Welcome to the memorial page for
Jack L. Hedrick
July 23, 1937 ~ November 15, 2016 (age 79) 79 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Please use this corrected entry (spelled his name wrong in the 1st) Carista Butts-Wilson '85
December 12, 2017 9:15 AM
Dr. Hedrick was a uniquely classy, and cultured man. So sorry I just learned of his passing. My memories are of visiting his inviting, office with classical music always playing in the background. Top that off with his topiarized beard, and a pipe (whether factual or envisioned for emphasis) coupled with his easy-going mannerisms, and you will understand how my Analytical Chemistry angst and concerns seem to fade away into the background. His is the image of the consummate Professor, with an engaging teaching style that was extremely effective. His was a class I never missed. My late, but seasonal condolences to his family.
Carista Butts-Wilson ‘85
Carista Butts-Wilson ‘85
A candle was lit by Delores (Wagner) Walmer, '70
on January 26, 2017 8:34 AM
Message from Michael Walega
January 7, 2017 11:56 PM
To his family - my deepest condolences.
During my four years of undergraduate studies at Elizabethtown College I can easily say that Mr. Hedrick was one of the two educators who had a profound impact on my life and career. I can remember, to this day, sitting in his Instrumental Analysis class, with a handful of other students (and I am fairly certain that I was the only Biology major there!). At 800. I absolutely HATED going to class at 800. I remember once being so ill that I just could not get to class; I was besides myself with anguish to have missed it. He brought such enthusiasm, humor, and the ability to draw out the best in his students (he certainly did with me!), with that one exception I was there every day (I cannot say that about any other class I had at 800). I could not get enough; I felt like a sponge, and Mr Hedrick happily applied the knowledge for me to absorb. I remember in lab Mr Hedrick showing me his gas pyrolysis instrument. He was so all in when it came to science, that he took the extra time to show me what he had built (in those days, that was not something that funding came easily for!). He was so proud of it, and so pleased that one of his students was all in about it too. His love of science, and the scientific method, convinced me to follow through with my desire to go down the pathway of scientific research. Science could be (was and still is) fun!
I am so deeply saddened by this news. I imagine that I am not the only one who had the privilege to attend any of his classes who did not come away feeling different about themselves and about science. I remain so grateful that, even at this time, and after all of these years, I can look back at and smile with incredibly fond memories, grateful to have had the opportunity to be touched by this gentle, humorous man. That does not happen to often.
Mike Walega '78
During my four years of undergraduate studies at Elizabethtown College I can easily say that Mr. Hedrick was one of the two educators who had a profound impact on my life and career. I can remember, to this day, sitting in his Instrumental Analysis class, with a handful of other students (and I am fairly certain that I was the only Biology major there!). At 800. I absolutely HATED going to class at 800. I remember once being so ill that I just could not get to class; I was besides myself with anguish to have missed it. He brought such enthusiasm, humor, and the ability to draw out the best in his students (he certainly did with me!), with that one exception I was there every day (I cannot say that about any other class I had at 800). I could not get enough; I felt like a sponge, and Mr Hedrick happily applied the knowledge for me to absorb. I remember in lab Mr Hedrick showing me his gas pyrolysis instrument. He was so all in when it came to science, that he took the extra time to show me what he had built (in those days, that was not something that funding came easily for!). He was so proud of it, and so pleased that one of his students was all in about it too. His love of science, and the scientific method, convinced me to follow through with my desire to go down the pathway of scientific research. Science could be (was and still is) fun!
I am so deeply saddened by this news. I imagine that I am not the only one who had the privilege to attend any of his classes who did not come away feeling different about themselves and about science. I remain so grateful that, even at this time, and after all of these years, I can look back at and smile with incredibly fond memories, grateful to have had the opportunity to be touched by this gentle, humorous man. That does not happen to often.
Mike Walega '78
Message from Bill Hughes
December 9, 2016 10:53 AM
I just learned of Jack's passing, so these words come somewhat late.
Jack and I were friends during our high school days at Susquehannock. We were both on the same track, so we took many classes together. We had similar senses of humor, and shared many a laugh. We lost touch after we went away to college, and the only time we came together after HS was at our 25th class reunion. More laughs.
Those of us who knew Jack as a very young man recognized even then that he was a person of quality. It comes as no surprise to me to learn that he went on to have the productive and loving life described in his obituary.
Godspeed to Jack, and to his family my heartfelt condolences.
Jack and I were friends during our high school days at Susquehannock. We were both on the same track, so we took many classes together. We had similar senses of humor, and shared many a laugh. We lost touch after we went away to college, and the only time we came together after HS was at our 25th class reunion. More laughs.
