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Malcolm Pitt Obituary


Malcolm U. Pitt Jr. RICHMOND - After fighting the good fight, Malcolm Upshur "Buck" Pitt Jr. went to be with his Lord Nov. 4, 2008. Born in Richmond, Va., Nov. 29, 1921, he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1938. He received a B.A. from the University of Richmond in 1942, a M.Ed from Harvard University in 1949 and did graduate work at the University of Virginia in 1954. He was selected to University of Richmond's Hall of Fame as the last athlete to start in football, basketball and baseball. He also played semi-pro basketball for the Richmond Barons. Mr. Pitt served as lieutenant (j.g.) in the U.S. Navy in World War II, receiving the Purple Heart during the Normandy Invasion. After World War II, he became an educator, teaching and coaching at Woodberry Forest and serving as principal at Patrick Henry, Westover Hills and Albert Hill School before moving to The Collegiate Schools in 1959. At Collegiate, he was the first headmaster of the boys school and became Collegiate's first president, retiring in 1987. Buck was there from the very beginning of his beloved Camp Virginia, a boys' summer camp founded by his parents in 1928. He rose from camper to counselor to director over the course of his 81 happy summers there. Pitt also served as deacon, Sunday school teacher and as chairman of the Board of Deacons at First Baptist Church, Richmond. He is survived by Betty, his loving wife of 61 years; his three daughters, Louise Pitt Miller, Betty Pitt Cimmino, Anne Pitt Rogers and their spouses, Kenneth Cameron Miller III, Christian Peter Cimmino and Nigel William Rogers. He is also survived by his grandson, Christian Peter Cimmino Jr.; his sister, Jacqueline Pitt Suttenfield and her husband James Emerson Suttenfield; his brother-in-law, Guy Raymond Friddell; and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be missed and remembered lovingly by countless colleagues, students and campers to whom he was a role model and an inspiration. A memorial service will take place at First Baptist Church, Boulevard and Monument Avenue, today at 1 p.m. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Collegiate School, 103 North Mooreland Road, Richmond, VA 23229.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 6, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Malcolm Pitt

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Nancy Mackey (1975)

November 10, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. We knew Mr. Pitt from school, but also as a neighbor on Mooreland Road.
From the Randall family and the Mackey family.

Marla Gallaher

November 9, 2008

Mrs. Pitt -

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

In sympathy -
Marla Gallaher
RTD Carrier

Becky and Mike Janssen

November 9, 2008

Please accept our fondest prayers to Buck's family and friends. I will always remember those days at Camp Virginia and watching Buck as he inspired and brought out the best in every camper.

Norman Graham

November 7, 2008

Betty, Mac was an outstanding, outgoing person. It was obvious he had made a world of friends. The service was inspiring. I think he looked down on us with a Big smile....well pleased. I just want you to know that you and the girls are in my prayers as you try to adjust to a new way of life without him.

Sincerely,

Norman D. Graham
Richmond, Va.

Taulisha Pollard & Tiretha Williams Concordia Healthcare

November 7, 2008

Our prayers go out to the Pitt family during their time of grief.

Heather Forbes Carlin

November 7, 2008

Dear Betty
Jane Ruth sent me an email telling me about Mr Pitts death,, I can not tell you how much you both have meant to me and my family.. He had such an influence on my grandson Billy Ferguson.. I will always be grateful.. God Bless you and you family

Heather Forbes Carlin
(Jane Ruth's Sister)

Will Catterton 2011

November 6, 2008

When i graduate from Collegiate in 2011 i will be one of a few boys that had the distinct pleasure to know Buck in my class. I attended Camp Virginia for 7 wonderful summers that i will never forget and have known the Pitts for all of my life. I fell truly sorry for the people in my class who will never meet the man i had come to love.

Ray Oliver

November 6, 2008

Betty and all the Pitt family,
My grandfather sent me to CV because his friend, Coach Pitt, owned it. There, with my cousins, the Pitt influence began. Years later I was driving my own family by CV, we stopped so that my son could see it. There was Buck working in the back fields welcoming me back and greeting my son, Jason. Jason led the next generation of cousins to CV. Our family not only has great memories of Buck, but generations have been guided in the right direction by him. A true Southern gentlemen has passed. God Bless the Pitt family.

