Donald J. Kahn ’52

Don died April 28, 2006, after a brief battle with cancer.

He was a man of exceptional energy, cultivation, accomplishments, and heart. He loved his family profoundly and deeply cared about and richly served his calling, his community, Princeton, and our class. At his death he was a member of the class’ executive committee and largely responsible for our Enduring Marks Program, a listing of ’52’s legacies to Princeton.

Don majored in chemistry and was a lively political presence at Princeton. He went on earn a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.

He spent his entire career at Exxon, distinguishing himself in a variety of key positions dealing with science and technology innovation.

He gave freely of his formidable gifts and contagious enthusiasm to the Metuchen (N.J.) Planning Board and its environmental commission, library, and historical society. In appreciation, Metuchen named a bridge — Kahn’s Crossing — in his honor. He also served Jewish Family Service.

Don took great pleasure in the theater, concerts, fine art, foreign travel, gardening, friends, and above all, family. His life, he wrote, was ever a remarkable and satisfying “adventure in discovery.”

He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; three children, Jonathan, Robert, and Ariel; and two grandchildren. To them, the class extends deepest condolences.