In Memory of our Dearly Departed ISB Brothers and Sisters
Mr. Ronald Propp ~ F-FacultyDeparted – c. 1997 ~ Details unknown
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Mrs. Soumy C. Pao ~ ISB Librarian ~ 1957-1976Departed ~ 27 September 2013
It is with regret that I announce the passing of my beloved mother, SOUMY C PAO on Friday 27 September 2013 at 11:10 am in Samitivej Hospital , Bangkok, Thailand. She passed away peacefully in her sleep and is now with my father enjoying the lfe after.
Soumy C Pao was a woman loved by all who came across her and had the privilege of knowing her, from her days as a UN diplomat’s wife until her days as Head Librarian of International School Bangkok. We all loved her elegant and gracious hospitality to everyone in need.
As her son and speaking for the rest of my family ( brothers Larry, Samson, and sister Patty )…we loved her very much, and cherish the time we had with her. She has passed living a full life at 92 years of age…and with a large family of grandsons and granddaughters she enjoyed the holidays to the fullest.
I wish her happiness in her new afterlife, especially adjoining with my father, Gerson who passed away on 10 April , 2009 and may their spirit be together for eternal life.
Funeral services will be at Wat Tha Tong starting Wednesday 2 Oct – Friday 4 Oct starting at 7:00 pm each night. My mother will be cremated on Saturday 5 October…and her ashes put out to sea on Sunday 6 October.
STANLEY H C PAO / ISB Class of 1968
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Departed ~ 1976 ~ Heart Failure
Mrs. Novick was a first grade teacher at ISB from 1964-1971.
The picture above was taken while Mrs. Novick was the principal of ACS (American Community School Saigon.) The story goes that three guys climbed the water tower just off campus and wrote the message; “The Eyes of Novick are upon us.” There was a website with a picture of the tower named saigon61.com but I can no longer find it today.
Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com
Bob Nichols ~ F-Faculty ~ 1978-2004Departed ~ 2/28/04 ~ Cancer
Former ISB Economics teacher Bob Nichols
Bob Nichols Passed Away Feb. 28
By Betty Yugala
Former ISB Economics teacher Bob Nichols
It is with sadness that I pass on the news to you that Bob Nichols passed away Saturday, February 28, 2004, from a long, painful bout with cancer. He had been a colleague of mine at ISB, in the social studies department, for 25 years (August 1978 through June 2003). I shall miss his humor and wit, and when I look back upon those years, I realize that I learned much from him.
Should anyone wish to send any notes of condolence, you may send them to me and I shall pass them on to Bob’s partner K. Yuthapong. I’m sure it would be comforting to know how much he touched the lives of so many around the world.
Mom Bongkojpriya Yugala
Bangkok 10900, Thailand
beyugala at ksc.th dot com
Condolences may also be sent to: Khun Yuthapong Kittiwongpaibul
yuthapong.kittiwongpaibul at jwt dot com
Funeral services were held for Bob on Friday, March 8 from 8:30 a.m to 9:30 a.m. at St. Louis Church on Sathorn Road (next to St. Louis Hospital). Immediately following the church service, Bob’s friends attended the burial ceremony in Si Racha.
In honor of Robert Lee Nichols, who loved Thailand and dedicated his life to the education of children, donations to sponsor a Thai child’s education may be made in lieu of flowers. All contributions will be sent to the Human Development Foundation, a non-profit organization under the auspices of the Redemptorist Fathers Foundation of Thailand. Contributions may also be sent directly to the following address:
Sponsor-a-Child Program
Human Development Foundation
100/11 Kae-Ha Toey 4
Klong Toey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Email: info at MercyCenter dot org
Tribute to former ISB Economics teacher Bob Nichols
By Freda B. Williams
Mr. Nichol’s Funeral
“Mr. Nichols will be missed by his students who had the greatest respect for him. He was an extraordinarily popular Economics teacher and MUN advisor, and Week Without Walls Sponsor to Golden Buddha Island. He was one of those rare geniuses who had a wicked sense of humor and who could spin a delightful tale. These admirable traits kept his students and his friends in awe, and often in “stitches” of laugher.”
