Derick Doane Schermerhorn ’53

Derick, one of 15 Hotchkiss grads who entered in 1949, died May 1, 2005, at his West Palm Beach home after a long and gallant fight against cancer.

An English major, he was on the board of The Tiger, a WPRU writer, and a Republican Club member. He made lasting friends with roommate and fellow Terrace Club member Paul Brown, who followed his career. Paul recalls that Derick was in the Army Security Agency as a Russian language specialist and then worked for International Paper Co.

In 1966, Derick married Joan Nesbitt and they became parents of Richard and John and grandparents of Richard Jr. Later, Derick had his own consulting and public relations firm. His ability to write clearly about complicated issues resulted in his 1984 sought-after book, Improving Your Business Communications — How to Speak, Write, Listen, and Observe More Efficiently. After retirement, he was a substitute teacher at three local high schools.

His devotion to our class was evidenced after the 50th reunion, when he and Joan drove to Watertown, N.Y., to share the good times they had with Paul, who couldn't attend. Paul remembers Derick as "one of the most gentle men," and those memories will sustain Paul and his family and friends in Derick's absence.

The Class of 1953