Davidson College – In Memoriam

Nelson Andrew Waite, Jr. (Skip) passed away in Houston, Texas on July 30, 2023. Skip was born on March 31, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Waite. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nelson A. Waite, Sr, and Anne Dunlap Waite. He is survived by his brothers, Richard D. Waite (Kimberly) of Santa Rosa, CA, and Philip T. Waite of Spartanburg, SC. He is also survived by his son, Gregory Scott Waite (Victoria), four grandchildren Sage, Dakota, Noah & Elizabeth Waite, great granddaughter Kirra and his nephew, Ricky Waite. Lastly, Skip is survived by numerous cousins from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Savannah, GA, where the family roots began, his extended family in California who know him as “Uncle Skip” and several loving friends from Houston, TX.

Skip was quite an athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball in his high school years, where he graduated from Glenrock High School in Glen Rock, New Jersey. He went on to play baseball for Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina where he earned a B.A.in Psychology in 1967. After graduating from Davidson and the ROTC program he joined the Army as an officer in a tank battalion serving our country for 4 years. After returning home from his time in the Army to his then wife, Nancy, and son Scott, he went on to begin his career in the insurance industry in Chicago at Chubb & Sons. Skip later divorced and moved to Houston, TX continuing to work in the insurance industry. He had a stellar career serving as an Officer with Chubb & Son, Inc, VP with Marsh & McLennan, VP with Reed Alexander Stenhouse of TX, VP with River Oaks Insurance Services and retiring with AON Insurance Services.

Skip’s passions in life when not working included teaching his son, Scott, how to play ball, sailing, golfing, playing tennis and spending many hours pouring over the Julia Childs cookbook while cooking fabulous dinners for many friends and family over the years. He belonged to “gourmet supper clubs” with dear friends, and also enjoyed hosting dinners in his home. His favorite annual trips were to California at Christmas time to see his son, Scott, and 4 grandchildren, Sage, Dakota, Noah & Elizabeth…and always an annual trip at Thanksgiving to spend time with his brother, Rick and his family, visiting the wine country and hosting “his dinner” at Bacci Café in Healdsburg with extended family.

Per Skip’s request, no formal services will be held, instead please prepare your favorite meal with your loved ones and toast him with a great bottle of French wine, his favorite!

David Cormak, 69, dear son of the late Robert and Lenore Cormak, beloved husband to Twyla Cormak, and loving father to Katelyn Cormak Taylor (Zach) and Regan Cormak, passed away on July 27, 2023.

David was born on July 7, 1954 in Lakewood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, to Robert and Lenore Cormak. He was the only child of two only children, making him the only grandchild to his grandparents. He was loved and doted on by his family growing up, and his nickname became “Darling David.” Despite all that concentrated attention, he grew up thoughtful and kind. In 1967, when Dave was in middle school, the Cormak family relocated to Chesterfield, Missouri. Dave attended Parkway Central Middle and High Schools and then Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina where he majored in Psychology. He had a great love for the humanities and studied abroad throughout Europe for a deeper dive into those subjects. After he graduated from Davidson, he moved to Dallas, Texas to pursue his graduate degree at Southern Methodist University where he got his MBA.

After graduate school, Dave worked as a staffing recruiter for a few years, before taking a job in Human Resources at RepublicBank Dallas, where he met Twyla. Dave and Twyla married in 1986. They had two daughters; Katelyn in 1989 and Regan in 1993. In 1997, they relocated for Dave’s job change within the bank and moved to Chesterfield, Missouri. Dave continued to work for the bank, which eventually became Bank of America, for 37 years. He worked in Compliance and then Risk Management before his retirement in 2019. Dave loved his work, mainly for the many amazing people he worked shoulder-to-shoulder with. Dave’s job required him to travel around the country and even several trips to China, allowing him to develop delightful relationships with people throughout the bank. Many of his employees, colleagues and bosses have remarked on what a mentor, cheerleader and encourager he was to them. He left a great legacy there through the many people he impacted.

