Charles Edward Dhonau ’49

Our class lost one of its staunchest members when Charlie died Feb. 5, 1997, at the U. of California (San Francisco) Medical Center of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Born Nov. 15, 1928, Charlie came to us from Cranford [N.J.] H.S. and Pingry. He majored in psychology, was circulation manager of The Daily Princetonian, and was a member of Theatre Intime, the Catholic Club, and Elm Club.

Following Princeton, Charlie sold advertising space for Vogue and Seventeen magazines before joining Time, Inc. From 196584 he was the Asia publishing director of Time, based in Tokyo; Japanese colleagues called him "The American Samurai." A consummate international person, he focused on the challenges of international business, yet his roots and identity were ever important.

Charlie became president of the Princeton Club of Japan while he was chairman of the Asia Pacific Chamber of Commerce. The Emperor Meiji's favorite haiku verse was also Charlie's: "In my garden, native plants, foreign plants, growing together." He remained loyal to his Princeton and Cranford friends. Golf was a favorite pastime; he belonged to The Presidio golf club in San Francisco.

Charlie is survived by Maureen, his wife of 43 years, and sons Charles and William. We offer them our deepest sympathy at the loss of a gentleman, husband, father, and friend.

The Class of 1949