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Share thisAlumni Notes | May 2020
Janet M. Cummins ’98 (Mod RN), age 49, passed away at her Grand Island home on Friday, May 8, 2020. She was born on October 11, 1970, to the late John C. Wagner and the late JoAnne Wagner (Finch).
Janet grew up in Warsaw and pursued advanced nursing degrees following graduation. She was very passionate about her healthcare career and particularly enjoyed working with developmentally disabled individuals. Janet was also an avid animal lover who spent her free time caring for her own rescue pets and those of others. She often expressed her generosity and kindness through cooking, as she could frequently be found preparing meals for friends and neighbors.
In addition to her parents, Janet is predeceased by her half-sister, Jody R. Webster. Janet is survived by her daughter, Laura E. Cummins; her sister, Joyce A. Wagner and half-brother, David C. Webster.
In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations be made to the SPCA Serving Erie County or a local animal sheltering organization of your choice. Please share condolences at www.kaiserfuneral.com.
Myrta A. Harrington ’58 (Nursing), 91, of New Berlin, passed away February 22, 2020 in New Berlin. She is now at peace in her heavenly home.
Myrta was born on December 18, 1928 in Burlington Flats, NY the daughter of the late Francis and Susie J. Nichols Harrington. In addition to her parents, she was pre deceased by her sisters Alma Harrington and Eva Hawes.
She is survived by two sisters Alene Harrington of NJ, and Freda (Russell) Arnold of Palmer Alaska, and many nieces, nephews and their families. Also surviving are special friend Mary Lyons, her Pastor and special friend Jay Henderson, as well as her loving church family.
Myrta was a graduate of Edmeston Central School, and went on to Roberts Wesleyan College in North Chili, NY, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree, and RN. She retired after 32 years as a Registered Nurse at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, and a Public Health Nurse, where she made a difference in many lives. Myrta was involved with the Nurse’s Christian Fellowship, Women’s Aglow Fellowship, and was a member of the Burlington Flats Baptist Church. She enjoyed home canning, crocheting, and socializing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Burlington Flats Baptist Church 101 Arnold Road Burlington Flats, NY 13315 in memory of Myrta. To send condolences, visit www.Delkerterryfh.com or Delker and Terry Funeral Home on Facebook.
Betty E. Ide ’54 (English), of Warrington passed away Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at the age of 95.
Born in Lehman, Pa., she was a daughter of the late John and Evelyn Ide.
Hazel graduated college from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, N.Y. and received her Master's degree from Temple University in Philadelphia. Hazel was a 4th grade teacher for many years in Ewing Township and Riverton, N.J.
She loved to travel, crochet and was very active.
Hazel is survived by her sister, Dorothy Ide, her brothers, Gerry, Coral (Mavise) and Ren Ide (Roberta), and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Hazel's name to Davisville Church, 325 Street Rd., Southampton, PA 18966, or to Bayada Hospice, 2370 York Rd., Suite E1, Jamison, PA 18929.
Pauline Reese Loedel ’45, age 94, of Spring Hill FL passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 under the care of HPH Sturgill Hospice House, Brooksville FL.
Born in Ransomville, NY, Pauline was the youngest of nine children born to Walter Everett Reese and Edna Frances (Smith) Reese. Married to Charles Loedel of Batavia, NY, the couple settled in the greater-Rochester, NY area. They had two children, James and Charlene. Charles predeceased Pauline in 2014 after 67 years of marriage.
A graduate of Chesbro Seminary and the NY State College at Brockport, Pauline made a rewarding career as an elementary school teacher until retirement. She and Charles (Chuck) maintained residences in NY State and as snowbirds in Florida until 2010 when they moved year-round to Spring Hill. Following Charles' death, Pauline enjoyed independent living in her Timber Pines house and driving her own car. In 2017 she moved into The Residence at Timber Pines in Spring Hill.