Dave was always active in sports. In high school he wrestled, was on the track team, and played football. He loved playing racquetball in college and throughout his twenties and thirties. He also loved to ski, and the family took several fun ski trips together. Throughout the years, tennis and golf were two of his favorite activities, mostly because of the fun he had with his friends on and off the court/green. In retirement, he was playing tennis four to five times a week and golfing once a week. One of his tennis buddies said Dave always knew the right thing to say to people to make them feel good about themselves.

Travel was a deep love of Dave’s. Vacations took months to plan, and were enjoyed to the fullest. When the girls were younger, the family took a vacation to Disney World, and afterwards Dave always enticed the girls with other, new locations so he didn’t have to go back. As the girls were growing up, the family visited Steamboat Springs, Colorado; Las Vegas; beaches in the Carolinas, the Riviera Maya in Mexico and the Dominican Republic; England; Hawaii; New York City; Italy; San Francisco and Santa Fe. When Twyla had a year-long international work assignment in Canada, Dave would visit, and they enjoyed spending time in Toronto and seeing Niagara Falls and Montreal.

As empty nesters, Dave and Twyla went on some amazing trips together where they met so many interesting people. They went on cruises on the Danube and Douro Rivers, plus small boat cruises to Venice and the Dalmatian coast and Nice and the Amalfi coast. They toured the Grand, Bryce, and Zion Canyons. They took driving trips across the country, including visits to their daughters and friends. Last year, Dave traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio with a tennis friend for the Western and Southern tennis tournament and was able to see some of his favorite professional tennis players play. Dave and Twyla’s last trip together was in May, and they had a wonderful time traveling throughout Portugal and Spain.

Dave and Twyla have attended Chesterfield Presbyterian Church since 2004. Dave was involved with the men’s discipleship program, and it became a wonderful way for him to further develop his personal relationship with our amazing Savior, Jesus. He was blessed to share that journey and develop deep friendships with the men in his group. Through that program they discussed their spiritual gifts, and Dave shared that he wanted “To use my spiritual gifts of enthusiasm and energy to serve the Lord by encouraging, coaching and motivating others to see God’s hand in their lives as they accomplish their goals and aspirations.” We were all blessed by the expression of Dave’s spiritual gifts in his devotion to others, and he will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
Chesterfield Presbyterian Church
15037 Clayton Road
Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
If you are unable to attend in person, a livestream link for the service will be available on the Chesterfield Presbyterian Church website (www.chespres.org).

Katie Oliver Early spent her last days much as she spent her whole life—making puns, cracking jokes, bopping to the music, and expressing love and appreciation to those around her. She took her last, peaceful breath July 26 at her home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, surrounded by family and friends. Katie’s transition leaves an enormous hole in the lives of those who were fortunate to know and love her, who will cherish many fond memories of love and laughter. 

Family and friends were always at the center of Katie’s life. She was an exceptionally loving, supportive and encouraging mother to her children, Christopher and Meghan, and stepson, Cully; a delighted, doting grandmother to Isabel and Olivia; and a loyal, loving wife to Andy Little, her husband of 24 years. She welcomed her children’s stepmother, Carol McLaurin, and spouses—Deven Crock, Daniel Rodriguez, and Zack Coles—into the family with extraordinary warmth. 

Katie could always be counted on to bring the silly to family gatherings, such as staging family Christmas photos with ridiculous costumes, supplying gag gifts, and organizing games that soon had everyone laughing. She treasured her sibling trips with Peggy and Gene and regular family get-togethers at the Brownie House in Montreat, including participating in the annual July 4th parade. 

Katie made friends easily, forging an immediate heart connection with everyone she met and generously going out of her way to be sure everyone felt appreciated and included. She had an especially close bond with her beloved Bad Girls, with whom she shared many trips to the beach, mountains and elsewhere, and many happy times, fueled by good food, mediocre wine, and boisterous laughter. They will continue to hold her close, to play the word games she loved, and to heartily celebrate the love that binds them together with Katie forever. 

