William Tappan Eveleth, Jr., a resident of Lake Oswego, OR, and previously of Naples, FL, Tucson, AZ, and Chazy, NY, died peacefully of natural causes on April 2nd at the age of 89.
Bill was born in Schenectady, NY, where he graduated from Nott Terrace High School. A graduate of Bates College, he earned his Master’s degree at Springfield College, leading to a lifelong career in education following his service in the U. S. Army. Bill got his start teaching history and coaching at St. James School, Hagerstown, MD, where later he became business manager. His career culminated in his role as the first Dean of Students at Clinton Community College in Plattsburgh, NY, which he joined upon its first year of operation in 1969, and where he continued until his retirement.
Bill’s great passion in life was youth guidance and leadership. For several years he worked at the YMCA’s Camp Chingachgook on Lake George, NY, and Camp Greenkill in Huguenot, NY. At both places he ultimately served as camp director. He deeply cherished his years of affiliation with Camp Chingachgook especially and the many enduring friendships he made there.
He gave his time generously to his communities, serving on local YMCA and housing community boards, with Rotary International, and creating and hosting “Scholars for Dollars”, a high school scholarship quiz show on radio and television for New York’s North Country region.
Bill easily made new friends from all backgrounds and expressed his appreciation for small things. All who had the privilege to know Bill will remember his optimistic outlook on life and great enthusiasm for the outdoors, sailing, camp life, travel, sports, photography, and above all, surrounding himself with family and friends. As his family grew and dispersed, it was Bill who always found ways to bring them together year after year. Bill’s energy and enthusiasm for activities all generations could share meant these gatherings were a high point for all.
Bill is survived by Jean Eveleth, his wife of 61 years, of Lake Oswego; his brother, Pete Eveleth of Washington, D.C.; his children, Katy Goss and son-in-law Ken Gerber, of Coventry, CT; Bill Eveleth, III, and daughter-in-law, Barbara Eveleth, of Montclair, NJ; Bob Eveleth and daughter-in-law Evelyn Eveleth, of Lake Oswego; 6 nieces and nephews and 7 grandchildren, and extended family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brighton Hospice, https://brightonhospice.com/.
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