died on July 17, 2018. Burston graduated from Boston High School with the goal of attending prep school. He lived for sports, excelling in football, ice hockey and baseball and wanted an opportunity to play some more. When his dad gave him a flat out “no”, Burston decided to go for it anyway. In 1941, Burston was granted a sports scholarship to Kents Hill Prep School. He graduated from Kents Hill at age 17, and as the U.S. was on the brink of entering into WWII, Burston enrolled in MMA earning the title of Naval Reserve Officer and serving in the South Pacific aboard the USS Alhena during the war, for which he will be honored at Arlington. After the war, Burston attended Bowdoin College and graduated after only two and a half years. He was then accepted at Harvard Business School but was diagnosed with polio during his first semester and although the doctors told him he’d never walk again, Burston made up his mind to walk, spending countless hours training his muscles. Undefeated, Burston returned to Harvard and graduated with the class of ‘52. His recovery from polio is a metaphor for his whole life. He approached all challenges with a winning mindset, never accepting the word “can’t.” He had a way of making people feel good about themselves with his humble manner, quiet intellect and engaging spirit. He believed strongly in giving back as a civic volunteer, including several years as Little League president and as a trustee for two of his alma maters.

died August 11, 2018. In 1944, Benson graduated from Kennebunkport High School and in 1946 was part of the fifth class to graduate from MMA, earning his third mate’s license in the Merchant Marine and a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve. After sailing ships with American Export Lines and United Fruit Company, he was called to active duty in 1954 and served as navigator and operations officer on Sixth Fleet oilers operating in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, rising to the rank of full lieutenant. In 1958, after his service with the Navy, Benson returned to the sea, making the shipping industry his career for the next 25 years. He rose in rank from third mate to master, with extensive experience on break bulk cargo vessels, fishing/factory/freezer ships, tankers, container ships, gas turbine powered carriers, and nuclear-propelled ships. In 1984, Benson retired to his home in Cape Porpoise, dedicating his time to projects that combined his love of history, the sea, and his community. Benson’s volunteer efforts led to improvements to the Atlantic Hall and the Arundel Cemetery, and the Benson Blacksmith Shop for the Kennebunkport Historical Society. He was active in the MMA Alumni Association, Boston and Portland Marine Societies, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Arundel Lodge #76, Arundel Yacht Club, and Old Goats Club. Benson was especially pleased when the Trust restored the Clement Clark Boathouse, where he had spent so much time as a boy. Throughout retirement, he was an avid sailor, competing in the Boon Island Race well into his 80s.

died August 10, 2018. He graduated from Bar Harbor High School in 1950, received a bachelor’s degree from MMA, and a Master of Education from The Citadel. After graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy and served 23 years on active duty, 21 of which were in the Submarine Service. He served on the USS Medregal (SS 480), USS Wahoo (SS 565), USS Casimir Pulaski (SSBN 633), USS Clamagore (SS 343) as Executive Officer, and the USS Thornback (SS 480) as Commanding Officer. He also served on the Staff of Submarine Officers School New London, Connecticut, Staff of Commander Submarine Forces Pacific Pearl Harbor, and Staff of Commander Submarine Flotilla Six in Charleston. He retired from the military in 1977 as executive officer of the Polaris Missile Facility Atlantic. While in the service, Cdr. Spear was awarded many commendations including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal with Gold Star and Navy Unit Commendation. After retirement from the Navy he was employed as a field engineer by General Electric Company. Cdr. Spear was active in many societies such as the Major General William Moultrie Chapter Sons of the America Revolution, South Carolina Society War of 1812, Dames and Barons of the Magna Charta, Washington Light Infantry, Palmetto Guards, and Charleston Chapter South Carolina Genealogy Society. He held a distinguished Southern Citizen Award by the South Carolina Sons of Confederate Veterans for his work in Magnolia Cemetery Soldiers Burial Ground and the Hunley Crew burials.

died in South Carolina on July 19, 2018, surrounded by loving family. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1954, MMA in 1957, and the University of Maine at Orono in 1963. He worked for Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company for over 20 years. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, dining out, working on his beloved camp at Little Rocky Pond, Ellsworth, and gathering with friends and family.