“I’m sorry to report that our ardent and beloved Classmate, John W. Spurdle ’55, passed away on April 24, 2023. Spurts lived a full and active life….At Deerfield he was involved in all sorts of activities: from Glee Club and Cum Laude to two undefeated teams in varsity football and lacrosse. After Deerfield, it was on to Wesleyan, marriage to Cyndy after graduation, and then to Harvard Business School. He began his thirty year career with Morgan Guaranty Trust in 1961, and spent long periods of time in both the New York and London offices…..He retired as Executive Vice President.
Spurts had a busy retirement, but we had plenty of opportunity to renew our friendship that began at Deerfield. A highpoint, of course, was co-chairing the Class of 1955’s fiftieth reunion in 2005. We spent a lot of time at it, and were pleased with the attendance, our financial contribution to Deerfield, and the very festive reunion itself!! We continued to see quite a bit of one another—–mostly during our many trips to New York City. We always had great times together, and even managed a trip with our wives to Italy ten years ago. Spurts was wonderful to spend time with….. He had a great sense of humor and that always positive and enthusiastic attitude on anything he got involved in. He’ll be sorely missed!!” – Bill Morton ’55