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Memorial Bench
College of the Atlantic

Some background information on the granite bench which we recently installed on COA campus.

The bench located along the path between Kaelber Hall and Turrets is dedicated to the memory of COA alumnus NED GREEN '97, who died on February 18, 2001, in an ice climbing accident on Mount Washington, New Hampshire. At 26, Ned had already accomplished much in the world of mountain clubs. He was an avid hiker and had traversed Vermont's Long Trail end-to-end twice. He worked for the Green Mountain Club during the 1999 and 2000 field seasons. He also worked as an Appalachian Mountain Club caretaker and on the Randolph Mountain Club trail crew. For his last two winters, Ned was the caretaker of the Harvard College Outing Club cabin on Mt. Washington. Ned loved trail work, but ice climbing was his first passion. He was a young man of intense energy and calm depth. He loved to read poetry and enjoyed writing extensive journal entries.

Steve Katona, COA President

 

Remembering You
by Clarine

 

“I sit here by the sea on the granite bench

Your friends have given in memory of you,

And think of how you would have loved this Autumn day-

White puffy clouds, warm sun, a deep blue sky,

Red orange leaves a blaze of glory….Yes,

You would have reveled in this day – flung wide

Your arms, thrown back your head in laughter, glad

Just to be alive…

I sit on this special bench,

Remembering the few brief years we shared -

Your baby smile, first tooth, first word Mama, first step –

“Come walk to me! Yes, Ned! You can! You can!” –

Remembering the look on a small boy’s face

As he gazed in awe on the lights on a Christmas tree…

I see in my mind your first day of school, the friends

You played with, the day you learned to swim, then climbed

To the highest beam and dove!! No fear! It was

As though you’d found your own true element!

I see your grin when you first rowed a boat alone,

First water skied, and yes – I remember well

The day when together we reached your first mountain peak…

Here by the sea on this bright September day

I sit on the bench your friends have given you,

And remember a thousand things, beloved son,

Each memory a pearl in my rosary

As I lift from my heart a prayer of gratitude

To the God who also loved and lost a Son.

I thank Him for giving twenty six years with you,

For giving me, dear Ned, a son like you.”

 

Clarine Coffin Grenfell
September 29,2001
Orland, Maine, age 90