David J. Wilson ’50

Dave died from Alzheimer’s disease Oct. 11, 2011, in Carmel Valley, Calif.

He spent most of his youth in New Jersey, but moved west and graduated from Berkeley (Calif.) High School. He served in the Navy’s preflight program from 1945 to 1946. At Princeton, where his father was in the Class of 1921, Dave was circulation manager of The Daily Princetonian, senior manager of the Student Tailor Shop, and belonged to Tiger Inn. His degree was in economics.

After graduation, he took a job in California, where he married Allison Morse. His merchandising career included 21 years with The Emporium, where he became divisional merchandise manager of its San Francisco flagship store, and 10 years with Gottschalk’s, a Fresno department store. He retired to Carmel Valley.

Dave was an ardent Bay Area sports fan. He enjoyed tennis, snow and water skiing, and swimming, but golf was his passion. Not only did he play, but he also volunteered at major tournaments at Pebble Beach, the Olympic Club, Pinehurst, and Maui (a favorite travel destination). His collection of logo golf balls once reached 34,000. He loved animals and delighted in having a canine companion by his side.

We share the loss of this loyal classmate with Allison; children David Jr., Janis, and Allan; and two grandchildren.