Mark Dalton

November 6, 2008

"Thanks Alot" to Buck and to his wonderful family. I had the pleasure of being influenced in profound ways by Buck at Collegiate, CV, N4, and in the stables at CV - not to mention the cheerleading from the Cougar sidelines by Buck and Betty. He was and always will be such a positive influence to so many of us. How fitting that we sang the "Lord's Prayer" in church this past Sunday. Fond memories and impressions to last a lifetime and hopefully be passed down through generations to come.

Gene and Kathy Hickok

November 6, 2008

Kathy and I extend our deepest sympathies to the family. He was always "Mr. Pitt" to me; someone I admired, learned a great deal from and whose standards and integrity I sought to emulate. He shaped my life while I was at Collegiate. His influence continues to shape the lives of countless others. What a wonderful legacy.

Matt Dressel

November 6, 2008

Mr. Pitt touched many lives over the years. His selfless dedication to the service of others was amazing. He will truly be missed.

Elizabeth Higgs 1984

November 6, 2008

Dear Pitt Family,my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Mr. Pitt was a kind and considerate man and very special to my family. While I was at Collegiate, I was involved in a serious car accident, Mac came to the hospital every day to visit my parents and comfort them. He has always held a special place in our hears. I am sure that he and my mother are talking again now.

D.E. Frank and Rachel Reeves

November 6, 2008

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

John Owen Gwathmey

November 6, 2008

Dear Mrs. Pitt, Booley, Charlie and Boomba, I could never express in words how much your husband and father has meant to me and my family. My father admired Buck and treasured his friendship above all others. Buck and Coach Pitt took in my father and looked after him when he was a wet behind the ears country boy attending UofR. Buck led by example as he lived his life honestly with great compassion for others with a wonderful combination of confidence, grace and humility. While the Pitts were visiting our house my senior year at Collegiate , my Dad snuck up and pushed Buck in the pool, complete with wallet, watch, wing tips and suit. Buck was unfazed and even made a perfect dive. He never said a cross word and even managed to laugh at the "joke". Months later I found out that he thought that I had pushed him in the pool. I am glad to have known such a great man and am sure he, Petey and my father are together again.

Miriam Meyer Hoffman

November 6, 2008

Dear PittFamily, I am so saddened today to have learned of "MR. PITT'S" passing. He taught me in the seventh and eigth grades at Albert Hill School in 1948 and 1949. He was a special influence to me and my classmates at that special preteenage time. He will always be missed. Miriam Hoffman Va. Beach

thomas mainsjr

November 6, 2008

booley ,what can i say .your dad was one of the most respected men i ever met..no one dislliked him.,he was just a great man. booley i have not at this time been able to contact sue or vicki but i imagine i will before this day is over.to betty and your sisters i send my condolances and i know what a sad time this must be for all of you.i am so sad for all of you .may god bless each of you and may mac pitt jr be remembered often and with a blessing...god be with all of you ...

Sydney Luck Eberwine (class of 71)

November 6, 2008

Dear Betty, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your father. I remember him well as a tall but soothing presence at Collegiate when we attended many, (many) years ago. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. What a great man!

Zach Hawkins

November 5, 2008

My deepest condolences go out to Betty Pitt and the rest of the Pitt family. I attended Camp Virginia from 1993-1999, and I was deeply saddened to hear about Buck's death. My time at CV was invaluable. I was a terrified young Arapaho back in 93, and it was Buck who sat me down one-on-one and talked some sense into me. CV taught me lessons as a boy that I will carry with me the rest of my life. Thanks for your mentorship Buck. You will be sorely missed.