She enjoyed her family, traveling, golf, playing bridge, and socializing with her many friends. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church of Spring Hill, FL.
She is survived by her two children; James and wife Susan (Marsh) of Spring Hill, FL; and Charlene and husband David (Klackle) of Ocala, FL. She has three grandchildren; Jamison (Reagan), Matthew (Loedel), and Adam (Loedel); and two great-grandchildren; Quinn (Reagan), and Eva (Loedel).
Rev. Jack A. Logan ’51 (History), 93, of Bergen, passed away Monday, February 3, 2020, at his home in Bergen.
Rev. Logan was born on October 18, 1926, in St. Petersburg, Florida, a son of the late Jelks and Ann E. Zuck Logan.
Rev. Logan graduated from Harbor Creek High School, Roberts Wesleyan College and Asbury Theological Seminary with a Masters of Divinity Degree. He was a pastor at the Bergen 1st Presbyterian Church in Bergen, New York and had served with the Free Methodist Church for 50 years.
He was a US Navy veteran of World War II, serving the USNAS Banana River, Fl.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Kathryn "Katie" (Greenawalt) Logan, whom he married on January 1, 1946; four children, Stephen (Donna) Logan of TN, Connie Logan of Conesus, Keith (Theresa) Logan of MI and Mark (Ruth) Logan of Churchville; 12 grandchildren: Jonathan (Candice) Logan; Jason Logan; Jamie (Wade) Humphries; Allison Nichols; Meredith (Stefan) Bauroth; Nichole (Lt. Col Matthew) Rapp; Melinda Jamis, Melissa Logan; DeWayne (Emily) Logan; Jordan Logan; Tyler (Rebecca) Logan and Elise (Shane) Fraser; 27 great-grandchildren;1 great-great-grandchild; 2 brothers, Herbert (late Sally) Logan of TX and Ronald (Donna) Logan of Ransomville.
He was a brother of the late Joyce Neithermer.
In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Rev. Logan's name to Northeastern Seminary "Jack Logan Scholarship" 2265 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624.
Paula Harff Lomas ’83 (Nursing) had an article published in the March edition of American Nurse titled, "The changing face of cystic fibrosis." Paula is Senior Director of Clinical Communications for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Dominic Marini ’72 (Comprehensive Social Studies), Chili, passed peacefully on December 25, 2019 at age 69. Predeceased by his parents, Dominic & Maria Tiberi Marini. Dominic is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Patricia; children, Dawn Davina Marini & Dom Marini; grandchildren, Annika Straight & Celyn Straight; brother, David P. (Julie) Marini; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Alice Morton McFarlane ’54, of Moosomin, Saskatchewan, beloved wife of the late John McFarlane, loving mother of Holly, Bruce and Steven and much loved grandma and great grandma, passed away at the Southeast Integrated Care Centre, Long Term Care, Moosomin on Saturday, April 18th, 2020 at the age of 84 years
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Bethel United Church or the Moosomin & District Healthcare Foundation - Palliative Care, in memory of Alice.
Alice Ruth (Morton) McFarlane (December 18, 1935 – April 18, 2020) was born in North Chili, New York to Nelson and Helen Morton. She lived a full life reaching out for newer, richer, deeper, life-changing experiences. Her life was rich with personal growth, always pushing her boundaries mentally, spirituality, and intellectually for the betterment of herself, her family and the world. Alice and her life partner William “John” McFarlane, (1934 to 2009) traveled across Canada raising their family, living, working and providing service to dozens of communities.
Much of Alice's life focused on her family, her daughter Holly (Layne), and her sons Bruce (Susan) and Steve (predeceased by Marlene), her ten grand children; Leon (Brianne), Joy (Sean), Darcy (Sonia), Kent (Roslyn), Robert, Hanah (Evan), Naomi (Alex), Connor, Gabriel, and Doran (Brae) and five great grand children; Riley, Tabatha, Bella, Hunter and Quinn.
