Vickerstaff, Sylvester George, 1892-1959

VICKERSTAFF, ANGLE

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/13/2012 at 18:27:11

Former Hawarden Coach Dies in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Funeral services for S. G. Vickerstaff, 66, Hawarden high school athletic coach for 10 years, who died Sunday at Mamaroneck, N.Y., after a long illness, were held at the Baptist church in Hawarden Wednesday afternoon. Interment was in Grace Hill cemetery.

Casket bearers were Rex Green, E. R. Berge, Lawrence Meeter, James Squier, Tom Tilgner and E. V. Slife, jr. Mr. Squier was the soloist and Mrs. Hal Shoemaker the organist.

Sylvester George Vickerstaff was born December 1, 1892, to George and Elizabeth Vickerstaff at Clinton, Iowa. He was graduated from Iowa State college in 1915 and that fall came to Hawarden where he taught science and was athletic coach.

In Hawarden he met and married Ruth Angle December 1, 1916. For a time he farmed near Hawarden, but later returned to teaching. For many years he was a Sunday school teacher and superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school. He also was president of the church choir.

In 1931 he went to Ida Grove as coach and science teacher. Later he became principal of the high school. After he received a master's degree from Iowa State college in 1944 he moved to Sioux City where he was Woodbury county extension director until 1954 when he retired because of illness.

Mr. Vickerstaff had long been active in 4-H club and farm educational work. He was cited for developing one of the best extension programs in Iowa.

In 1957 Mr. and Mrs. Vickerstaff moved to New York to be near their family. He was a member of the Masonic Order and the Order of the Eastern Star. He also was a member of the Mamaroneck Methodist church.

Survivors include the widow; a daughter, Mrs. Jean Smith of Mamaroneck; a son, Hugh of Houston, Tex.; four grandchildren; four sisters and four brothers.

Source: Hawarden Independent, September 10, 1959.