David Ellis ’52

Dave died May 3, 2003.

Immobilized since 1986 when he suffered a catastrophic accident playing polo, and with additional health complications including the inability to speak at the time of our BOH, Dave battled his reverses with steady courage.

Before his accident his life was extraordinarily active and wide-ranging. Born and reared in New York City, Dave entered Princeton from Columbia Grammar School, becoming an English major and a member of Dial Lodge. After earning a master's from Cornell's hotel management school he combined successful involvement in his family's hotel and real-estate business, and in various arts and polo.

By our 10th reunion his love of ballet and flamenco dancing led him to form a small company of Spanish dancers, Danzas Ibericas, which toured Spain and France. His love of theater and film led him to produce an acclaimed off-Broadway show, Royal Gambit, as well as a London play, and a spectacle film based on Pizarro's conquest of the Incas. His love of polo took him to England, France, and Peru as a member of American teams.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Leela, who represented India as a sprinter in the 1956 Olympics; and by their three children, Ananda, Rehana, and Ari. To them, the class extends deepest sympathy.

The Class of 1952