While the members of the Class of 2004 prepare to graduate and begin life in the real world, five '04s that will never have that opportunity will be sorely missed.
According to senior class dean Lisa Thum, this is the largest number of students to pass away in one class in the 15 years that she has been at Dartmouth. Thum echoed the sorrow that the whole class has experienced throughout these tragedies.
Matthew Demaine, Brian Henry, Daryl Richmond, Matthew Watt and Brendan Gilligan all passed away during their time at Dartmouth, yet they are still remembered today by their friends and classmates.
Matthew Demaine
Matthew Demaine, who was 19 years old when he passed away in his sleep of a heart attack during his freshman spring in 2001, was noted for his energy and great sense of humor by his family and friends.
In high school, Demaine was captain of his high school lacrosse team and was named High School All-American. He was also voted most well-liked member in his high school class at Northfield Mount Hermon in his hometown of Northfield, Mass.
During his time at Dartmouth, Demaine was a member of the varsity lacrosse team. He was also interested in printmaking and ceramics and volunteered at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vt.
In the spring of 2002, the Matthew Demaine Memorial Exhibition showcased Demaine at the Hopkins Center.
"His mind was always churning in unexplainable ways and that energy was felt by all those around him," friend Remy Wildrick '04 said.
Daryl Richmond
Daryl Richmond was regarded by friends as a great cook with contagious laughter. Richmond, who took his own life in Reno, Nev. on Feb. 19, 2003, was also remembered as a good listener who was always willing to help out in any way that he could.
While at Dartmouth Richmond was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity, active in the marching band, D-Steel and played the clarinet in the Dartmouth wind symphony. He was also greatly interested in mathematics, music and computers, and even planned to create a universal language for computer scientists and mathematicians.
Richmond's friends also remembered him for his beautiful heart.
Brian Henry
Brian Henry of Fairbanks, Alaska died of a type of cancer called Ewing's sarcoma on Feb. 5, 2003 after two years of fighting the disease. Even throughout his illness, Henry, a pre-med, longed to go into the field of medicine and even shadowed doctors during his treatment.
Before he passed away, Henry married his high school sweetheart, Heidi, at home on Dec. 21, 2002. Friends thought of him as a devoted husband and loyal friend.
At Dartmouth, Henry was involved with the Campus Crusade for Christ and was formerly on the men's crew team. Henry was described as a caring person who was always available to cheer up a friend.
The Relay for Life charity event held this spring, organized by Jeff DellaVolpe '04 and Andrew Biteen '04, helped raise money in celebration of cancer survivors' struggles. The event was held in honor of Henry's memory and his own battle with cancer.
Matthew Watt
Matthew Watt was an active member of the Native Americans at Dartmouth during his time at the college. Watt, a native of Riverton, Wyo., died near his home on Feb. 6, 2003.
Watt entered Dartmouth with the achievement of receiving the most credits ever earned by a senior at Riverton High School. While in high school, Watt worked as a tutor and served as the first Native American member of the student council. He was also a member of several organizations including Raising Awareness through Media, Key Club and Native Pride.
Along with his active involvement in NAD, Watt also had many connections to members of Bones Gate fraternity during his time at Dartmouth. Those who knew him noted his concern for others. Watt was also known as caring and sensitive by his fellow classmates.
Brendan Gilligan
During his time at Dartmouth, Brendan Gilligan played on the rugby team and studied economics and philosophy. Gilligan succeeded both on and off the field as he was known as a great athlete and student.
In January, 2004, Gilligan took his own life by jumping off a bridge near his California home. He had been on leave from the college since his Sophomore Summer.
Gilligan transferred to Dartmouth after his freshman year at Claremont-McKenna College. Along with his participation on the rugby team, Gilligan also had a love for skateboarding. Friends at Dartmouth praised him for his independence as well as his dedication on the athletic field.
After his death, Gilligan was described as "brilliant" by his peers.