She also leaves behind three siblings; Ray Morton, (Rosemary), Mary Lou Bates, Fred Morton (Virginia) and her sister-in-law Betty Peterson. She was predeceased by her brother Al Morton. She will also be remembered by John's brother and sisters; Malcolm McFarlane (Valda), Donna Kvash (Victor), Joan Shykula (Steve), Willa Zufelt (Dick), Ellen Walsh (Gary), Sharon Smith (Bill).
Alice and John devoted their lives to providing service to isolated northern communities. From Pikangikum to South Indian Lake to Rainy River/Stratton and all the other communities that John was the minister for, Alice was his partner making coffee for church and cakes for weddings, teaching sunday school and singing classes, helping with church functions, and playing music. Where ever they moved to, her life was filled with gardening, cooking, reading, singing and traveling. One of their last work projects was with the All Native Circle conference and Dr Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre. Alice's contribution was acknowledged at an honorary elder ceremony at the Dr. Jessie Centre. After retiring to Killarney they moved to Moosomin to be close to family.
Alice still had dozens of ongoing projects that indicate how full her life was. She was making plans to visit her eastern family this summer, was in the process of building photo albums of her children's lives, busy visiting residents at the long term care centre and many other passions that filled her always busy life. She demonstrated her love with food and shared that food generously with family and friends. She was very devoted to remembering birthdays and she will be missed again by all of us especially on our next birthday when that card from Mom, Sister, Aunt, Grandma, and GG doesn't arrive.
Jack Oliphant ’00 (Northeastern Seminary – Master of Arts in Theological Studies), Lima, NY – On April 4, 2020, John (or “Jack” as he was known to most people) Oliphant, age 80, left his earthly body behind and entered his eternal heavenly home surrounded by his loving family. Jack is predeceased by his parents Richard and Mildred (MacDougall) Oliphant; his siblings Richard Oliphant and Dolores (Oliphant) VanArsdale; brother-in-law Royal VanArsdale; and son-in-law Thomas Crawford. He is survived by his wife and true soul mate of nearly 60 years, Violet “Vi” (Azzarelli) Oliphant; son John (Joan) Oliphant; daughters Amy Crawford, Christy (James) Harrington; grandchildren Christopher (Rachel) Webb, Christina Webb, Karl (Lindsay) Crawford, John Patrick Oliphant, Sarah (Corey) Baiera, Maia Harrington, Emma Harrington, and Lydia Harrington; great-grandchildren Molly Crawford, Lincoln Webb, Samantha Grace Webb, Tazio Baiera, and twins Clayton and Titus Crawford; sister Mildred “Sister” (Oliphant) White, sisters-in law Gail Oliphant and Sharlene Cady; and many cousins, nieces and nephews from his large extended MacDougall, Oliphant and Azzarelli families.
Jack loved time with his beloved family. He also greatly enjoyed exploring the outdoors, camping with family, long car rides, fall foliage, hikes in the woods, fishing, boating, exploring the Finger Lakes and Adirondacks, visiting Nova Scotia, creative writing, playing the harmonica, singing, drawing, painting, and he spent hours of time solving crossword and other word puzzles.
Jack was a graduate of North Rose Central School (’57), Auburn Community College (AA, ’63), The King’s College (BA, ’65), and Northeastern Seminary (MA, ’00). He had also completed additional coursework in interpretative writing at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communication, had finished all course work towards a Master’s degree at SUNY Potsdam with a focus on the writings of author C.S. Lewis, and did a year of intensive Bible and ministry training at Elim Bible Institute.
Jack proudly served his country as a member of the Army from 1958-1961 with assignments at Fort Dix, NJ, Fort Chafee, Arkansas, Fort Meade, Maryland, and he was deployed as part of the United States presence near the DMZ in South Korea. The family is incredibly appreciative of the Rochester NY Veterans Association for their amazing care and the provision of mobility equipment over the last three years.