Gray Massie

November 5, 2008

Dear Boopie, Boolie, Charlie, and Boomba, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband and father. Your family has meant so much to me and my family and Buck will be greatly missed. I only wish I could put my arms around you and give each of you a big hug. I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank God for the blessed assurance of one day being reunited again in heaven. With my deepest love and sympathy, Gray

Lucy Berndt

November 5, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Pitt family. I did not know Mr. Pitt but I work with his son-in-law Ken and know Louise. Please know that you have my greatest sympathy. Blessings, Lucy

Rear Admiral Tom Steffens, USN (Ret)

November 5, 2008

I first met Buck over 15 years ago. He was standing in the horse pasture trying to fix the tractor on a cool Fall day. We were looking for a summer camp for our boys. As we pulled up he walked over to the car and immediately asked if I knew how to fix a tractor. Needless to say I did not, but I did learn that the local handy man was also the Camp Director --- and certainly one of the finest men I have ever known. The impact he had on our family will last with us forever. While he will be missed, he will live on in the character and actions of all those young men who he influenced. Thanks, Buck. Pray for us up there, will you, and when they play taps each night at camp, know that they are sending you thanks with every note. Our condolences to the entire CV family and especially to Betty.

Natalie Duck

November 5, 2008

Dear Betty,
I am so sorry to hear that Buck has passed on. I will never forget those special summers at camp that we were so fortunate to spend with you guys. Take care and we'll be thinking about you and your whole family. Love, Natalie

Wayne Galleher

November 5, 2008

"Thanks-a-lot".."Play Ball".."N4"..Drink Store" and the Maury River....memories that I will have forever from Camp Virginia. Camp Virginia, Buck & Betty, Coach, Jump Mountian, 4th of July, was the best expirence I have ever had to this day. My love and prayers go out to the Pitt Family. God bless the Pitt family, and I can hear as I type this the Lords Prayer being played. Amen.

November 5, 2008

"When the great Scorer comes, to mark against your name, he writes not if you won or lost, but how you played the game"

Laura Lee (Oxenham) Viergever (Collegiate '76)

November 5, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with the Pitt family at this time. I hope you are comforted in the knowledge that Mr. Pitt had such a positive and profound influence on so many people's lives, including the lives of many in my family. We are all truly blessed and better people for having known him.

Bill Rasmussen

November 5, 2008

I do not believe that any educator ever had a greater influence on students and employees that Buck Pitt had on people like me. I am probably a much better person because of the example he set and expected everyone who knew him to match. That influence will live on with his followers as long as we live.

Charlie Schmidt

November 5, 2008

My deepest sympathy to Betty and the entire Pitt family - Buck was a tremendous man and a wonderful mentor to so many of us. I will miss him terribly. His wit, charm, humor and grace were unmatched. Peace be with him.

Robert Garris

November 5, 2008

Dear Pitt family-Buck was a major influence in my life and I am a better person for having spent many wonderful summers at CV under his guidence. I am greatful for so many things that camp & all the Pitt's did for me-I am especially thankful that my son John also had the chance to know Buck and all of you-God Bless you all & "THANKS ALOT"-Bobby Garris, Norfolk Virginia

David Smith

November 5, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of the home going of Mr. Pitt. What a great legacy he leaves and what an example for all of us who knew him as students at Collegiate Boys School. My prayers are with his family and friends.
Dave Smith (Class of 72, Oakwood Ga.)

Jacques Houtmann

November 5, 2008

"Aurevoir Mr.Pitt"
Jacques,Yolaine,Hélène and Marie Houtmann send Mrs.Pitt and her family their sympathy,in memory of many happy years in Collegiate.

Gene Pembleton

November 5, 2008

Words cannot express the impact and effect that "Buck" and his immediate and extended family have had on my life, ethics, morals, beliefs and what I eventually became as an adult. I was K-12 at Collegiate graduating in 1976. I also attended Camp Virginia from 1968-1975. There's not a week that passes by that a pleasant memory of Camp does not pass through my mind. Admittedly, I was somewhat of a nuisance sometimes at Camp but Buck, Coach, and many others in this fine extended family always provided me with guidance and and conviction that have followed me all my life. Thanks Alot "Buck!"

I can hear Perry Como's voice singing "The Lord's Prayer" echoing through the mountains as I bet many of you can right now.

Sally Ryland Duane

November 5, 2008

The Pitt and Ryland/Winston families have been intertwined through the years with Camp Virginia, Collegiate and Alleghany. My father Joe Ryland always had great memories of Mac and Buck Pitt at Camp Virginia and this continued on with my brother and my cousins. What a wonderful legacy Buck leaves to all who knew him. All of the Pitts will be in my thoughts and prayers this week.

