River Junction, Vt., at 84. She worked as a postal clerk in Hancock, Vt., for more than 25 years and was involved with her church, historical society, and senior center. She also served as trustee for the Hancock Public Library. Survivors include her daughters, Jean Middleton and Anne Perry, and three grandchildren.
Gabriel J. Hikel, Aug. 6, 2011, in Pittsfield, Maine, at 91. He left Colby in 1942 to serve in World War II, returning after the war with a Purple Heart. He received a master’s from NYU and then worked for 30 years at the Irving Tanning Company. He served on the boards of SAD 53, Maine Central Institute, and Sebasticook Valley Hospital. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Zanie, two sons, three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two brothers.
Everett B. Dowe Jr., July 4, 2011, in Windsor, Conn., at 85. He joined the Navy in 1943, served for a year before college, and then rejoined during the Korean War. He earned a master’s in education from Trinity College and taught high school physics and chemistry for almost 30 years. For his work on the town council and conservation commission, and for serving as mayor, he was named Windsor’s citizen of the year. He enjoyed reading, bowling, and playing cards. Survivors include his six children, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Gerald A. Gilson, June 28, 2011, in Pacifica, Calif., at 89. He was a health and life insurance broker who was interested in his family and friends, classical and jazz music, politics, puzzles, and sports. Survivors include his wife, Elisabeth, and a son.
Freda Staples Smith, May 22, 2011, in Waterville, Maine, at 88. She worked as a secretary at Keyes Fibre while raising her children. She began taking classes at Thomas College in 1979 and in 2008, at 85, was awarded an associate’s degree. She was predeceased by her mother, Margaret Brown Staples ’17. Survivors include her children, Sherry and Scott, and four grandchildren.
Dorothy Sanford McCunn, Sept. 7, 2011, in Canaan, Conn., at 87. She was a housewife and mother who earned her master’s in education in 1971. She subsequently taught kindergarten and second grade for 20 years. In retirement she was active with her church, the historical society, and numerous civic organizations. She served as the Class of 1945 correspondent and loved to travel. Survivors include her husband, Ian, two sons, and two grandsons.
