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Chester Ham Obituary
He leaves behind his beloved sister, Marilyn Elaine Colvin, brother-in-law Theodore Colvin, many cousins in England, and a few cousins in the U.S.A.
Educated in the Providence Public Schools (Reservoir Avenue Elementary, Gilbert Stuart Jr. High, and Central High School), he served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1954-1958 (in the Netherlands from 1955-1958), and on inactive reserve from 1959-1962. He earned his B.A. in Liberal Arts from URI in 1962, and his Masters in Library Science in 1969.
Mr. Ham taught academics to the mentally handicapped at the Dr. Joseph H. Ladd School from 1963-1969. He then joined the Warwick Public Schools as a teacher/librarian, initially at four elementary schools, Park, Greenwood, Bayside, and Cowesett. He then served at Wyman School until 1975, Aldrich Jr. High School from 1978-1982, and ended his career as a teacher/librarian at Warwick Veterans Memorial High School in 1990.
In retirement, his activities included serving as a ringer of the English bell at the Old North Church in Boston, working in the Miriam Hospital Medical library, attending honey bee school, taking bagpipe lessons, and enjoying square dancing, travel, reading, and writing rhyming poetry. He was the chairman of the reunion committee for the Central High School class of 1954.
His funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 9, at 9:30 a.m. from the Barrett & Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Spring Green, Warwick, with a service at 11 a.m. in the Church of the Apostles, 170 Fairview Avenue, Coventry. Visiting hours are Tuesday 3-6 p.m. Burial will be in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to your favorite charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chester Ham
Sponsored by anonymous.
John McCoy
January 18, 2011
I remember Mr Ham as my Librarian from Wyman Elementary School, and later at Alrdrich Jr High. He was a kind man, and a great teacher and librarian. Although it is now 2010, I was very saddened to see that he passed away. My condolences to his family, he will be missed. Rest In Peace Mr Ham, and thank you.
Elaine Wilkinson
August 5, 2008
Chet was our adopted brother who shared holidays with my family for many years. He was truly an interesting and kind person who did good for the world and will not be forgotten.
Mary and John Corcoran
July 19, 2008
We were saddened to hear of Chet's passing. We had many family dinners with Chet at our son's home in Providence. Chet wrote a poem for their first child, our first granddaughter. His love of the history of Rhode Island was communicated to us when he led us on a tour of the State Capitol. We will miss him.
Sue DeVuyst
July 16, 2008
When I was a new ringer, I had the chance to meet Chet in Quebec City. He was very enthusiastic and it was fun to listen to him and share breakfast with him. He only traveled to places I did a couple of times but he was often mentioned. I once had a chance to go to Boston for work and visited Old North Church. It was wonderful to hear his voice and turn around and there he was--like he was always there (and maybe he was--and maybe a part of him still is.) I am sure he will continue to be mentioned wherever ringers gather.
Christopher Colon
July 11, 2008
My heartfelt condolences to Chet's family on his passing. I remember when I first met Chet; It was in Miami, Florida in 1996 for what was Trinity Cathedral's first AGM of the North American Guild of Change Ringers held in the hottest days of September. He was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Fair minded, thoughtful, and considerate. He loved bell ringing, and I know he will be missed by all.
John King
July 11, 2008
Chet was a friendly, spirited, and dedicated member of the North American Guild of Change Ringers. I had the pleasure and privilege of ringing and socializing with Chet on a number of occasions in a variety of bell towers, most recently in September 2007 at Washington National Cathedral. His contributions were valued and unique. I will miss him.
Brandi Curtis
July 11, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Mira and James Whiting
July 10, 2008
We both have fond memories of ringing with Chet at Old North. As for outside of ringing, we remember walking and chatting with him from Lechmere to the first Fluff Festival in Union Sq as well as Chet's presence at our housewarming party a few years ago. We will miss him a lot.
Chris and Helen Haller
July 10, 2008
Chet went with us on two bellringing tours in England, and later volunteered at Christ Church, Boston (Old North) as a docent guide. We remember him as a unique Character indeed, a gentle, patriotic, dedicated teacher who loved children of all ages.
Bruce and Eileen Butler
July 10, 2008
Chet was such a unique person. He was such a friendly ringer - some times it got him into "trouble". We will never forget the $2 bills, his rocks and balloons. He was a welcome addition to several of our bell ringing tours to England. We have not been in touch recently, but we will miss him. Eileen and Bruce
Marcia Krasnoff
July 10, 2008
Marilyn, So sorry to hear of your brother's passing. I remember him from Gilbert Stuart and, of course, you were my classmate.
Ron Rathier
July 10, 2008
On behalf of the Chopin Club, let me express my condolences to Chet's family. He was a very important member of our music club and cold always be counted on to be at our monthly musicals. He enjoyed the music but also was always available to help whoever needed help. A good man who will be sorely missed.
Ann, Betty & Ken Burkhardt
July 9, 2008
We will miss Chet at our home in Bristol over July 4th gatherings and as a friend from years passed. RI and New England have lost a patriot, an advocate and an educator superb.
W. Grant Willis
July 8, 2008
Chet's family and friends are in our prayers. He is sadly missed and fondly remembered by all in his parish home at The Church of the Redeemer.
Lydia Matteson
July 8, 2008
I will truly miss Chet and all his wonderful dedication to The Players by ushering and his hospitality.
Ann (Campagnone) Gemma
July 8, 2008
Dear Mailyn & Ted,
Sorry to hear about Chet's passing,
We will miss Chet,our classmate &
chairman of the reunion committee of
Central High, class of 1954.He got things done & was always there for us. Please except my sincere sympathy.
Christina (Coyne) Brown
July 8, 2008
Marilyn -- I was sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Kristal Cardone
July 8, 2008
Chet will be missed! The URI Winter Gala will not be the same with out him in his tux with the blue tie & cummerbund, supporting the colors.
His lovely poems on the quad in Kingston will be a great reminder of a wonderful alum.
Gale Eaton
July 7, 2008
My sincere condolences -- and I'll miss Chet, too. The Rhode Island library community won't be the same without him. At URI, we'll remember him with affection when we see his poetic bricks on the quad.
Ginny Grande
July 7, 2008
So sorry to hear about Chet's passing. Chet was the guy who always got the ball rolling when it was class reunion time. He worked very hard to bring all his classmates together and when the reunion was over he was already planning the next one.
Rest in peace, Chet. You will be missed by all.
Paul Tsimikas
July 7, 2008
I'm sorry to hear of Chet's passing. He was a one-of-a kind and was a proud alum of URI.
He will be missed by the entire URI Winter Gala committee and myself.
Paul Tsimikas
Carol Rausch
July 7, 2008
Dear Marylyn and Family,
I remember Chet very well from ARIHSL meetings and interacting over the phone for interlibrary loans, etc. I am Reference Librarian at Memorial Hospital Rhode Island. Chet was a great man who was always very friendly and he would speak to me about the bell ringing which was one of his favorite things. May he rest in peace. Carol
Sandy LePage
July 7, 2008
Marilyn and Ted, Please accept my condolences on the loss of your brother. I didn't know Chester, as he was two years ahead of me at Central High. I'm sure you have many fond memories to see you through this difficult time.
Dennene Olivier
July 7, 2008
Mr. Ham was my teacher at Aldrich and was a great teacher who will be sadly missed.
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