A. Bliss McCrum ’54

Bliss died June 6, 2018, after years of coping with Parkinson’s disease with his characteristic zest for life.

He came to us from Culver Military Academy and majored in history. One of the most beloved members of the class, he served as president of Cottage Club and later as president of the class. He enjoyed rowing on the crew, and participated in the Henley Regatta. Following military service he earned an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

With success as a venture capitalist, and guided by his motto “learn, earn, and return,” he supported numerous philanthropic enterprises in New Canaan, Conn., including Horizons, a program for education of underprivileged children; housing for senior citizens; and the McCrum Fund to help other nonprofits. His philanthropy continued after he retired to a ranch in Livingston, Mont., to raise alfalfa.

He loved fly fishing and upland game-bird hunting, which he pursued until Parkinson’s disease prevented it. He also enjoyed country music, which he played and “plinked” on his guitar and banjo.

Bliss coped with his illness gracefully and never complained. When asked how he was feeling, his usual reply was, “Never better.”

He is survived by his wife, Marcia, whom he married in 1981; daughters Hanna, Lindsay, Elizabeth, and Kate; sons Arlington and William from his previous marriage to Jean Palmer; stepchildren Kenneth, Laura, and Bradford; 15 grandchildren; and two nephews.