Dear Joan Gill and family,
Yesterday I received a very sad message regarding my former classmate and roommate at Mines. Although, unfortunately for me, I have not been in contact with Frank for almost 48 years, I am moved by my admiration for him to write this short note. Mines was a tough environment with heavy course loads and I clearly remember that it wasn’t until Frank became my roommate in 59/60 that I began to enjoy my time there. Frank was congenial and an excellent student and even though we were in different fields (mine was Metallurgical Engineering) he inspired me scholastically. He was an inspiration in many other ways. Good-natured ribbing was the modus operandi in the dorm and Frank was no amateur in that regard, but even so, we could always count on Frank’s inherent kindness when it was necessary. Indeed, everyone looked up to him because he was an outstanding gentleman, but I think that, most noteworthy, Frank was also staunchly incorruptible. I was quite proud of this smart, good-looking, football player as my roommate. Frank and I each had a photo of our sweetheart/fiancé on our desk and would often take time from the nightly toil to brighten our spirits by reminiscing about them and discussing the time when, eventually, we would marry them. Well we did. So, Joan, even though I have never met you and 50 years is a long time, I still carry in my head the image of the beautiful girl in that photo of his and recall some of the wonderful things Frank said about you. I am truly fortunate to have experienced Frank’s friendship for at least a little while. My wife, Cheryl, and I wish to send our sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Richard Hoagland
