Edwin Allen Lightner ’30

AL LIGHTNER died Sept. 15, 1990 in Belfast, Me. With his death the nation lost a distinguished Foreign Service officer and the Class lost one of its most illustrious sons. Al came to Princeton from Taft School. At Princeton he participated in a variety of activities including the Triangle Club, Glee Club, the Undergraduate Council, J.V. baseball and hockey, and Cottage Club.

Immediately upon graduation Al joined the Foreign Service. His career included service in 18 countries in Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. From 1963 to 1965 he was ambassador to Libya. Al's most memorable experience occurred while serving as the State Dept.'s representative in Berlin from 1959 to 1963. After the Berlin Wall was erected, Al was twice detained by communist police after crossing into East Berlin. He was released only after U.S. troops crossed the border to free him. He later was deputy commandant of the Natl. War College, retiring in 1974.

Survivors include his widow, Dorothy, two sons, John B. and E. Allen Jr.; a daughter, Babette; a brother, Lawrence; and one grandchild. To them we offer our deepest sympathy on the loss of this outstanding man.

The Class of 1930