Alfred T. Quirk1924-2017, aged 92. After a period of declining health, died at his home in Hanover, N.H. with his family by his side.

He is survived by his daughters, Louise Quirk Taylor of Upton, Mass., Judith Quirk Girardin of Piermont, N.H., their spouses Scott Taylor and Ronald Girardin, his beloved grandsons, Thomas and James Pike, of Piermont, N.H. and Edward Taylor of Upton, Mass., as well as his sister Helen Manchester of Belton, Texas. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Patricia (Russell) in 1996.

Born in Chelsea, Mass. to John and Mary (Flaherty) Quirk, Al was raised in Meredith, N.H. A 1942 graduate of Meredith High School, Al immediately enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving three years in the South Pacific during World War II. He was discharged with the rank of Technical Sergeant from pre-flight school when the war ended in 1945.

Al was admitted to Dartmouth College on the G.I. Bill in 1945 and, as an undergraduate, was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity and Sphinx Senior Honor Society. A three-year varsity letterman in baseball, in 1948, he led the team to the Eastern Intercollegiate Championship as the starting pitcher. In 1949 Al graduated with a degree in English. He later received a master's of education from the University of New Hampshire and launched his career as an English teacher at Central High School in Manchester, N.H. In 1960 he was appointed the assistant director of admissions at UNH. He later succeeded the director of the extension service and summer session at UNH, and completed his time at UNH as the foreign student advisor.

In 1963 he was appointed assistant director of admissions at Dartmouth College beginning a career at the Big Green that would span three decades. In 1979 he was appointed director of admissions and in 1982 was named Dean of admissions and financial aid. During his tenure at Dartmouth he oversaw the introduction of co-education at the formerly all male Ivy League school and was instrumental in Dartmouth's efforts to build a more diverse student body. At the time of his retirement from Dartmouth in 1995 he had overseen the admission of over 28,000 current Dartmouth alumni. Legions of these grateful students became mentees and close friends.

After retirement Al began a new career as an accomplished watercolor artist, beginning by taking classes at the AVA Gallery and Arts Center in Lebanon, N.H., and later serving on its board of directors. During the organization's search for a permanent home, Al diligently championed the cause as its board chairman, ultimately enabling AVA to establish its permanent home in the Carter Building in downtown Lebanon.

Even as the effects of illness impaired his ability to get out and about, Al actively painted and created art until a week before his passing. A true renaissance man, he was endlessly interested in the world around him, a passionate reader of all types of books, particularly poetry and nonfiction accounts of World War II. His lifelong admiration of Robert Frost's poetry in particular was inspired by the opportunity to hear the esteemed poet speak on Dartmouth's campus in 1949.

A lifelong supporter of democratic ideals, liberal causes, the U.S. Marine Corps, and Dartmouth College, he dedicated his later years to the support of the AVA Gallery and Arts Center. He was a beloved mentor and friend to countless individuals and had a gift for helping people be the best version of themselves. His greatest joy in life was his family, especially his three grandsons whom he loved beyond end and was immensely proud of.

Visitation will take place on Friday, November 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Rand Wilson Funeral Home, 11½ School Street, Hanover, NH. A graveside ceremony and burial with full military honors will take place on Saturday, November 4, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pine Knolls Cemetery in Hanover, NH. A celebration of Al's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the AVA Gallery and Art Center, 11 Bank Street, Lebanon, NH. Reception to follow.

Family members extend their deep appreciation and gratitude for the excellent care that Al received from all the staff and caregivers at Wheelock Terrace in Hanover, as well as the care team from Armistead Senior Care in Lebanon, especially Nancy and Jordynn.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that gifts in his memory be made to either to the Al Quirk Senior Student Scholarship Fund at the AVA Gallery and Art Center, 11 Bank Street, Lebanon, NH 03766 or to the Military Veterans Scholarship Fund at Dartmouth College in memory of Al Quirk Class of 1949. Gifts can be sent to: Dartmouth College, Gift Recording Office, 6066 Development Office, Hanover, NH 03755.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Rand Wilson Funeral Home, Hanover, N.H. www.rand-wilson.com