John Lawrence Schick

West Point, 1955

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Don Andrews on August 23, 2010:

Classmates, I served as Class LCA for John Schick. Ellen and their children (Larry, Nancy and Steve) arrived at West Point late 30 November. Throughout most of that night, there was a cold rain and, the wind fiercely blew. These same conditions continued into the morning of 1 December and, we realistically prepared for more of the same during the 1330 graveside service. All, that is, except Ellen and her family. She announced that it would clear at 1300. She was off a half hour. The sun came out at 1230 and, the winds diminished. John chose the nature of the service which consisted of color and honor guards, a firing squad, and a bugler playing taps. All performed in a fine and fitting manner. A military chaplain presided and made very appropriate remarks. The Class provided a floral basket per Ellen's request. Superintendent and AOG representatives were in attendance. The following classmates [and spouses] were there to honor John and to be with Ellen and her family: the undersigned and my wife Mary, Jim Bergen, Rich and Inez Cardillo, Bob and Marly Carpenter, Jerry and Dorothy Crancer, Cliff and Jean Fralen, Todd and Sue Graham, Charlie Johnson, Bob Nourse, Tommy West and Ed and Jane Zaborowski. A nephew and an aunt of John's were there as well as were some of John's Highland Falls friends and high school classmates. Following the cemetery service, Ellen and her family hosted a reception at Herbert Hall [James K. Herbert Alumni Center] which Charlie Johnson had ably arranged. It seemed fitting that the day ended with John's loved ones, classmates and other friends together at the same physical location of Smith Rink where John spent many hockey hours. At Ellen's request, the Class will make a donation in John's name from the Flower Fund to the Class Fund in addition to having provided the floral basket. Please forgive the delay in providing this report. Mary and I did not return home [and to a computer] until late 6 December. Don Andrews 30 November 2004

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