To: The St. Lawrence Community
From: President Daniel F. Sullivan
Date: January 22, 2008
Subject: In Memory: Trustee Emeritus Frank A. Augsbury, Jr.
The University community mourns the passing of Trustee Emeritus Frank A. Augsbury Jr., who died January 21, 2008, in Naples, Fla., where he had made his home since relocating there from Ogdensburg, N.Y., several years ago. He was 83.
The Augsbury name is deeply respected and warmly regarded in the North Country, and that is especially true at St. Lawrence. Mr. Augsbury was elected a University trustee in 1950, serving until he was elected to emeritus status in 1994. Having spent much of his life in close proximity to the U.S.-Canadian border, he had a great interest in Canadian-American relations, and translated that interest into strong support for the University’s Canadian studies program. He was also a benefactor of the Augsbury North Country Scholarship program, which encompasses both sides of the international border. Each year, dozens of the best and brightest students from our region have arrived at St. Lawrence, and been among the student leaders of each class, thanks to Frank Augsbury’s devotion. For many years, Ann and I hosted an annual luncheon for our Augsbury North Country Scholars so they could meet Frank; those luncheons were a cherished part of his visits to campus.
A Board of Trustees resolution in 1990, on the occasion of his 40th year on the Board, noted that Laurentians “enjoy the facilities of the Augsbury Physical Education Center, the comfort of the University Inn and the beauty of (a) stained glass (window) in Gunnison Memorial Chapel” all gifts offered to St. Lawrence by this adopted son of the University.
A native of Ogdensburg, Frank Augsbury attended Ogdensburg schools, graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire and in 1945 from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He served on active duty with the Navy in World War II and then returned to Ogdensburg, where he joined the family shipping business. He became president of the firm in 1954; the company eventually became the Augsbury Corporation and turned its attention to the fuel distribution business throughout northern New York.
He was active in leadership roles in a broad array of organizations, many of them in the North Country of which he was a strong and vocal advocate, including banks, hospitals, civic groups and the Remington Art Museum. St. Lawrence conferred upon him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 1977, three years after his late son Frank Augsbury III graduated from the University.
Private services are planned in Naples. Ann and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to Imogen (Junie) Augsbury, their children, grandchildren, extended family and many friends throughout the North Country. His influence extends well beyond our time and place, felt worldwide and among generations of Laurentians who benefited from his great generosity. We will miss him.
As has become our custom, a memorial page for reflections and memories of his life is set up on our Web site.