Katie was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 24, 1952, the youngest child of Ladye Margaret and Gene Early. From Katie’s early childhood, her mother called her by the treasured nickname ‘blithe spirit’ for her bubbly, irrepressible personality. She maintained that infectious exuberance and enthusiasm throughout her life. 

Katie always loved horses. She was an avid rider as a youth and seized every opportunity to be on horseback throughout her life, in places as diverse as Puerto Rico, New Zealand and Scotland.

From her earliest days, Katie was endlessly curious about the world and its people, and always up for adventure. She began exploring the world in earnest while attending Davidson College, where she majored in African Studies and Political Science. She was an exchange student in Ghana and later, with her first husband, Tim McLaurin, lived and worked in Tunisia as a Peace Corps Volunteer. She recalled that these life-changing opportunities broadened her horizons immeasurably, giving her a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of humanity. 

Katie spent four decades in the nonprofit sector, both internationally and domestically. She led the global nonprofit Ipas at a critical time in its development, significantly advancing attention to the neglected, preventable tragedy of unsafe abortion. Katie was well known within her field for inspiring, out-of-the-box thinking focused on improving the lives of women and families. With her close friend and colleague Ann Hogan Leonard, she created a workplace culture at Ipas that was warm and caring, while focused on excellence, and that spawned deep, long-lasting friendships across the globe. In 2014, the Planned Parenthood Action Fund of Central North Carolina bestowed its highest honor on Katie with the Margaret Sanger Award for lifetime achievement in the reproductive health and rights movement.

Katie’s career also included helping entrepreneurs in North Carolina learn the basics of business start-up. She volunteered extensively in her community in support of public education and the wellbeing of critically ill patients and their families. While president of the SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals, she oversaw completion of a 40-room home away from home for families of patients receiving critical care at UNC hospitals. 

In recent years, Katie enthusiastically explored photography and other forms of visual expression. She took great pleasure in improving her skills and sharing her vision, including as an active member of the Chapel Hill Camera Club. Ever an entrepreneur herself, she created a line of notecards, prints, calendars, and fabric design featuring her images. To her last days, she had many plans for building her artistic practice, as a way to share beauty and joy with others. 

Katie was preceded in death by her parents, Ladye Margaret Craddock Early Arnold and Eugene Early, and her stepfather, Dr. Van M. Arnold. She is survived by her husband, Andy Little; daughter, Meghan McLaurin Rodriguez and spouse Daniel; son, Christopher McLaurin and spouse Deven Crock; stepson, Cully Little and spouse Zack Coles; sister, Peggy Williamson and spouse Jim; brother, Gene Early and spouse Benedicte; stepbrothers, Bill Arnold and spouse Margaret Anne Fohl and Van M. Arnold and spouse Ellen; grandchildren, Isabel and Olivia Rodriguez; and countless other relatives and friends.

Katie’s family is deeply grateful to the UNC Hospitals surgical, radiation, and medical oncology teams for their care over the last year, as well as the wonderful support at home provided by Arosa and Amedisys Hospice. Katie asked that those inspired to make a memorial gift consider donating to Ipas, PORCH Hillsborough, the Chapel Hill Camera Club, or a charity of their choice. Condolences may be offered online at https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/katieo.early.  A special email address has also been created to collect memories, stories and photos of Katie.  Please send those to ourblithespirit@gmail.com.

Katie was loving and playful to the end. As her journey continues, her blithe spirit will always live in the hearts of those who love her. 

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Adam Edward Stanzak Jr., age 93, of Edina, MN, and Sarasota, FL. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving wife, on July 24, 2023. Adam was a beloved father, husband, father-in-law, and grandfather. Adam is survived by his adored wife, Barbara, and their two children, Michael (Janet) and Julie (Hiro). He was a doting grandfather to his two grandchildren, Adam and Natalie.

