Theta Xi - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

www.alpha6294.com AlphABet Soup: ChApter eternAl Robert B. Bass '40 (A573) entered Chapter Eternal in February 2013. Robert's interests included hunting, fishing, Boy Scouts, The Vestry at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church, and, of course, his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Catherine, and their four children, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. John P. Van Duyne '44 (A612) entered Chapter Eternal on January 15. John was a WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Army Signal Corps and discharged in 1946 as a technical sergeant. He was an electrical engineer for 40 years, pioneering in electrical measurements, radio, and television. He ended his career with Singer as executive vice president of engineering in 1984. He was an avid amateur radio operator from 1936 until recently; last call letters were W1COA. John is survived by his wife of 69 years, Loraine, three sons, five grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. W. Bruce Lockwood '44 (A620) entered Chapter Eternal on October 11, 2012, at the age of 90. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute for a short time before enlisting in the Navy at the beginning of World War II. He spent five years in the Navy primarily in the Pacific theater. Bruce's leadership skills earned him challenging assignments; at age 21 he was the captain of a sub-chaser. After the war, he returned to school at the University of Michigan, where he captained the sailing team, presided over Theta Xi fraternity, and earned a degree in naval architecture. Bruce was a talented sailor who was widely known in southeastern Connecticut as an enthusiastic and avid competitor. As teenagers, several times Bruce and his brother, John, rescued a capsized neighbor of theirs who was not as talented as they were with sailboats: Albert Einstein. Not only did Bruce race sailboats, he restored and built them as well. He cherished his extensive collection of tools and woodworking equipment and spent many hours building penguin and el toro-class boats, which he then won races with. In 1938, he and his brother founded the Old Cove Yacht Club in New Suffolk, Long Island, still going strong today. In 2007, Bruce wrote the book, Reflections - Off Soundings Since 1933, which was published and sold to sailors and non-sailors alike. Bruce was a positive-thinking man who was loved by many people and who made friends wherever he went. His zest for life was contagious, and he had a unique way of seeing the best in everything. Bruce's passion for life touched many and those who knew him were richer for his friendship. Bruce was predeceased by his first wife of 44 years, Nancy, and his sister, Mary Oakes. He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Linda; four daughters; two step-sons and their families; two brothers; and numerous nieces and nephews. John G. Shipton '51 (A714) entered Chapter Eternal on September 20, 2012, in Commerce, Texas, at the age of 87. John was proud of his Irish heritage and his service in the United States Army. He served as a paratrooper on D-Day and was proud of his contribution to the cause of freedom. John was an avid sportsman and worked for years at his own business selling and refurbishing sports equipment. He loved to talk to people—he was a master storyteller. John is survived by his loving daughters, Dana and Jody, and their husbands. C. Brad Dewey Jr. '52 (A768) entered Chapter Eternal in November 2013 at Fort Hudson Nursing Facility. Brad graduated from New Hampton School in 1945 and began college at RPI. He left RPI after his first year and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving for two years as an electronics technician mate. He returned to RPI, where he played lacrosse and graduated in 1952. In 1949, he married Julia Law Pippin (Judy). They began their 64-year marriage with three years together at RPI. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his two children and five grandchildren. Roger F. Hallenbeck '52 (A773) entered Chapter Eternal in September 2013 in Foothill Acres Care Center, Hillsborough Township. He graduated with a B.S. degree in architecture and received his master's in urban planning from Columbia University. His is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth (Rooney), four children, and five grandchildren. Willy H. Pieper '53 (A800) entered Chapter Eternal in August 2013. Willy received a B.S. in engineering after completing a tour with the U.S. Army as part of the post-WWII reconstruction in Japan. He married Elaine Kimmey in 1961, and they lived together in Auburn, N.Y., before moving full-time to Ballston Lake. Willy was passionate about gardening and landscaping his beloved camp along the Ballston Lake shoreline and spent many happy hours there working on his rock garden and bird watching. He was also an avid golfer and active for many years with various Lutheran congregations and social groups. Willy is survived by his wife, four children, and five grandchildren. John G. Williams Jr. '56 (A808) entered Chapter Eternal on August 28 at Park Ridge Hospital. He was born in Akron, Ohio, on February 13, 1930. He grew up in Ohio and Toronto, Canada and subsequently moved to Troy, NY, to attend RPI. In 1952 he attended Officer Candidate School at Ft. Belvoir, Va., and was commissioned as a second lieutenant. Upon discharge from the army, John and his wife, Joan, whom he was married to for 60 years, traveled extensively in the west until they returned to RPI, where he completed his degree in architectural engineering. He gave his time to First United Methodist Church as president of the board of trustees, as well as on the building committee. He and Joan enjoyed primitive camping and canoeing in the northern lakes of Algonquin Park, Ontario. John is survived by Joan; two daughters, Nancy and Susan; two sons, Mike and Steve; five grandsons; four great-grandchildren; and his brother. William P. Engels '54 (A819) was born August 15, 1931, and entered Chapter Eternal on February 10. He lived a full life and will be deeply missed. He was a resident of Marco Island, Fla. Gordon R. Peterkin '55 (A829) entered Chapter Eternal on September 21, peacefully in hospital after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's disease. In 1954, Gordon scored the game-winning goal in sudden-death overtime for RPI to beat Minnesota 5-4 for the 1954 NCAA hockey title. He also recorded a hat trick and an assist in the semifinal game against Michigan. Lloyd Bauer '55 (A826) and Martin Karch '56 (A853) were also on that title-winning team. You can Google the winter 2003 issue of the Rensselaer alumni magazine for a great recap of the 1954 hockey team. Gordon is remembered as a beloved husband to Pat Christie for 47 years, loving father to Andrew and Lesley, and proud grandfather to Ashlyn, Connor, Spencer, Carter, and Zahra. Alphabet 4

• Cover