In Memoriam: Randy McNaughton
Legendary Hackley science teacher Randy McNaughton passed away on May 25.The memorial service will take place on Saturday, June 24 at 10:00 AM in King Chapel, followed by a lunch in the Lindsay Room. The McNaughton family requests that memorial gifts be made to Hackley School to support faculty housing. Condolence cards may be sent to the family care of Margie McNaughton Ford '85 at Hackley. Read on for more information.
The longest tenured faculty member in Hackley history, Randy served for 46 years, and was honored after his retirement with the installation of a gargoyle in his likeness, which overlooks the courtyard. Given his unparalleled service to Hackley, the school recently named a room for Randy in appreciation of the impact and length of his career on the Hilltop. The McNaughton Room, located in the Science Building, joins spaces named in honor of distinguished faculty in appreciation for the length of their service.
Randy grew up in White Plains, NY, where he pitched for an American Legion team that won the New York State Championship in Cooperstown, NY. Following high school, he attended Williams College on a full scholarship, graduating at age 20 with a B.S. in Geology. He began teaching geology and astronomy at Hackley immediately thereafter, having been hired by Headmaster Frank Miller, a fellow Williams alumnus. Two years later, Randy met Mary Anne at a Rosemary Hall dance, where they were both chaperones. Six months later they were married and starting their life on the Hilltop, where they went on to raise their three children -- Bill, Class of '79, Michael, and Margie, Class of '85.
While at Hackley, Randy won several National Science Foundation scholarships, allowing him to attend summer programs at institutions such as UC-Berkeley and Franklin & Marshall. In addition, Randy and Mary Anne ran Hackley’s Summer Camp for 30 years, earning him the title of “Chief Randy.” In addition, he coached softball with his friend and colleague, John Van Leer ’65, as well as leading many basketball and baseball teams. As one colleague and friend said, "On the playing field or in the classroom, Randy demonstrated time and again that he could teach: any kid, any concept.”
Margie McNaughton Ford
Hackley School
293 Benedict Avenue
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Our community mourns the loss of a Hackley legend.
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Randy grew up in White Plains, NY, where he pitched for an American Legion team that won the New York State Championship in Cooperstown, NY. Following high school, he attended Williams College on a full scholarship, graduating at age 20 with a B.S. in Geology. He began teaching geology and astronomy at Hackley immediately thereafter, having been hired by Headmaster Frank Miller, a fellow Williams alumnus. Two years later, Randy met Mary Anne at a Rosemary Hall dance, where they were both chaperones. Six months later they were married and starting their life on the Hilltop, where they went on to raise their three children -- Bill, Class of '79, Michael, and Margie, Class of '85.
While at Hackley, Randy won several National Science Foundation scholarships, allowing him to attend summer programs at institutions such as UC-Berkeley and Franklin & Marshall. In addition, Randy and Mary Anne ran Hackley’s Summer Camp for 30 years, earning him the title of “Chief Randy.” In addition, he coached softball with his friend and colleague, John Van Leer ’65, as well as leading many basketball and baseball teams. As one colleague and friend said, "On the playing field or in the classroom, Randy demonstrated time and again that he could teach: any kid, any concept.”
Many alumni credit Randy for their love of the night sky, constellations, the earth, and rock formations. He regularly gathered students and faculty on the Quad to view constellations and he took geology students on overnight trips to explore rock formations.
A lifelong learner and scientist, he used a sabbatical to drive his family to Alaska, where he conducted research on glaciers and geological formations. Returning to the classroom, he brought his knowledge and experiences back to Hackley students and faculty with a large collection of slides, now housed in the Hackley Archives. Many alumni fondly recall the fake rock Randy used to wake up dozing students. Most of all, his colleagues, students, and family recall Randy’s dry sense of humor, kind heart, and deep love for Mary Anne.
One alumnus recently wrote, “When I first started teaching, my dad said I would be fine as long as I did what Randy did. I have vivid memories of his teaching methods and the ways he interacted with us that I use every day as a teacher. He will always be a legend to me.”
Randy is survived by Mary Anne, his wife of 57 years, his children, Bill, Michael and Margie, and their spouses, seven grandchildren, and three brothers.
The McNaughton family requests that memorial gifts be made to Hackley School to support faculty housing. If you would like to send a condolence card, please mail it to Margie’s attention:A lifelong learner and scientist, he used a sabbatical to drive his family to Alaska, where he conducted research on glaciers and geological formations. Returning to the classroom, he brought his knowledge and experiences back to Hackley students and faculty with a large collection of slides, now housed in the Hackley Archives. Many alumni fondly recall the fake rock Randy used to wake up dozing students. Most of all, his colleagues, students, and family recall Randy’s dry sense of humor, kind heart, and deep love for Mary Anne.
One alumnus recently wrote, “When I first started teaching, my dad said I would be fine as long as I did what Randy did. I have vivid memories of his teaching methods and the ways he interacted with us that I use every day as a teacher. He will always be a legend to me.”
Randy is survived by Mary Anne, his wife of 57 years, his children, Bill, Michael and Margie, and their spouses, seven grandchildren, and three brothers.
Margie McNaughton Ford
Hackley School
293 Benedict Avenue
Tarrytown, NY 10591
Our community mourns the loss of a Hackley legend.
Hackley School
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