Remembering Kenneth Lindfors (1935-2022)
It is with great sadness that we write to you today to share that Kenneth Lindfors passed away on September 13, 2022 with his family by his side.
When Ken left Suffield Academy in 1987 after an eleven-year tenure as headmaster, he began his second career as president of ASSIST (www.assistscholars.org), along with his wife Betsy by his side as vice-president. It was during those years that ASSIST opened up a new source of students from eastern and central Europe, placing them in independent schools throughout the U.S. on scholarship. He became the credible spokesman for international exchange. In his words: "The world is small, fragile and interdependent, and it is important to grow up internationally. There is the potential for community growth as well as personal growth, as people of different cultures interact and learn from one another. We like to think that we are building a network for peace among young people who have the potential for leadership in their countries." He spent the remainder of life after his retirement in 2000 as a significant volunteer for ASSIST. “Ken was a true educator and visionary who led with dignity, passion, humility, and good spirit,” remarked Martin Milne, President of ASSIST. “ASSIST would not be the organization it is today without Ken’s leadership and vision. His expansion of the program into new countries transformed the lives of countless young people from eastern and central Europe who have returned to create positive change in their home nations and communities. The world needs more people like Ken who dedicate their lives to education and service to young people from around the world, and the ASSIST staff and Board remain dedicated to continuing the legacy that Ken and Betsy established.” From ASSIST Board Chair, Andrew Wooden: “From the first time I met Ken and Betsy as I was touring them on the Choate campus and admitting the early Hungarian ASSIST Scholars, to the last Board meeting where Ken participated with passion, Ken’s love and dedication for ASSIST were unequaled."
Please find a link below to Ken’s obituary and a tribute page where you can share your memories and condolences with his family.