RIP John Ault (1937-2009)

I was very sorry to learn this morning of the passing of John Ault.

Mr. Ault was not only the national vice president of my college fraternity out in Texas, but also the dad of my buddy Brad.

Those were some crazy times in Lubbock, and John had to come up from Houston to set the old Delta Mu of Beta Theta Pi straight on at least one occasion.

But, he knew how to have a good time, too. I will always have fond memories of taking him to Bash Riprock's, one of our favorite haunts. Believe it or not, he fit right in with all of us college kids!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Aults during this difficult time. John surely leaves behind a legacy they may all be proud to call their own.

-kai-

RIP Buddy Croft

I am sorry to report the passing of Claud W. "Buddy" Croft, who for many years has been an advisor to the Delta Mu of Beta Theta Pi at Texas Tech University.

He died today after suffering a massive heart attack in San Antonio.

Buddy graduated from Southern Methodist University back in 1960, and lived in Lubbock with his wife Margie.

He will be buried in Dallas on Wednesday, with a memorial service back in Lubbock on Saturday. Detailed information should be forthcoming soon.

I will always remember Brother Buddy for his friendship and fidelity he showed to the traditions of our fraternity, and offer sincere condolences to his wife and family.

--- kai ---

A shout out to Darrell

One of my old fraternity brothers (and, now an occasional sock in the dryer devotee) called me yesterday afternoon to catch-up.

And, I promised to send him a "shout out" on the blog.

So, here it is.

He did offer me some criticism, though.

Too much genealogy-related posts, he thinks.

Guess he hasn't been bitten by the bug, yet.

So, as if I have to justify my addiction, I want Darrell and the rest of you socks to know of my most recent genealogical discoveries.

It turns out that my great-great grandfather and namesake W.S. Morgan the First was a maternal cousin of the fellow pictured in today's post.

Now, Darrell, if you studied your "Son of the Stars" pledge manual diligently back in the late 80s, you should be able to tell who this fellow is.

But, in case your memory fails, I'll have you know it's John Holt Duncan, "of ever honored memory." He was one of the 8 founders of our fraternity, Beta Theta Pi. In fact, he served as the first president of Alpha Chapter before moving to Texas--yes, Darrell, Texas. And, to make him an even greater person to claim as a cousin, he also served as a captain in the Confederate Army during the War Between the States. Even lost a leg to "the cause."

So, the next time you want to criticize my genealogical addiction, remember this post.

- kai -