Jack was a distinguished writer, wordsmith, editor, and photographer who began his professional career as a reporter/ photojournalist for the Canandaigua Daily Messenger, with a focus on court reporting and other news from around the Finger Lakes Region. He later moved to a similar role at the larger Syracuse Herald-Journal where he was assigned the civil rights beat during the tumultuous 1960s. His balanced reporting brought him much respect from all sides of the civil rights issues he covered.
In 1968, he began a long career working in higher education when he moved his family to the North Country and began working as the Director of College Information for SUNY Potsdam. He held various positions at the college between 1968 and 1981 including Director of Sports Information, Director of News Services, Director of Community Relations, and Director of Public Relations.
From 1982-1983, Jack worked as an Associate Pastor at Koinonia Fellowship (now New Hope Fellowship) in Potsdam, NY, a church he had been an elder in since soon after its founding in the early 1970s under the leadership of lifelong friends Pastor John and Jane Ault. He enjoyed the fact that the church had a special outreach to the students from the four colleges in the Potsdam and Canton, NY area and Jack and Vi loved entertaining and supporting the students in their home.
Between 1983 and 1987, Jack worked at Elim Bible Institute in Lima, NY as the Assistant Director of Communications; the school where he had studied while on a sabbatical from SUNY Potsdam in 1981-1982. He was responsible for writing and editing virtually all promotional materials and alumni communications from the school including The Bell Tower magazine and also served as a “ghost writer” for various faculty and administrators’ scholarly work & speeches. Additionally, he worked with Elim Fellowship to edit the Elim Herald magazine, which told stories of both domestic and international ministries. During these years he spent some of his time teaching English to high school students at nearby Lima Christian School. From 1987 until his retirement in 2004 he served in various roles at Roberts Wesleyan College located in North Chili, NY. He initially was hired as the Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, but later became the Director of Public Relations and the editor of the alumni magazine, Roberts Today. He continued his practice of serving as a “ghost writer” and often helped write print material and speeches attributed to President William Crothers. His prowess as a grant writer was credited with securing significant funding for the college, including a large grant received from businessman and philanthropist Thomas Golisano’s foundation to fund the building of the impressive library on campus. In the years prior to his retirement, he taught Freshmen English classes at the college.
From 2008 to 2012, Jack, an ordained minister through Elim Fellowship whose Christian faith was incredibly important to him, came out of retirement after serious heart issues had been resolved, and served as the Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Akron, NY. He, along with Vi, his partner in ministry, helped shepherd the congregation through their 175th anniversary year celebration and sparked an increased interest in foreign missions work and other forms of local outreach. During his tenure at the church, there was an increased emphasis on weekly times of fellowship, teaching and prayer. Jack and Vi have been very grateful for the friendship and support they have received from former congregant Dr. Catherine “Bili” Bilideau since their time in Akron.
Jack was a member of Lima Baptist Church from 1986-1996, where he taught small groups, and Elim Gospel Church from 1996-2008 and 2012 until his passing. He was a part of a men’s fellowship group led by dear friends Don Oppedisano, Pastor Jerry Warsaw, and Dr. David Ness that met regularly and its members became like brothers to him. Their support of Jack during his life was extraordinary and their support of Vi since Jack’s passing is greatly appreciated and noteworthy.
The family would like to thank the excellent medical providers, nurses, and therapists who have participated in Jack’s care and all of the wonderful friends and neighbors who have supported the family over the years and particularly during this very difficult time. Extra thanks go to Jackie Peterson, PT, who oversaw his home therapy and was always a great source of encouragement during her visits.
