It is with much sadness that I write to say that Alan Durfee, Founding Member of the Guild and long-time Smith College ringer, passed away on May 30th.

Alan was a stalwart of the Smith College tower; I believe that he's the only ringer to have been a local member of every iteration of the Smith band, from 1968 onwards. His first peal, (https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=1594124) at Groton in 1968, was also the first peal for the North American Guild. He taught many Smith ringers over the years and was essential in helping to rebuild the Smith band in 2013.

He was always a positive and colorful presence in the tower; after 2018 his health no longer permitted him to ring in tower, but he continued to attend online and handbell practices for several years more.

If you have stories of Alan you would like to share, I would love to hear from you; you can reach me by email: me@lelandpaul.com