Frederick A. London ’55

Fred London, a maverick who inspired admiration and love in those who knew him, was born Oct. 6, 1934, in New York City and, to widespread regret, died Dec. 3, 2011, in San Rafael, Calif.

Gregarious and with an inquiring mind, Fred had a ready laugh, loved life, and had the self-confidence to tell jokes about himself. An outspoken staff member at Kaiser Permanente, he was much admired for his courage in disagreeing publicly on issues promoted by his “superiors.” After learning to play as an adult, Fred became passionate about tennis. He loved poetry and, though suffering from Alzheimer’s, was able to compose poems right up to the end.

Fred was a longstanding and admired member of a men’s club in Marin County, Calif., and his memorial service, crowded with former friends and colleagues, was enhanced by the musical talents of six classmates: Joe Bacheller, Tom Jordan, Mike Lee, Steve McNamara, Nelson Wild, and Jack Wilson, who sang “Old Nassau” and “Going Back” to a house with no dry eyes.

From his wife, Trudie, who along with children Ryan and Adam, survives Fred, there is a wonderful reminiscence that will be posted on our class website, www.princeton55.org.