In the weeks before his passing, Jack was hospitalized and separated from his family due to the visitor restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the advocacy of his wife, he was released from the hospital and was able to spend six days at home. Several people stepped forward and provided medical equipment, moral support, and healthcare expertise, which made that sacred time with Jack possible. Cynthia and Chris Leidlein, Christy Parker, LPN, and Harold “Harry” Hawes, RN are especially appreciated for going above and beyond anything that the family could have ever expected. Also thanks to journalist Michael Schwartz from 13 WHAM-TV for telling the story of Jack and Vi’s separation and inspiring reunion and to family friend Gale Bagwell for arranging to have bagpiper Brian Dengler, from the Gates Keystone Pipe and Drum, play Amazing Grace outside of the Oliphant home to honor Jack’s Scottish heritage on the day of his passing.
Vi would like to acknowledge their three children (Christy, Amy, and John) and the rest of the extended family who in recent years helped Jack stay actively engaged in events offered through Roberts Wesleyan College, Northeastern Seminary, the Ugandan Water Project, the Global Health Association @ RIT, and numerous concerts, plays, dance recitals, and other activities that involved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. A special thanks goes out to daughter Amy for her skillful assistance over the past year and a half with helping him get to many of his appointments and other mobility-related needs around the house and to great-granddaughter Molly for the many ways she lovingly assisted her “Papa Jack” on a daily basis in recent years.
The “Jack Oliphant Communications Scholarship” is being created at Roberts Wesleyan College to bless a student who is studying Communications at the school from which he retired. Those who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to this scholarship fund can mail checks to Roberts Wesleyan College, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, NY 14624. Please include “Jack Oliphant Communications Scholarship” in the memo.
For those wishing to make a financial contribution to support Jack’s wife Vi during this period of loss and transition, checks can be made out to the Oliphant Help Fund and sent to or dropped off at any Canandaigua National Bank branch or online donations can be made through www.GoFundMe.com and search for the “Please Stand Now with Vi Oliphant” campaign. Your support is greatly appreciated!
A celebration of Jack’s life will be announced at a later date. Details regarding the location of his internment are also still being determined.
Hon. Mel L. Olver ’67 (English), Chili - January 22, 2020 at the age of 75.
In a letter to his grandson, Mel described life as full of opportunity, where you are never too old to do what you really want to do. After various jobs at Roberts Wesleyan College and 10 years in the business world, Mel attained his law degree from the University of Buffalo and enjoyed more than 35 years as a distinguished attorney and almost 30 years as a regarded town justice.
Mel believed that all people are valuable and should be treated with dignity and respect, principles he lived by, both in his professional and personal life. He was thoughtful, fair and compassionate, appreciated by colleagues, clients and defendants alike.
Although much of Mel's success was due to his hard work and perseverance, he was grateful for the many people in his journey that contributed to his accomplishments, including his wife, friends, family and colleagues.
Mel was a devoted and loving husband and father. He was especially proud of his grandchildren, reveling in their growth and pursuit of their individual passions. Mel 's passions were for his family and friends and spending time at his camp in the Adirondacks. He loved music and singing, blessing us with his booming voice for many years as a member of the choir and quartet at the First Presbyterian Church of Chili.
Mel was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Herbert & Grace Olver and sister Miriam Olver. Mel is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Eileen, children Kristin (Scott) Jackson and Matthew (Laurie) Olver, grandchildren Madison Lee and Carter Guy Jackson and Ryan Matthew and Adam Christopher Olver, siblings Rev. Howard (Linda) Olver, Luella (James) O'Brien and Rev. Paul (Rev. Delia) Olver, very special brother-in-law Duane Salls, several nieces and nephews and dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Chili for the Deacon's Fund.
Douglas Reiman ’65 (English) wrote a message to current students as they face the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine:
“I physically graduated from Roberts Wesleyan in '66, because several of the powers that were had grown weary of allowing students to graduate with their class, even though they had not completed all the required coursework. (I had a math course to complete for my minor, and had to take it at Brockport, because nothing Dr. Kaufman regarded as appropriate for filling that hole was being offered at RWC that summer.) As I understand it, '65 was the only year that happened... apparently because there was a significant amount of negative feedback from students who were devastated by not being allowed to graduate with their classmates/closest friends. So, a few of us from that vintage can sympathize with the whole graduating class of '20 whose physical graduation is in serious doubt.