Born on May 7, 1930, in Staten Island, New York, Adam was the son of Coast Guard Commander Adam Edward Stanzak Sr. and Louise Hawkins Stanzak. He grew up with his sister Patricia and shared a special bond with his grandmother, Frances. After graduating from St. Petersburg High School in Florida, Adam pursued his studies at Davidson College in North Carolina and later earned a degree in Political Science from American University in Washington, D.C. It was there that he met the love of his life, Barbara Anne Doerr.

Adam’s professional career took him on various paths, starting at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., where he worked in National Security departments. He eventually found his passion in the automobile business and joined General Motors in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1956. Later, he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he became part of the Key Royal Automotive Company, starting with Royal Oldsmobile. In pursuit of his dreams, he continued to thrive and, in 1973, he was given the opportunity to purchase a Cadillac dealership in Edina, Minnesota, leading to the foundation of Key Cadillac. His dedication, exceptional service, and commitment to excellence were recognized with numerous Master Dealer Awards from Cadillac Motor Division. Adam also served as President of the Greater Metro Auto Dealers Association, served on the board of the Minnesota Auto Dealers Association, and also served on the board of the Cadillac National Dealer Council.

Adam was a devoted member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina, where he gladly served as an usher. He was also a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Edina and served on the board of Southdale YMCA. With his wife Barbara, he explored the world, traveling to nearly every continent with gusto. His greatest passion was golf, and he had the privilege of playing on numerous courses both nationally and internationally, including the legendary St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland – a cherished memory for him. He possessed a unique ability to remember every name and the redeeming qualities of others, brightening lives and creating smiles wherever he went. He carried the love for fishing, likely influenced by his father Adam and upbringing in Florida cities and Key West. Family fishing trips at Lake of the Woods, Canada, and boating and fishing outings in the Gulf of Mexico were among his treasured memories. He adored and deeply appreciated his children and grandchildren, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. His generosity, unwavering integrity, and unending kindness will be continuously cherished. We find solace in knowing that Adam’s luminous life force will continue to inspire all who were touched by his light. His spirit lives on within us, and the magic he bestowed upon our family-ship will endure.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life for Adam on Friday, October 13, 2023 at 11AM at Christ Presbyterian Church of Edina, 6901 Normandale Road, Edina, Minnesota, with a reception following at Interlachen Country Club, 6200 Interlachen Blvd., Minneapolis, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the N.C. Little Hospice of Edina, Minnesota. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

William ‘Bill’ Glenn Boyd, of Lincolnton and Georgetown, SC, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 19, 2023. Born March 2, 1941, to Daniel Marcus Boyd and Sarah Glenn Boyd, in Hickory, Bill lived the majority of his life in Lincolnton.

After graduation from Davidson College in 1963, where he was a Beta Theta Pi, he then continued his education in Chapel Hill, graduating from UNC in 1966 with a jurisprudence degree in law. He proudly served his country in Vietnam as a Captain in the US Army, where he was awarded the Bronze Star among his many achievements.

Upon returning to Lincolnton, he proved himself to be an astute businessman, involved in ownership and management of several local family businesses, mainly Times Oil Corporation.  An active member of his community, Bill was devoted to his home and family, and he was always there for them. He was a genealogist and a history enthusiast, a lover of animals, as well as an avid collector of pottery, antiques, books and his “Hess” trucks.

He will be missed by his wife, Frankie (Frances) Stutts Boyd; two children, Hunter Hamilton and Robert (Kelly) Hamilton, and grandchildren, Ellen, Sam, and Bea.

He is also survived by his sister, Mary Love (Dave) Hornbaker and brother, Mark (Dianne) Boyd, as well as his nieces and nephews and his many lifelong friends.

Bill spent many happy hours at his family farm in Maiden, where a private family tribute will be held.