Hobart and William Smith Colleges

21 August 2013 Colleges Mourn Dick Vogts Passing

Hobart and William Smith Colleges mourn the unexpected death of an important and valued member of the HWS community, Richard Dick Vogt, who worked at the check-in desk in Saga since 2005. A lifelong resident of Geneva, Vogt believed in service to others. He served his country notably in the U.S. Army from 1957-63, and served his local community as a member of Winnek Post #396 American Legion and VFW Post # 2670. Before joining HWS, he was the owner of Don A. Vogt Welding in Geneva.

In a letter to the community, President Mark D. Gearan reflected. Since Dicks passing on Aug. 15, many members of the HWS community have recalled this hardworking, soft spoken and considerate man who took time every day to talk with each student as they passed through the doors of Saga Dining Hall. News of his passing has reached HWS alums on social networking and below are some of their comments. I will miss his presence and remain grateful for his dedication to our campus.

Nate Campbell 11 wrote: the thousands upon thousands that will be grieved to hear [of his passing] are a stirring testament to not only the true value of this individual, but also the ability of one life to affect the lives of so many through even the smallest action. May we all hope to leave this world with such a legacy as our friend, Dick from Saga.

Ashley Yang 11, MAT12 offered: Please know that alumni and alumnae join with the campus community in mourning this major loss. Saga wont look the same without him.

Kwame Lovell 10 wrote: I remember visiting HWS a couple of years ago not expecting him to remember me but he did, and he was excited. He always had a great spirit.

Edwin Matos 10 reflected: We had some real conversations about life. He would tell me about his life in the 60s and 70s. He enjoyed rock n roll, which his parents hated. He told me that he was kind of a rebel, and this is where we found common ground. Tonight I raise my glass to a good man.

Vogt is survived by his son, Andrew; two daughters: Mary Beth and Peggy; sister, Lois Warner; former wife, Mary Lou Vogt; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews including Dorothy Dot Vogt, faculty secretary in Smith Hall. He was predeceased by his son, Richard, and several brothers and sisters.

In his honor, a graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family at Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Romulus, N.Y. The family has requested that donations in Vogts memory be sent to Sampson Veterans Memorial Cemetery in care of William R. Yale USN (RET), Director, 1 DiPronio Drive, Waterloo, NY 13165.