Alan C. Kay ’57

One of our distinguished jurists, Alan died July 30, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Al came to Princeton from the Punahou School and from Lawrenceville. Originally a member of the Class of 1955, he left college in 1953 to serve in the Marines in the Far East, attaining the rank of corporal. Returning to Princeton, Al played football and track, earning his varsity letter as a shot-putter. He majored in history and joined Colonial Club, where he was a member of the bicker committee and played intramural sports. Al served as president of the Veterans in Princeton and was a member of the Pre-Law Society.

After graduation he obtained his LL.B. degree from the University of California (Boalt Hall) Berkeley. Al married Patricia Patmont, a graduate of the University of California. Returning to Hawaii, he became a partner in the firm of Pratt, Moore, Nort & Vitusek, and then in his own firm of Case, Kay & Lynch. Al was appointed to the U.S. District Court by President Ronald Reagan in 1986 and served as chief judge from 1991 to 1999. He was known for decisions affirming the favoritism of native Hawaiians for admission to the Kamehameha Schools and negating a newspaper merger that would have violated anti-trust laws, both of which were affirmed on appeals to higher courts.

Al served as a director of two banks, a member of the U.S. Panel of Arbitrators, and an officer of various charitable organizations in Hawaii. He is survived by his wife, Pat; their children, Peter, Anna, and David; and their families.