Those of us who knew Jack as a very young man recognized even then that he was a person of quality. It comes as no surprise to me to learn that he went on to have the productive and loving life described in his obituary.
Godspeed to Jack, and to his family my heartfelt condolences.
Message from Ray Reeder
December 2, 2016 3:51 PM
I had the privilege of working closely with Jack for 3 decades. Most of what I know about teaching chemistry and all of what I know about Stony Creek Valley came from him. He left a legacy of good memories with so many of us, and he will be missed.
Message from Chris Kochansky '98
December 1, 2016 2:04 PM
Sorry to hear about the passing of Prof. Hedrick. Prof. Hedrick was my advisor/mentor for my time at Etown. He was a life direction setter for me, as he literally drove me to grad school. For some time he would send me birthday cards that I wish I could forget. Our paths had not crossed for many years … but I am quite thankful for the path Prof. Hedrick help drive me down and the lessons I have learned. One that has stuck (maybe because it was the simplest) came from his Instrument Analysis course and is in regards to trouble shooting issues – ask yourself or colleague “Is it plugged in (or have power)?” That advice of starting with the obvious has solved more issues for more people than I can count. Thanks Jack.
A candle was lit by Scott Conary '85
on November 27, 2016 7:14 PM
Message from Gary Hoffman
November 27, 2016 4:18 PM
I was surprised and saddened to hear the news of Jack's passing. I'm very sorry. I remember going on several hikes with Jack to the ghost towns near Gold Mine Road. He had a million stories about the area. I have fond memories of him. He will be missed. My condolences.
A candle was lit by Thomas and Ingrid Cusumano
on November 25, 2016 2:42 PM
Message from Ingrid Cusumano
November 25, 2016 2:41 PM
Our condolences to the Hedrick family. Elizabethtown is a weekend home for us, and as such we only come once or twice a month. I am sincerely saddened by the news of Jack's passing. He was one of the first neighbors we met 5 years ago. I would walk in the morning and see him picking up the newspapers for his neighbors and putting recycle bins by garages after pickup, His smile and cheery "Good Morning" will be greatly missed here. RIP Jack.
A candle was lit by John and Tracy Dorsey
on November 24, 2016 9:28 AM
A candle was lit by Marcia and Jeff Mummau
on November 22, 2016 3:38 PM
Message from Debra Beatson
November 22, 2016 3:12 PM
Jack would always come up the hill on sunny days anywhere between 9 - 9:30 to pay homage to his beloved Doris. If I was outside with the dogs, he would always say good morning and comment on my favorite job which he called dog duty. He was instrumental in getting together the Wed. gazebo night which occurred every Wed as the weather got nicer until the annual homeowner's picnic. Michael always said that Jack's recall of sports trivia was phenomenal.
Rest in peace, Jack. You missed Doris so much and now you are with her. And, you will be missed as well.
Deb Beatson
Rest in peace, Jack. You missed Doris so much and now you are with her. And, you will be missed as well.
Deb Beatson
A candle was lit by Michael and Deb Beatson
on November 22, 2016 3:02 PM
Message from Liz Yunger Vitchock
November 20, 2016 12:05 PM
I will always remember how Mr. Hedrick brought humor to class. It really resonated with me and made me actually enjoy coming to classes I found difficult. He made a difference in my life and made college that much more rewarding.
A candle was lit by Jill and Gordon Bateman
on November 20, 2016 9:48 AM
Message from Charles Schaeffer
November 20, 2016 9:48 AM
Jack,
Shocked and saddened to learn of your passing. I first met you in 1967 as a green F&M undergrad. when we visited E'town to use the department's NMR spectrometer. Little did I then realize that: (1) we would become colleagues nine years later; and (2) that primitive instrumentation would evolve into a life-long obsession. I made the right choices. Thanks for being a cherished coworker, mentor, friend, and sounding board for forty years. The words of a classic song of the upcoming season seem particularly poignant and appropriate: "Some day soon, we all will be together, if the fates allow. Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow." Jack, you and your work ethic, have, indeed, placed "a shining star upon the highest bough." Thanks for everything.
-CDS
Shocked and saddened to learn of your passing. I first met you in 1967 as a green F&M undergrad. when we visited E'town to use the department's NMR spectrometer. Little did I then realize that: (1) we would become colleagues nine years later; and (2) that primitive instrumentation would evolve into a life-long obsession. I made the right choices. Thanks for being a cherished coworker, mentor, friend, and sounding board for forty years. The words of a classic song of the upcoming season seem particularly poignant and appropriate: "Some day soon, we all will be together, if the fates allow. Until then, we'll have to muddle through somehow." Jack, you and your work ethic, have, indeed, placed "a shining star upon the highest bough." Thanks for everything.
