Donald William John McLaughlin ’52

Don died Sept. 8, 2002, of metastatic melanoma, in his Ormond Beach, Fla., home.

He came to Princeton from Tenafly [N.J.] High School and enjoyed success as an economics major, a member of the track team, and a member of Tiger Inn. His greatest Princeton distinction, however, was being the first nonveteran student approved by Dean Francis R.B. Godolphin to marry and return to the University. He and his beloved Janet began their 50-year-plus marriage in 1951.

Immediately after graduation, Don joined General Motors Overseas Operations. He rose quickly to senior management and served GM faithfully, enthusiastically, and well until total and permanent disability forced him to retire in 1988.

In particular he treasured the wealth of experience afforded him and his family by 13 years of GM service in South Africa, two in Saudi Arabia, and five in Egypt. He wrote of always having a part of his heart in South Africa where, before his health degenerated, he had planned annual stays in a small chalet outside of Kruger National Park. Though his last years proved difficult, Don reveled ceaselessly in his loving family, his indomitable spirit never flagging.

To Janet, his four children, and nine grandchildren, the class extends its deepest sympathy.

The Class of 1952