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John Light Obituary
Dr. John Light, a resident of the Waterford Tower in Columbus, Ohio and of Hay Beach on Shelter Island, New York passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. He was 88 years old. Dr. Light was born on December 4, 1930 in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Roxanne Light Du Vivier; and their daughter, Anya Light Du Vivier. Dr. Light was one of the longest serving college presidents at one institution in the nation and was the founding president of Hocking College. During his 42 -year tenure the institution grew to nearly 8,000 students. Under his leadership students found their way to the unique college from all 88 counties in Ohio, 27 states and 53 international countries. His work contributed to the economic engine of the state and the region. He formed partnerships in education regionally, across the state and nation and around the globe. In retirement, Dr. Light was the President of Green Light Alliance, overseeing nature conservation programs at the Barn at Pumpkin Ridge, Wildlife Sanctuary in the Hocking Hills. A service for friends and family will be held on Saturday, October 26 at 4pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 East Broad Street, in Downtown Columbus, Ohio 43215.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Light
Sponsored by The Columbus Dispatch.
James (JW) Simmons
November 1, 2019
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have known Dr. Light and Roxanne from my time attending and working at Hocking. I would not be where I am today without the opportunities they created for students and staff like myself. I was sad to learn of this news. Sending my condolences to Roxanne and family.
Steven Holtel
October 26, 2019
Wonderful Man
Joyce McNett
October 25, 2019
RIP John. You pulled SE Ohio up on the list of quality in education for quite a long time. You're already missed. You had vision for the world, and I, and the staff at Hocking College, were happy working for you.
My condolences to Roxanne and Anya.
Peace and Love,
Barbara Sunderlin
October 24, 2019
Where do I begin, Dr. Light started a school that he had a vision for and followed through with insight and determination and perseverance with faculty and staff by his side. When I heard of his passing, it brought tears to my eyes. My first of my 27 years at Hocking were so memorable thanks to Dr. John Light and the family he created, and I felt it. I missed the years after he was gone. The mission of what we could do for our students together with him and Judy Maxson. I will always remember in meetings, it wasn't what can you do, it was what can we do together. The mission was to reach the students not just the subject matter. Thank you Dr. John Light. Your life was outstanding! God bless you and your family!
Beth Leidy Yeprem
October 23, 2019
He was amazing! I'm proud to say I graduated from HTC under Dr. Light's tenure!
Karen (Wolfe) Juodvalkis
October 22, 2019
Dr. Light was a man with a vision, and by realizing that vision the lives of many individuals were greatly impacted, both educationally and financially. He paved the way to a better life and brighter future for many people. And, he gave my life a new direction by giving me my first job. I am grateful.
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