John Cornish

CORNISH, John G. Of Brookline, died suddenly, Sunday, October 12, 2008, at the age of 98. A lifelong resident of Boston, he graduated from Middlesex School and Harvard College, where he captained the squash team. A champion squash player over three decades at both the local and national levels, he won the Middlesex Bowl twice, was twice a finalist in the state singles championship, and was the champion of the Harvard Club a record ten times. He also excelled at golf, winning the club championship at The Country Club at the ages of 50 and 56. He served 42 months at sea in the US Navy during World War II in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and was discharged as a Lt. Commander from the U.S. Naval Reserve. He was the senior partner of the Boston insurance agency, Field & Cowles, until his retirement in 1971. Husband of Alice (Smith) Cornish for 62 years; Father of John M. Cornish and wife Cecily of Chestnut Hill, William G. Cornish and wife Lucy of Carlisle, David F. Cornish and wife Caroline of Milton, and the late Charles S. Cornish; Brother of the late Dorothy A. and Priscilla Cornish; Grandfather of Benjamin B. Cornish, Elizabeth C. Cornish, Alison C. Mensi, Caroline C. Kmack, John S. Cornish, Charles F. Cornish, and Christina F. Cornish. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2008, at 11:00 am at the First Church in Chestnut Hill, 26 Suffolk Road, Chestnut Hill. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to Dexter School in Brookline.