It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of
H. Hamilton (“Ham”) Chase.
Ham’s passion for Tri-Kap began during his undergraduate
years as he was an active member of the brotherhood. After graduation he settled in Keene, New
Hampshire and continued his active involvement with the College. He was often
seen on the campus attending alumni functions. He rarely missed a home hockey
game. While in town, he often found time
to stop by Tri-Kap to visit with the brothers.
He shared stories of his beloved Class of ’47 and always showed a deep
concern for the welfare of the House.
Ham was President of the Tri-Kap Alumni Board of Directors
for many years. He would make the trip from Keene (often several times a week)
and whenever necessary to attend meetings, initiate new members, or just hang
out. He seemed to revel in the company of the brothers in the place many of us
call “home at Dartmouth”.
When I joined the Board in 2003, he welcomed me with his
typical charm - making sure I felt comfortable with the group. He looked out
not only for the short-term happenings in the fraternity, but also for the
long-term needs. He started the idea of a capital campaign to address the
deterioration of our, then, 85 year lodge building. Ham was all for anything
that would make the brotherhood stronger. He truly worked for every project, for the welfare of Tri-Kappa, for promoting its
ideals, for upholding its fair name.
When he stepped down from the Board, the undergraduates
wrote and signed a letter thanking Ham for his service. Alumni and undergraduates alike wrote
articles in “The Pillar” celebrating his service. Francisco Ayala '02 painted a
wonderful portrait of Ham (pictured above), which hangs on the walls of the GOTE room today.
Even after he stepped down from the Board, Ham continued to demonstrate an
interest in the brothers and the welfare of the fraternity. For 70 years, Ham
served the fraternity as a brother, alumnus, advisor, and President of the
Board. He taught and embodied the Dartmouth “work hard, play hard” ethic.
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| Tri-Kap Board Members and Undergraduates at Ham's Funeral |
I, along with Terry Lowd ’66, Steve
Larmon ’74, Matt Graves '14, Anka
Tezcan '15, Brian White '15, Robbie Bhattacharjee '15, and Josh Schoenbart '16 (pictured
above) attended the services for Ham at United Church of Christ, Central
Square in Keene, NH on Saturday, Nov 8th. Ham’s wife Dot and most of his 6
children and 19 grandchildren were in attendance. We were all proud to sing the
Tri-Kap Marching Song in his honor. I saw several of Ham’s children smiling
while we sang. Ham’s daughter Carol Craig told me afterward that some of Ham’s
classmates (Frank Weber '47, Bill Hallager '47, John Trethaway '47 and Fred
Sistare '47) were within the vicinity of where we were singing and were
thrilled.
A great son of Kappa has passed from the near ship to the
ship in the distance – blazing the path before us. His leadership of the Board
of Directors during a critical period in the House’s life was instrumental in
keeping Tri-Kap the strong institution that it continues to be today. His presence and leadership were exemplary. Tri-Kap
is a better place, as is Dartmouth College, for his devotion and dedicated
leadership. We all owe him a great debt of gratitude for his untiring efforts
on behalf of the fraternity.
Yours in Kappa,
James McKim '83
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