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Dec
13
During the upcoming Winter Break, Willamette University will be removing the trees to the northwest of the Beta Theta Pi Chapter House in order to make way for the new Ford Academic Hall. One of the trees that will be removed is the Richard E. Kerr Tree, sometimes referred fondly as “the sketch tree.” Few know, however, that the tree was planted in memory of a Beta pledge who lost his life during a pledge trip to the coast.
Here is some information about the Kerr Tree compiled by Brother Paul Eldred from Kerr’s fiancé and a pledge brother of Kerr, compiled by chapter adviser Jon Steiner.
From Kerr’s fiancé:
Dick was killed/died in January of 1964. He was with the fraternity guys – went to Lincoln City Beach for some play time. They weren’t drinking – just being at the beach. He was standing on a log and a sneaker wave came in. It rolled the log, he lost his balance, and fell. He hit his temple and was killed instantly. The guys were so shook up and devastated. Dick was a gentle, kind guy. Was going to be a doctor. From a very down-to-earth simple family – not fancy people, just good people. The tree was an effort to remember Dick and to bring new life from his.
He was the love of my life and a terrific guy.
Barb Brovelli-Moon
From Kerr’s pledge brother:
I spoke with a pledge brother of Dick Kerr who gave
similar information. Said he didn’t know him well
because he was in Mathews first semester while Dick
was in Baxter. They were celebrating with their
pledge class at the beach, four pledges were on a log
when a sneaker wave hit it, three jumped to safety on
one side while Dick fell to the opposite side and was
instantly killed by the log. This still happens
occasionally to visitors at the beach, especially in
the winter. Peter Slabaugh, with whom I spoke, was
pre-med as well and now lives in Southern California.
He and other Betas recently visited campus, stopped at
the tree and were surprised at how large it had grown.
The tree has definitely served as a reminder of a
young man who affected the lives of others and who
died a tragic death. The tree has served as a symbol
of his life and legacy.
Kerr would have pledge Beta in the fall of ‘63. At the time, pledges were not initiated until the following February. This means that Kerr was about a month away from becoming a member.
Although his tree will be torn down in the name of progress, Kerr’s memory will not be forgotten. Wood from the tree will be used by the chapter to make a number of sets of letters (ΒΘΠ) for the front room, chapter room, and front of house as well as individual rooms. Also, cut-outs of dragons will be made from this wood. This way, Kerr will always be a part of the Beta house.
Nice article Paul. I learned a bit of lore I never knew before (and I’m sure very few others as well)