I suspect that, like you, my best memories of RWC were the interactions with faculty members whom I admired greatly (e.g. Dr. Ahern, Dr. Adams, Profs Updyke...) and the many classmates, variously gifted and expressing those giftings (in classes, in concerts, on the sports fields, in student government... too many to name). I imagine that those memories will stay with you long after the inconvenience of these weeks of unexpected obligatory social distancing became the lingering reality of the conclusion of the '19-'20 academic year.
Blessings to all of you as you take your places in a mission field that is increasingly hostile to the principles and beliefs we hold so dear, but who, through the power of the Holy Spirit, can be incrementally persuaded by your testimonies--silent and spoken--to be reconciled to our Creator and Savior.”
W. Dale Roberson ’62 (Chemistry), age 81, of Greenwood, IN passed away on October 31, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Dale was born on September 21, 1938 to Clayton James Roberson and Jesse Beatrice (Austin) Roberson in English, IN.
Preceding Dale in death are his parents Clayton and Beatrice Roberson, his brothers James Roberson and Jack Roberson.
Surviving Dale is his wife of 61 years Nancy (Rowland) Roberson, his children; Brian (Dolores) Roberson, Keith Roberson, Gregg (Christine) Roberson and Scott (Jeannie) Roberson, along with 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, his siblings; Nidrah Dial, Mercedes Wheatley and Joe Roberson and many nieces and nephews.
Dale retired from Enthone Incorporated, he loved to socialize with people and he loved baseball. Dale was on the Board of Directors for The Clayton Roberson Foundation, Sycamore Springs Park. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
In lieu of flowers donation may be made to The Clayton Roberson Foundation for The Sycamore Springs Park, 717 Tunnel Hill Road, English, IN 47118.
Online condolences may be made to at www.denbo-dillmanfuneralhomes.com.
Betty Harvey Salmon ’61 (English), Johnson City, NY - Betty passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at Lourdes Hospital. When mom left she was surrounded by family, love and laughter and walked straight into the arms of her Savior.
She was predeceased by her son William F. "Billy" Salmon. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years William O. Salmon; children Elizabeth "Beth" and Jeff Smith; Carolyn and Shawn May; daughter in law Shelly Salmon; Shawn and Diana Salmon; grandchildren Ashley Smith and Michael May; step grandchildren Shawn and David Gordon; sister in law Ann Brozovic; nieces Nancy (Bryan) Beers; Jodie (Jim) Smiley; 2 grand nieces; God children Michael Patchen and Christine Wagner; 3 God grand children; 7 God great grandchildren; 10 step great grandchildren; 1 step great great granddaughter and CeCe Howard her oldest friend. Betty retired from teaching from the Binghamton City School District.
After retirement she was a nanny for several years as well as a substitute teacher in Johnson City and Pennsylvania. Betty was a long-time member of the JC Primitive Methodist Church where she was the organist, choir director, Sunday school teacher and youth director. She was also the organist in her husband's churches in PA and also served in many positions in the district level. Betty spent her final years enjoying life at the Susquehanna Nursing Rehabilitation Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty's memory to the International Mission Board, c/o Paula L. Ten Brink, 10015 Highway 40, Henagar, AL 35978.
Garth R. Stam ’53 (History), 88, a resident of Oneonta and Jacksonville Beach, Florida, passed away on Feb. 12, 2020, at his Florida home with his family following a brief illness.
Stam was born and raised in Rochester, the son of the late Alice Kuipers Stam and Garrett Stam.
He was a 1949 graduate of Brighton High School. In 1953 he graduated from Roberts Wesleyan College with a bachelor's degree in education. He earned a master's degree in education from the State University of New York at Brockport in 1959 and an advanced degree from Indiana University in 1961.
