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My father, Thomas H. Ogdon, passed away February 15th, 2006, as the result of a tragic fall.
Tom was born in Alexandria, VA, and grew up in Tarrytown, NY. He matriculated to Amherst in 1953. While at Amherst, Tom joined the diving team and became a member of Psi Upsilon. An English major, his years at Amherst were spent in fun and study, and he always commented on how well Amherst prepared him to think and reason through anything he encountered. He felt enormous pride for Amherst and for the Class of ’57.
Tom initially embarked upon a career in advertising, starting at Ted Bates and eventually serving in senior account management at Benton & Bowles. He briefly courted the idea of starting a magazine before entering the world of executive search, where he worked for Russell Reynolds and Haley Associates before starting his own firm, The Ogdon Partnership. He enjoyed decades of entrepreneurial success in the heart of Manhattan, where he developed a rich circle of friends and business associates.
Tom found great pleasure in the life he led with his wife and daughter. An athlete, he sported a healthy competitive streak in golf, tennis and squash. A Renaissance man, he had a wonderful appreciation for music, art, nature, food, wine, boating, travel and literature. He loved his dogs, and nothing made him happier than to be surrounded by his family, smoking a good cigar.
Tom’s dear friend, John S. McGeeney (Amherst ’56), spoke eloquently at a memorial service held in New York. The service was attended by friends and family, all of whom will miss his generosity, wit, sharp intelligence and big heart. He is survived by his loving wife, Michele, daughter Kristin (Amherst ’00) and two sons, William and David. To quote one close friend, “New York has lost one of its great ones.”
- Kristin Ogdon '00