Lawrence DeWitt, former chair of Miami University's music department, died on February 14 at Good Samaritan Hospital, Cincinnati, OH. Born in Muskegon, MI, on June 17, 1934, Mr. DeWitt earned a bachelor's degree from Hope College. After serving in the Army for three years, he earned a master's degree from the University of Michigan and a doctorate from Indiana University. He had taught at Hiram College, Hiram, OH, and at Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, before being appointed to Miami University, Oxford, OH, in 1978. DeWitt served as head of the music department from 1978 until 1984, and continued to teach until last year. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth Wright DeWitt in 1985, and is survived by two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren.
George E. McClay died in his sleep at his home in Cocoa Beach, FL, on Christmas Day, 1995. He was 92 years old. Born in Belt, MT, he graduated from high school in Great Falls, where he served as director of music at the First Congregational Church. He received the BMus and MMus degrees from Northwestern University. Following graduation, he joined the faculty, first as registrar, then as assistant dean, and from 1928-1968 as associate dean of the School of Music, while also teaching various music courses. Mr. McClay also served as music director/organist at Grace Episcopal Church in Chicago, and then at Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park from 1946 until his retirement in 1968. He was a member of St. David's by the Sea Episcopal Church, Cocoa Beach, FL, Northwestern University Alumni Association Class of 1928, The Wranglers Fraternity, and the AGO. He is survived by a daughter, a son, and three grandchildren.
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