Eugene H. Bayard ’69

Gene, a well-liked and accomplished member of our class, died Oct. 30, 2021, in Rehoboth Beach, Del. Descended from a family of public servants who represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate for five generations, Gene practiced law in Georgetown, Del., for 47 years.

He came to Princeton from St. Paul’s as a member of the Class of 1968 but left in his freshman year and returned to Princeton with 1969. He majored in English, and in his senior year at Princeton was secretary of Ivy Club and roomed there with Henry Reath. 

Gene played freshman golf and was also a member of the 21 Club and the (nonpolitical) Right Wing Club. He is remembered as a superb raconteur, quick-witted and observant; a master of classical languages who sight-translated New York Times articles into Latin; and the likely inventor of Floor Pong. 

Following his graduation from Princeton, Gene attended the University of Virginia Law School. During his distinguished professional life, he served on several Delaware corporate boards, including Chesapeake Utilities, Harrington Raceway & Casino, O.A. Newton, and J.G. Townsend Jr. & Co. He was a trustee of Delaware Wild Lands from 1980 until his death.

The Class of 1969 mourns Gene’s passing and sends its condolences to his wife, Diane; his daughters, Molly and Avery; his brothers, Richard, John, and William; and his sister, Jane. Ave atque vale, Gene. Hail and farewell: We salute you, and goodbye.