Freda B. Williams
Former ISB English Department Chair and ISB Alumni and Activities Director
Robert Nichols passed away recently after a year and a half struggle with cancer. He was a teacher and friend of ISB for many years, from the late 1970s until 2003. His students, of course, called him Mr. Nichols, some called him Bob, some Nick, and a few Robert. He was my friend and colleague. I called him Mr. Nichols, and he called me, Miss Freda. Ours was a long and interesting friendship and I will miss him dearly. Mr. Nichols will be missed by his students, who had the greatest respect for him. He was an extraordinarily popular Economics teacher and MUN advisor, and Week Without Walls Sponsor to Golden Buddha Island. He was one of those rare geniuses who had a wicked sense of humor and who could spin a delightful tale. These admirable traits kept his students and his friends in awe, and often in “stitches” of laugher.
To be invited to Mr. Nichols’ home for dinner was enviable. And he was the ultimate host for these very formal affairs. He would often assemble some of his most promising International Banking (IB) Economic students, along with other faculty members. Dinner always began with assigned guests giving a toast to his Majesty, the King of Thailand, and to the President of the United States. One guest would always toast the host, then a 5-course dinner would follow. There would be talk of the economic state of the world, politics of Thailand. And always much laughter. If there were guests who were so inclined to entertain, there would also be music at the dinner table.
Serving on the ISB Salaries and Benefits Committee over the years, Mr. Nichols was greatly responsible for many of the fine benefits that ISB teachers enjoy today. As a favorite MUN advisor, he was well respected, not only by the MUN students, but also by the other advisors in the other IASAS schools in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Nichols spoke fluent Thai and had many friends in the Thai community, as well as in Thai politics and Thai society. One of my favorite Mr. Nichols’ “society” stories is the one he use to tell of falling asleep in his room and never making it for dinner during Elizabeth Taylor’s visit to one his mother’s political dinners in New Port.
Susan Dupree, who was also an MUN advisor and a member of the ISB history department, remembered Mr. Nichols in this email: “For me Bob was a man ofmany talents. He had an illustrious career and became well known for his IB knowledge for Economics. As a colleague and economics teacher, I truly enjoyed his guidance and insight about the discipline and his expertise when it came to picking stocks. As a friend, I had many fine evenings with him discussing politics as well as economics. We had some of the same interests, particularly when it came to politics. I truly enjoyed his story telling and was enthralled by his family history. Many balmy evenings were spent sipping Mekong under the stars on his roof-top balcony.”
Over the last year and a half that Mr. Nichols struggled with the cancer monster, he mentioned to me many times that what kept him alive was the love and support of his friends. He was so grateful for the fine professional care that he received from his Thai doctors and nurses, and the support that he received from his former students and so many friends.
Mr. Nichols hated being the center of attention and would be very unhappy with Miss Freda for writing this article about him for the alumni newsletter, but he had a forgiving heart, and I know that there are many alumni who will want to stop for a moment when they read this article, and think of their dear sweet Economics “Ahjon” with fondest memories and greatest affection.
Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com
Departed ~ 10/16/03 ~ Details Unknown
Your memorial website is beautifully presented I’ve never seen one like it and of course I would love my mom to be remembered on it. In her Memorial service Robin Flocken quoted this from somewhere and my mother lived according to it. Gracious living and gracious dying.
Meeting one another as friends especially if they are strangers making room for each other to become who we are called to be
striving to understand and appreciate what is good and positive in all of us holding one up for prayer and concern; building up community by – honoring the past – respecting the present – caring for the future…..and delighting in the company of being together.
Margaret McAlpine Ladd passed away on October 16 2003 after a prolonged illness. Margaret was better known as Peggy and she taught Freshman English at ISB in 1963 and 1964. She traveled extensively through out Europe, Asia and the USA with her children and husband James Ladd of 56 years. They retired in Cazenovia, NY in 1970 where Margaret served as the town historian for 13 years. She had a passion for nature and art and passed that interest onto her 2 children Jim Ladd of Albuquerque NM, her daughter Ann Ladd Ferencz of White Plains, NY, and her grandchildren Jude and Kate.
