David Stevens “Steve” Burgess ~ Class of 1976

Steve Burgess ~ Class of 1976

Arrived ~ 11/24/1957

Departed ~ 5/17/2023

Steve’s brother John lovingly wrote:

I’m sad to post the death of my dear brother, Steve Burgess, ’76, who was at ISB from 1967 to 1971.

David Stevens “Steve” Burgess

November 24, 1957 – May 17, 2023

Steve Burgess, sweet brother and uncle, devoted friend, and dedicated member of First United Presbyterian Church of Salem, New York, died at Saratoga Hospital on May 17, almost two years after a diagnosis of lung cancer. Steve was a gentle, quiet, and loving soul who loved to paint, care for his dog, and call his friends and family. Through his terrible illness, he endured treatment bravely and without complaint.

Steve’s life began a long way from Salem, in New Delhi, India, where he was born in 1957, the youngest child of a diplomatic family. In Thailand, he was a boy scout and his troop once took a trek in the mountains with an elephant carrying their camping gear. He and his brother took train trips around the countryside.

Steve returned to the United States as a teenager and graduated from Montclair High School in New Jersey. Soon his life took a tragic turn with the onset of schizophrenia. For more than a decade he was in and out of mental institutions. But in his 30s he started to find his footing. It seemed a miracle, but much of it came from his own determination. He moved to East Greenwich, New York, and, in 2005, to Salem.

Steve became a familiar sight around town, sometimes driving a pick-up filled with materials for many home improvement projects of his own design. He walked his dog at Salem Art Works. He got coffee and cigarettes at Stewart’s, casseroles at the St. Paul’s food pantry.

Steve studied art as a young man and came to be accomplished with a brush, creating a distinctive style of soft pastels and bold brush strokes. He always painted from imagination, not real life. He once called himself an “armchair painter,” because he didn’t set up an easel outside. He shared his art in exhibits in Salem, Greenwich, Cambridge and Schuylerville. In his early years he focused on scenes from nature. In his later, he painted scenes from the Bible, reflecting his deepening Christian faith.

At Salem First United Presbyterian Church, Steve served on the outreach committee and was a regular at its Bible study sessions. Sometimes his dog came along. Toward the end of his life, he was talking of becoming a deacon.

Steve’s family and friends miss him. Mental illness created many challenges, but Steve managed to live a productive and independent life. He loved Salem and found ways to contribute to the community. In an artist statement, Steve wrote, “Some sort of connection with the natural world in our daily lives is essential to our physical and mental wellbeing. I feel fortunate to live in the area of the country that I love the most.”

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories, and tributes to isbeings at gmail dot com or visit us on Facebook at ISBeings

Neva Redding Cornelson ~ Class Of 1976

Neva Redding Cornelson ~ Class Of 1976

Departed ~ 1/22/09 ~ Cancer

Neva Redding Cornelson, passed peacefully on January 22 2009, in Kailua Kona, HI, after her battle with cancer. More Recently, she had lived in Port Angeles, WA For many years. She returned to Kailua Kona, HI, a place she Loved, for her last months in this Life… She attended ISB from 1969~1971 5th~8th grade.
Thank you for your kind attention…
Susan Haralson ’75

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

John Richard “Dick” Mellor ~ Class of 1976

John Richard “Dick” Mellor ~ Class of 1976

Departed ~ c. 9/26/13 ~ Cancer

 

 

 

 

 

It has been reported to us by Dick’s fellow classmate, Werner Pflaum, that Dick passed away from his battle with cancer c. September 26, 2013. May his undying spirit rest in eternal peace. DAW

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Ruth Ann Haviland Crame ~ Class Of 1976

Ruth Ann Haviland Crame ~ Class Of 1976

Departed ~ 2/28/2016 ~ Cancer

June Haviland left and Ruth Ann Haviland Crame right~ photo by Kate Johnson

Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com

Chandra Gulati ~ Class of 1976

Chandra Gulati ~ Class of 1976

Departed ~ 1975-1976 School Year ~ Cancer

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Perry Falconer ~ Class of 1976

Perry Falconer ~ Class of 1976

Departed Circa 1971 ~ Accidental Asphyxiation

Re: Add to Memorial List
Friday, February 20, 2009 12:56 PM
From: Randy Perritt rebelgator7@XXXXX.com
Hey Dave,

It was ether 71 or 72 that Perry died when the pilot light in the gas water heater in his bathroom had gone out and he suffocated . He has a brother that is on the alumni site I had talked to once about getting some pictures, he said he would look but never got back to me. There is a year book picture in the ’71 Erawan at Bangsue.

Take care my Friend, Randy
Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com