The Life of John Vogdes

VOGDES, JOHN REYNIER, 91, of Cathe-dral Village, Roxborough, Pa, formerly of Wyndmoor, Pa., died on December 23, 2014. Known as "Jack," he was the son and grandson of Fairmount Park chief engineers and grew up in Clifford Park (the Thomas Mansion) in Fairmount Park. He attended Germantown High School and the University of Pennsylvania. His college career was interrupted by military service during World War II. A member of the 95th Infantry Division, he was wounded in action on Christmas Eve, 1944. He completed his degree in 1948, and practiced architecture in Philadelphia for 45 years. Mr. Vogdes was a skilled watercolorist and photographer who exhibited locally, and he was an avid cartoonist whose drawings brought great pleasure to his co-workers, family and friends. He enjoyed playing tennis into his 80s. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Grafe Stout Vogdes, and is survived by three daughters, Elizabeth, Barbara and Ellen, and four grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 11 A.M. at St Paul's Episcopal Church, 22 E. Chestnut Hill Avenue, Chestnut Hill. Contributions made in Mr. Vogdes' memory may be sent to the Fairmount Park Conservancy, to be used for the preservation of the Thomas Mansion, 6245 Wissahickon Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144. (JACOB F. RUTH)