Thank You,
Ann
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Departed ~ 1965 ~ Details Unknown
From: Gary Earney
To: GBNF_ISB@isbnetwork.com
Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2008 4:46 PM
Subject: Some one to add to GBNF
Hi, this is Gary Earney, Class of 1965. I just joined the ISBNetWork.com. I would like to add one of our long-ago professors–Mr. J. E. Le Pallec, who taught French II, III and IV at least for 1962-65.
Mr. Le Pallec graduated from Anger University, in France, with a B.A. I remember him as a wonderful French teacher during my 3 years at ISB, caring but demanding, and with a great sense of humor. He had lived in Thailand for quite some years by then, and was fluent in Thai. I remember him fondly. He enriched my experience at ISB. The other French teacher at the time was Madame Francoise Pundarik, who taught French I.
After I graduated in 1965, I worked as a civilian for the US Navy in Bangkok, with the OICC/SEA office on Silom road. During that time, Mr. Le Pallec died during some type of altercation at his home; the Bangkok World carried an extensive article on it at the time. I remember sitting in High School Principal Shelton Marlow’s office shortly thereafter, discussing with him and other students what could be done. Although I lived in Bangkok for many months thereafter, leaving for college at Oregon State University’s College of Forestry in June 1966, I was never able to discover more information about Mr. Le Pallec’s passing.
Thank you for adding Mr. Le Pallec to the GBNF listing. I really appreciate your work, and David’s, on this effort. It brings closure to a lot of us who wonder over the years, whatever happened to….
Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com
Edward Ed Kelsey ~ F-Faculty ~ 1995-2011Departed ~ 8/11/15 ~ Details unknown
Dear ISB friends, Barbara Kalis sent me this sad letter from Andy Davies that came this morning. Our hearts go out to Ida and Matt.
Freda Britt Williams
Dear ISB Faculty and Staff ,
It is with great sadness that I inform you that Ed Kelsey passed away yesterday. Ed worked at ISB as a HS Math teacher and coach from 1995 to 2011 and was a huge inspiration to us all. Ed was a master teacher, a passionate and talented coach, a wonderful father, a caring colleague, and a great friend to many at ISB.
Ed is survived by his very loving wife, Ida (who served as our MS librarian from 1995 to 2012) and his son, Matt, who graduated from ISB and now teaches internationally. I know that Ida and Matt will be in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of a wonderful husband and father. I will be in touch again when I know more about funeral arrangements.
Andy Davies, ISB Head of School, International School Bangkok
From: Shauna Anderson
To: Ida Kelsey August 14 at 7:10am
Ida,
as I intently look at your and Ed’s faces in your cover photo, I am struck by the pure joy I see on your faces, which at the same time brings tears to my eyes. I spent many an hour in Ed’s classroom talking to him about the art of teaching mathematics and being disciplined while training for my marathon and him for his triathlons. Ed’s joy, zeal for life, sense of humor and CHARACTER have impacted me more than I think he knew. One of my fondest memories of him was when he said, “let’s go for run” in a small Thai town when we were chaperones during the Habitat for Humanity Bike & Build trip. Ed was a rabbit (he NEVER went slowly) and I was a turtle, but I agreed to go. He adjusted his pace enough to push me but not make me feel defeated. I am forever grateful for his support and encouragement and saddened beyond words to hear of his passing. You and Matt are in my thoughts and prayers.
Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com
Mrs. Eunice Kelly ~ F-Faculty 1965-1977Departed ~ April 1, 2016 ~ Details unknown
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Departed ~ Early 90’s
Dear ISB Network,
My name is Jun Ikeda, ISB class of ’83, a Japanese national living in Bangkok.
I just browsed through your website and thought I might want to add an info of the former ISB faculty member who passed away.
