Contributed by David’s 1961 Classmates
When our classmate, David Nykerk ‘61 died in 2013, the class wanted a memorial in his name to be placed at Kodaikanal International School, his alma mater. After a tree idea was rejected, David’s wife Mary decided a bench would be ideal – perhaps placed to overlook the tennis courts that David loved so much.
However, we faced a problem. For the most part we classmates live in the United States and the bench needed to be purchased in India. Thankfully, Sara Ann Emerson Lockwood ’61 stepped in while she was in Karaikudi, South India for several months working at the Bangala Hotel – an area known for its antiques. Sara Ann found a beautiful bench, much to her surprise and Marilyn Stenger Watson affirmed the choice while visiting Sara Ann. It is believed the bench originally came from a maharaja’s house (palace?).
The bench needed a little work, as India’s climate is rough on metal. After it arrived in Kodai, Merrick Lockwood ‘59 wire brushed it and painted it black, and attached a small plaque in David’s memory. A decision was taken to move the location to the area around the flag pole where it now stands by the wall overlooking Kennedy dorm.
~Martha Thompson Wilcox, ‘61 Class Rep
Our family has just returned from a wonderful backpacking trip to India. One of our highlights was our visit to Kodaikanal International School. It was a trip that Dave was hoping to take as a family even after his diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, unfortunately that wasn’t possible.
One of our main focuses was to see the bench that was dedicated to Dave which is located near the flagpole. We were very impressed with it! We would like to say “Thank You” for your contributions and to Sara Ann and her husband Merrick, Martha and Marilyn who managed all the logistics!
We had a wonderful four days in Kodaikanal.
~Mary Nykerk
