Edgar John Uihlein Jr. ’40

The Chicago Sun-Times headline read "Co-Founder of General Binding"; the article described Ed as an accomplished flight instructor and venture capitalist who died May 19, 2005. His son Dick said, "He lived a very full life. He was a great man. A kind man."

We remember him from his days on campus as a member of crew, the Glee Club, and Colonial. Ed prepared at Hotchkiss; at Princeton, he majored in modern languages. After classes he would ride his bicycle to a nearby airfield to take flying lessons. In 1940 he secured his commission in the Navy. After serving as a lieutenant commander, he was made chief flight instructor at Glenview Naval Air Station.

A wartime pledge with his Navy buddy, Bill Lane, led to their founding General Binding Corp., which became a world leader in designing and manufacturing office equipment. In the 1960s, he began funding successful young companies, and served on the boards of schools, hospitals, museums, and various charities. "Love of family and country were the driving forces behind everything our father did," said his daughter Lucia. ("Love of country" included his ardent passion for Northwoods muskie fishing.)

In addition to Dick and Lucia, Ed is survived by Lucia, his wife of 64 years; daughter Sally; sons Ted and Steve; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. To them, his classmates extend sincere condolences.

The Class of 1940