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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Sep 2002
Joseph D. Park * '46
No. 16009 * 10 May 1924 - 13 Feb 2002
Died in New Vineyard, ME * Interred in New Vineyard Cemetery,
New Vineyard, ME. |
Joseph Dodge Park was born in Portland, OR into
an Army family. His father was USMA '07 and he had two brothers
who graduated in 1931 and 1933 respectively. Joe attended Phillips
Academy, Andover, MA for three years before going to Reed College
in Portland, OR for a year. While at Andover, he honed his artistic
talents by illustrating student publications. Joe gained his
appointment to West Point and joined the Class of 1946 on the
banks of the Hudson on 1 July 1943.
Cadet life presented no problems to Joe. He made a name for himself
through his art, being one of the key contributors to the Pointer
with his cartoons. Two company mates for E1 Company wrote: Rusty
Brunson remembered, "Joe was always cheery and uplifting
and fun to be around," Joe Jordan recalled, "When I
think of West Point and E1 Company, I always think of Joe Park
and what a pleasure it was to be in his company." Joe graduated
a second lieutenant in the Infantry.
Following basic Infantry schooling at Fort Benning, GA, Joe's
first assignment was to train the Korean Constabulary in 1947.
From there he went to the 7th Infantry Division and later entered
the Korean War with the 8th Cavalry regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.
Joe was severely wounded in combat, received the Purple Heart
Medal and was evacuated to the States. He married Genevieve Miga;
a Navy LTJG nurse in Chicopee, MA on 3 May 1952. Joe's next assignemnt
was to the Infantry Career Management Division in the Pentagon.
After graduating from C&GSC at Fort Leavenworth, KS, Joe
became Commandant of the West Point Prep School. Joe said this
was one of his most gratifying jobs as he was his own boss and
could see the fruits of his labors. Joe went to Vietnam in 1965
assigned to J1 in MACV. Back to the States in 1967, Joe was assigned
to OCRD in the Pentagon. From there, he and Ginny went to Canada
where Joe served with the Quadripartite Standardization Group.
Joe's final assignment was with the Army Materiel Command from
which he retired with a physical disability in 1972 as a Colonel.
Retirement found Joe and Ginny moving to New Vineyard, ME where
they fixed up an old farmhouse. Joe dabbled in real estate for
awhile and also served on numerous civic boards in his community.
But Joe devoted most of his energies to his lifelong interest,
art. He got his painting start under Patrick Morgan in Andover
in the late 1930s. After retirement, Joe continued his training
and won awards for his exhibits. When the weather got too cold
in Maine, he and Ginny traveled to New Mexico where one of their
daughters lived. There Joe painted New Mexico landscapes to include
a series of 19 paintings done in 1992.
Joe and fellow E1 Company classmates, Rusty Brunson and Robert
Rufsvold were instrumental in organizing an Art Exhibit by Class
of 1946 artists in conjunction with the 50th Reunion of the Class.
Rusty tells of that event which was a great success. "I
must say that our art show would not have been possible without
Joe's wise leadership, counsel, knowledge and encouragement.
I was most privileged to be a friend of Joe's and I shall sorely
miss him."
Joe Park died 13 February 2002 after a long, courageous battle
with cancer. Survivors include his wife, Ginny; daughters, Julie,
Winnie, Christine, Barbara and Lisa and five grandchildren.
Joe left behind a legacy of duty and devotion to West Point,
his country and his family. Those who knew and loved him best
express this legacy.
Daughter, Barbara, noted things her father taught her: "Always
stay alert when driving; reading opens up new worlds; work hard;
appreciate nature and family comes first."
Barbara's husband, Jim, recalled: "Joe was meticulous and
paid attention to details. He was outgoing, always busy doing
something, often helping someone out. He was unselfish."
Granddaughter, Anna, 11 years old, remembered her grandfather:
" He was gentle and remarkable, alert, distinguished, daring
and youthful."
From daughter Winnie's husband, Brian: "As a patriot, Joe
sacrificed limb and livelihood following a dynasty started by
his uncle and strengthened by his father and brothers. His service
devotion ranked above many other skills and persuasions but never
came before his family. He protected us a world away and represented
us here in local business and government. Joe's commitment to
what he believed in was surpassed only by his integrity. Joe
loved words, especially in description of masterful art - the
color, texture, rhythm and harmony in painting and music but
most particularly, the beauty of all God's natural creations.
The final battle for this gentle warrior is behind him; the gladiator
may now rest. Husband, father, granddad and true friend you will
battle no more using antibodies, nor wield sword or brush; but
go to your maker and help watch over us, even more now than ever."
The Class of 1946 proudly adds the words that would mean so much
to our classmate: "Well Done, Joe; Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his family
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