Charles B. Nevins '42
Charlie Nevins died in Glenview, Ill., on May 24, 2009. He had Parkinson’s disease and was on crutches for some time before his death.
Charlie was born in Jefferson, Ohio, but grew up in Winnetka, Ill., where he attended New Trier High School. At Amherst, he was a member of Chi Phi and participated in freshman basketball and tennis and varsity squash. He was also a sports correspondent for the Press.
Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy and served for three and a half years, mostly spent abroad the U.S.S. Meade. He participated in numerous engagements in the Pacific and attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
On retiring to civilian life, Charlie married Nancy Graff (Smith ’45) and helped raise five children, all of whom are married and scattered around the United States.
Charlie’s working career was focused on the First National Bank of Chicago where he held various executive positions. Some of these led to extensive worldwide travel. He retired in 1980 but continued for five more years as a consultant.
After retiring completely, Charlie and Nancy concentrated on various hobbies, charities, outdoor activities and travel. He also reflected on memories of Amherst and how those days helped shape his life.
I talked to Charlie by phone early this year. He was living in an excellent retirement facility in Glenview, Ill., and had, sadly, lost his wife of 60 years several years before. In spite of this and his mobility problem, he seemed in good spirits, saying he enjoyed playing bridge and following sports on TV—principally football, basketball and baseball. Unfortunately, his health problems were obviously more serious than he realized.
—Ted Heisler ’42