Alden H. "Whitey" Burnham, the NSCAA's president in 1966, passed away after a brief illness in Hanover, N.H., on Nov. 18. He was 85 years old.

One of the Association's patriarchs, Burnham served the Association as one of its "Red Aprons," who assist at registration and served as goodwill ambassadors at the annual Convention. A noted public speaker, he often delivered the invocation and benediction at the annual Awards Banquet and All-America Luncheon.

An NSCAA member since 1948, Burnham received the Association's Honor Award in 1974. He was secretary of the NCAA soccer rules committee for nine years and All-America selection committee chair for 14 years. He also served as president of the New England Intercollegiate Association of soccer. A 1995 selection to the NSCAA Hall of Fame, Burnham was a 1948 graduate of Springfield College, where he was a member of the undefeated and untied soccer teams that won back-to-back national championships in 1946 and 1947 under former NSCAA president and Hall of Fame member John Brock. He received his master's degree from Springfield in 1952.

Burnham began his coaching career as soccer and wrestling coach at the University of Delaware, where he was appointed assistant professor of physical education. He remained at Delaware for 12 years before being hired at Dartmouth in 1960, where he again coached soccer and lacrosse. The following year, he became the Big Green's first and only three-sport coach when he took over the wrestling program. He remained head coach of all three sports through 1966 before focusing on soccer and lacrosse. In his nine seasons as a Dartmouth coach, Burnham had four All-America selections in soccer. His 1964 team captured the Ivy League title.

In 1969, Burnham moved into an administrator's role at Dartmouth, serving as assistant director of athletics. He was appointed associate director of athletics for development and alumni affairs in 1983. He retired from Dartmouth in 1989 after 29 years of service in the athletics department.

In 1971, Burnham received the New England Soccer Association's Award for outstanding service. He received an NSCAA Letter of Commendation in 1968. A member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Burnham was honored by Dartmouth as a Wearer of the Green for athletic distinction.

Burnham Field, the home of Dartmouth's men's and women's soccer team, was dedicated in his honor in the spring of 2008. The stadium features a top-quality natural grass field with state-of-the-art drainage, bleacher seating for 1,600 spectators and additional seating on grass berms surrounding the field.

Burnham is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joanne, their two children, Fred and Janice, and two granddaughters.

The family has announced a memorial service and celebration of his life on Saturday, December 20, 2008, at 3:00 pm at the Rollins Chapel on the Dartmouth campus.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested contributions to a charity of your choice in honor of Alden Burnham. This was requested by Whitey before his passing. The family indicated that he would be especially appreciative of contributions to organizations that help people, those that support children and young adults, and any organizations or groups that promote sportsmanship and fair play – ideals Whitey believed were very important.

Cards. notes and remembrances may be sent to Joanne, Janice or Fred at the following addresses:

Joanne Burnham (wife)
12 Mitchell Lane
Hanover, NH   03755

Janice Burnham (daughter)
2230 Homestead Arm Road
Free Union, VA  22940

Fred Burnham (son)
59 Hunter's Ridge Road
Concord, MA  01742

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