Bill Berkness

November 5, 2008

I want to extend my condolences to Betty and the family. Buck touched so many lives and served as a great mentor and role model for all who came to know him. He was instrumental in guiding me and many others at Collegiate and will certainly be missed. My prayers are with all of the family. God Bless.

Breck Dalton

November 5, 2008

I'll be forever grateful for the profound impact Buck and the Pitt family have had on my life to this day. Many lives are so much richer for the wonderful times spent with Buck, especially at Camp.

Jimmy Wiley

November 5, 2008

"When the Great Scorer comes to mark against your name, it's not whether you won or lost, but how you played the game." We all know Buck's score. What an incredible man and inspiration. My life is so much more fulfilled from having had the priviledge to cross paths with this remarkable individual. Buck, say "hi" to Petey and Grover.

Waverly King, III

November 5, 2008

the Waverly G. King, III family extends our sincere sympathy to the Pitt family in the loss of our good friend and mentor Mac"Buck" Pitt. Fond memories of Mac and his years with him at "Cougarville" and Camp Virginia will always be with me and our family.

Chapin Frazee

November 5, 2008

I am saddened to learn of the passing of such a fine man. His legacy endures as each of us pass on to our own families, whatever of his example we are able. Our prayers are with his family.

Janet Grubbs

November 5, 2008

Dear All:
What a life our Mr. Pitt led. I am so glad that I got to be a small part of it and also that I got to play on the same teams as Boomba!! I have so many fond memories of all of you and wish you deep and strong memories of Mr. Pitt. He accomplished so much and affected so many people.
Love to you all,
Janet Grubbs Collegiate '69

Garnett Copeland

November 5, 2008

Dear Mrs. Pitt, Booley, Charlie and Boomba, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Pitt. He was such a great person and eventhough he was somewhat "stern" at school, I know from my father, that he was quite the "jokester". I loved hearing the stories of their youth. I know Daddy has been waiting in anticipation for his good friend, "Mac, Jr" as he always called him, to join him. Who knows what kind of shenanigans they will get into together. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers, but also know that he is doing just fine. Love, Garnett (Gwathmey) Copeland

John Maloney '84

November 5, 2008

Collegiate School forever stands on the shoulders of Mr. Pitt. He lived a life of honest service to others, an example for the ages.

Andres Navarro Haeussler

November 5, 2008

Mis mejores recuerdos de este hombre excepcional cuyos valores me han inspirado hasta hoy.
Mis condolencias a toda la familia Pitt.
Andres Navarro Haeussler
AFS student 65/66

Quigg Lawrence

November 5, 2008

Mac Pitt was truly a great man of God. I am sure the entire Collegiate family would agree. Mac was humble, loving, courageous, godly and genuine. He represents the best of The Collegiate Schools. May we never forget his example and his faith in Jesus Christ. He along with Petey Jacobs taught me what a humble servant leader looks like.

Mac thanks for so graciously giving a scholarship to twin sister and i in our 13th year when my parents did not have the money to send us. Love and the Lord's healing to the Pitt family

Norvell Miller Slezycki

November 5, 2008

I graduated in '67 and was very saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Pitt, whom we all admired and respected for all he did at Collegiate.
My sincerest sympathies to the family.

Bill Winston

November 5, 2008

"Thanks a lot" Buck for some of my most fond memories from Camp Va and the role you played in making that special. I have great memories of you as my counselor in N4 for two years, teaching me how to ride a horse, and giving me life and spiritual direction. My family extends our sympathy to the Pitts and their immediate family at this sad time and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Betty Compton, Leigh Compton Kiczales & Nicholas Kiczales

November 5, 2008

Our heartful thoughts and prayers are with Betty and her family during this time of sadness. We know Dad was waiting to greet his childhood friend~

Charles G. Thalhimer III

November 5, 2008

My heart goes out to the entire Pitt Family. Buck touched my father's life while he was at Collegiate and he has touched my life during my years at Camp Va. Betty and the rest of the family will be in my prayers.

Bill Wheeler

November 5, 2008

Marcy and I want to entend our sympathy to Betty and the rest of the family. Buck was a great man who had a positive impact on the lives of many people including mine.

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