-CDS
Message from Dr. Beth E. Sweitzer-Riley
November 19, 2016 7:56 PM
Jack and I were colleagues for many years at Elizabethtown College. He was "fuller than life itself" in the way he approached life each day. His days on earth were well lived with exuberance and a full appreciation of all life had to offer. His dedication and love for Doris during her journey of health issues will be long remembered. He will always be remembered. I am sure his legacy will live on in his adult children. Warm thoughts are being send your way during this time of loss.
Dr. Beth E. Sweitzer-Riley
Dr. Beth E. Sweitzer-Riley
A candle was lit by Dr. Beth E. Sweitzer-Riley
on November 19, 2016 7:50 PM
A candle was lit by Bob Moreland ('76) and Debby (Harpf) Moreland ('78)
on November 19, 2016 3:13 PM
Message from Dave (78) and Kim Bartels (79) Witkovsky
November 19, 2016 10:55 AM
Dr. Hetrick was a very caring and knowledgeable professor who was instrumental in helping many freshmen learn to love and appreciate their college experience including us. We were introduced to him through Intro to Chemistry 101 (since we were both Chemistry majors at the time). He was our only instructor our first semester that provided us with a second (and even third) chance to improve our scores on our weekly chem quizzes and to prove that we were actually learning something. Not many folks in life are forgiving and caring enough to give us more than once chance to prove ourselves but Jack was definitely one of a kind that way, always finding the best in others and challenging us to be the best we could be with encouragement, support, humor and walking by our side in our college journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, his family, as you grieve his loss and celebrate his life. He was a great influence in our lives as a mentor, friend and man of faith at just the right time. By the way, now we are both ministers in the Church of the Brethren and his life lessons will live on in us as Christians and caregivers of this world.
A candle was lit by Dave (78) and Kim Bartels (79) Witkovsky
on November 19, 2016 10:18 AM
Message from John and Joyce (Snedden) Stephens, ‘69
November 19, 2016 10:04 AM
News of Jack’s passing came as a terrible surprise. We met Jack for lunch just a few weeks ago, and had a wonderful afternoon reminiscing about the past and catching up on the present. We were looking forward to many more future get-togethers. Jack’s passing is a reminder to us all of how much admiration and love we can have for our teachers and mentors. We’ll miss you Jack!
Message from Barb Stewart Hoag
November 18, 2016 6:12 PM
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Hedrick. He was so very influential in helping me to love my decision to major in Chemistry at Elizabethtown. I know he will be missed by the entire Elizabethtown Science community. Rest in peace.
Message from Charles Chic Donahue '70
November 18, 2016 4:16 PM
R.I.P. Coach. I will miss our once a year talk at Christmas about Elizabethtown basketball. You were a fun coach and very good man. You will be missed by many.
Message from Helen Walton Ebersole, '69
November 18, 2016 2:22 PM
SO sorry and shocked to hear about Dr Jack L. Hetrick's passing. He was connected to our Alumni Association and gave interesting presentations to the Alumni Council in years past. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was liked by so many generations of E-town College. He remembered people easily and shared so much of himself to E-town.
Message from Henry J Pownall
November 18, 2016 12:48 PM
I still recall sitting in his advanced classes on instrumental analysis with the three or four other chemistry majors. He joined the chemistry department when I was a sophomore and brought a refreshing level of enthusiasm about science and life to the department. His positive attitude made being in his classes something to look forward to. I cannot overemphasize the tremendous influence that Jack had on my life and where I am today. I was not a good student but the high standards that Jack and other faculty brought to the department ensured that those of us who only got B's and C's would still no enough to make a living and a contribution to science. His is a wonderful legacy.
Message from Dawnmarie
November 18, 2016 12:45 PM
I will always remember your many buttons on your lab coat, your "ooooohhhhh aaaaaahhhhh" Far Side cartoon and personal meme, and "BUN," even though we don't really call it that in medicine. You will be missed dearly, Mr. Hedrick.
Message from Beverly PIscitelli
November 17, 2016 4:13 PM
So sad to read of Jack's passing. He is now with his dear Doris whom he has loved and missed dearly all these years.
Rest in Peace, Jack
Rest in Peace, Jack
Message from Tim & Lori Wagner
November 17, 2016 1:52 PM
So sorry to hear about Dad's passing. We just had dinner the week before together that the family will all cherish.
A candle was lit by Danira (Heistand) Ginder11
on November 16, 2016 11:11 PM
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