His name was Timothy E. Keating. I don’t know the exact year he came to teach at ISB but I believe it was late 70’s and he taught photography and was also responsible for publishing of the year book, Erawan, until he left to teach at American school in Egypt in 1982. He also taught at an American school in Teheran, Iran, till the Islamic Revolution that brought Ayatollah Khomeini in power and US embassy hostage crisis there so that was the year he came to teach at ISB.
He died in early 1990 and I learned of his death from his sister in Pennsylvania. I don’t remember his age when he died but he was in his early 50’s. I have visited his sister in PA when I went to US on backpacking trip in 1998 and received a small amount of his ashes in a film case so I can sprinkle in Japan (where he visited but I still do keep his ashes as I moved back to Thailand before I found a good opportunity to do so in Japan).
I wanted his loss to be known on your website in your “alumni search” page as Timothy Keating was a good friend to many of his photography students/Erawan staffs and I thought many of them wanted to know whereabout of his.
Sincerely,
Jun Ikeda
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Mr. Joel Max Kabatznick ~ F-Faculty ~ 1980-1983Departed 11/25/95~Alaska~Complications due to M.S.
Mr. Joel Kabatznick was seriously one of the most unique and memorable teachers and one of my most favorite in all of my educational experiences. He was an excellent teacher and taught and ran the Theater Arts department @ ISB. He was a bit of an eccentric and always wore clothing that did not match. I think he was either color blind or he just had different taste in clothing. We were all told that he had a PhD. in Math from Harvard University. He had a real down to earth way of relating to all the kids on the campus. He was the “COOL TEACHER”. There was not one kid that didn’t like him. He was a true gem and a one of a kind. He was entirely responsible for both my brother’s and myself becoming interested and involved in the theater program and participating in the school plays. Mr. Kabatznick was the kind of teacher who made learning a fun and positive experience. He advocated on his students behalf always and related to us as a friend not an authority figure. He mentored and counseled us when we got in trouble at school or sent up to Mrs. Boonaug’s office as well. I will never forget the time when he found my mom at Scott’s graduation and simply walked over and said nothing and sat down right in her lap and put his arms around her, giving her a huge hug and a kiss. He always had good things to say about others. I don’t ever remember hearing anything coming out of his mouth that was mean or negative. It was absolutely a crazy, funny, and bold move on his part and he was someone who would carry out off the wall crazy stuff and make people laugh. He taught so many of us about the importance of having laughter in our lives. I was truly very saddened to hear about his passing on the website. I was hoping to be able to find him and just thank him from the bottom of my heart for all the great experiences we had @ ISB.
May God Rest His Soul. He was an awesome person and for someone with his accomplishments he was very graciously humble.
From: Katrina Fortner
To: ISBangkok
Sent: 2/12/2009 1:27:51 A.M. Central Standard Time
I Found this tribute on Amherst College Alumni Website
In Memory of Joel Max Kabatznick
JOEL MAX KABATZNICK
South Main Street, Westbrook, Conn.
Prepared at Middletown High School
Mathematics
Phi Delta Sigma, Rushing Chairman
Football “1962”, Wrestling 1,2,3,4.
Masquers. Squire of the Pit.
Joel’s sister writes that Joel died November 25, 1995 while residing and teaching in Alaska. He is dearly missed!
A former student of his –Rebecca Lopez — adds the following remembrance
Joel Kabatznick is a hero to many, he was loved and adored by his students. I was his student from 1983-1985 and consider him a huge influence in my life. His home was always opened to his students. We danced around the house when his infant son would reach some milestone, and his wife would make pizza and popcorn for us. It was a warm, happy environment that so many of his students lacked at home. He passed away in 1995 from complications due to M.S., my understanding is that he continued to teach almost to his last breath. Even today, over ten years later, writing this, is very emotional for me. I wish my own children could have known him. He was a crazy man who smoked cigars, ate raw garlic, wore these crazy ties, and would do the most outlandish things in class to get our attention We loved him and we miss him.
Please send pictures (old and new), anecdotes, articles, stories and tributes to isbeings at gmail.com