While attending Roberts Wesleyan, he met his future wife, Erma Jean Diddle, and they were married in 1953. They enjoyed 59 wonderful years together until her passing in 2012.
Throughout his life, Stam was an avid athlete and coach. He grew up playing basketball for his high school and university teams and began his coaching career immediately upon his graduation from Roberts Wesleyan. He spent five years at his alma mater, where he coached basketball, baseball, founded the men's soccer program and also served as athletic director. In 1977, he was inducted into the Roberts Wesleyan College Athletic Hall of Fame for basketball.
In 1961, Stam arrived at the State University of New York at Oneonta (Oneonta State), where he served as an instructor in the Department of Physical Education and initially coached both basketball and soccer. Career-wise, he is best remembered for his 28 years coaching the men's soccer team to unparalleled success. Coach Stam often called upon his players to "do your job, do it to the best of your ability, and do it each time you are called upon to do it."
During his tenure, he compiled a 246-134-29 record, including a 62-6-5 stretch from 1970 to 1975. He led the Red Dragons to undefeated seasons in 1971 and 1973, as well as the first-ever NCAA Division II national championship soccer game in 1972. Coach Stam's teams won or shared four State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) crowns in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1985, and won Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) titles in 1977 and 1980. He coached Farrukh Quraishi, who was the recipient of the Hermann Trophy in 1974 as the top male soccer player in the nation. Stam also mentored five All-Americans and had 18 of his players drafted into professional soccer. Stam retired from Oneonta State in 1996 and was inducted into the Oneonta State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. Coach Stam was twice selected as the SUNYAC Coach of the Year and was the New York State Coach of the Year in 1973. In 1972, he was the Eastern region coach for the first All-American Senior Soccer Bowl Game played in Orlando, Florida.
Even after his retirement from coaching, Stam continued to excel at athletics. For decades he practiced basketball at the Oneonta State University gymnasium, and his Masters basketball teams (age 70+) won multiple national and regional championships, qualifying for the Senior Games on multiple occasions. He also loved to play golf with friends and family, playing well into his late 80s.
Stam was a year-round outdoorsman who grew up hunting and fishing with his seven brothers and sisters, and he enjoyed passing that love on to his children and grandchildren during summer fishing trips with extended family and friends. Fittingly, he was an environmentalist, a conservationist, and a former president of Trout Unlimited. He loved to hunt and trained his tracking dog, Mack, to be a state champion. During a sabbatical from teaching, he wintered over on the remote Yukon River in Alaska with his brother John. They survived off the land fishing, hunting, trapping and living in John's isolated self-made log cabin.
Above everything else in his life, Stam's guiding principles were his Christian faith and love of family. He and his wife Jean were founding members of the Oneonta Assembly of God Church, living their faith daily their entire lives. Together, they set a wonderful example of immeasurable love, generosity, and charity for family, friends, players, students, and the Oneonta community.
From their home to the classroom, playing fields, summer camps, child day care centers and Oneonta State, their positive impact was far reaching and enduring.
Garth Stam was well loved and admired and he will be greatly missed.
Stam is survived by his siblings, Richard (Elaine), Donna (Herb), Alice (Tony), Ruth (Will), John, and George (Gretchen); children, Craig, Mark (Laura), Dana (Robert) and Donnajean (Dan); and 11 loving grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents; wife, Jean; brother, Gary; sister-in-law Sally; and brother-in-law, Dave.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of Coach Garth Stam may be made to the SUNY College of Oneonta Foundation. Please indicate the Garth Stam Scholarship on the memo line. Mail to Office of College Advancement, SUNY Oneonta, 108 Ravine Parkway, 308 Netzer Admin. Bldg., Oneonta, NY 13820, or online at www.oneontaalumni.com/give. Phone: 607-436-2535.
Rev. Richard H. Weber ’51 (Religion-Philosophy), age 92, of Acworth, GA, passed away April 8, 2019.
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