In Memoriam: Ed Athey '67

A Message from Dr. John Toll

Chestertown, MD, May 20, 2004 — It is with great sadness that I write to inform you that Edward M. Athey '67 passed away today at his home in Chestertown. He was 58.

An alumnus, trustee and avid sports fan, Ed worked tirelessly on behalf of his alma mater even while battling cancer. Ed will be remembered for his devotion to Washington College, which closely paralleled his family life. The two interests were intertwined since 1948 when Ed's father, Edward L. Athey '43, returned to Chestertown to serve as Washington College's athletic director, a post he would occupy for nearly forty years. The connection later spanned a third generation: Ed's daughters, Carolyn and Lisa, as well as a nephew, Charlie, are also dedicated Washington College alumni, and another nephew, Andy, is a current undergraduate.

Ed's service to the College was likewise longstanding. He served as Chair of the Washington College Community Fund from 1984 until 1987, as a member of the Alumni Council (both as Vice-President and then President) from 1990 until 1996, and since 1997 as an alumni-elected representative to the Board of Visitors and Governors. Re-elected to that post in 2003, he was an active trustee, serving as chair of the student life committee as well as on committees overseeing admissions and financial aid and development.

Over the years he met frequently with students, working to represent and advance their concerns with the Board. He also remained active in alumni affairs, serving as an unofficial advisor to a succession of alumni directors.

Ed attended Washington College from 1963-65, earning his B.A. from Catawba College and a M.Ed. from Western Maryland College. He returned to his Kent County community in 1968 as a teacher, coach, and guidance counselor before joining FAM&M Insurance, Inc., where he served as President and CEO at the time of his death. His commitment to the local community was strong—he served as a Director of the Chestertown Bank, Chairman of the Kent County Economic Development Committee, and on the boards of the Chesapeake Bank, Kent and Queen Anne's Hospital, Chester River Yacht and Country Club, and the Optimist Club. He also served as a Judge of the Orphans Court and as a member of the Chestertown Planning and Zoning Committee.

In addition to this lifetime of service, Ed will be remembered for his tireless generosity and unerring grace. He was a greatly respected friend for many members of the College community, including students, faculty, administrators, staff, and fellow Board members. We will miss his wise counsel, his quiet wit, and his characteristic wide-open smile.

I know the entire Washington College community joins me in extending our deepest condolences to Cathy and the entire Athey family.

A memorial service for Edward M. Athey '67 will be held on the Martha Washington Square at Washington College on Tuesday, May 25, at 11:00

a.m.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be sent to the Edward M. Athey 67 Memorial Fund, c/o Washington College, 300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620.

- John Toll