Harold J.H. Arensmeyer Jr. ’52

Hal died Sept. 22, 2009.  

He came to Princeton from St. Louis, played 150-pound football, joined Key and Seal, and graduated from the Woodrow Wilson School. He specialized in Russian studies and wrote his senior thesis on Alexander Kerensky. He roomed with Bob Morris, John Moore, Horace Scott, and Malcolm Graff.

After receiving an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School in 1954, Hal joined the Navy, serving for four years. He stayed in the Navy Reserve and retired as a commander.  

Hal spent his career in international business   — with postings in the Caribbean, the Philippines, Hawaii, London, and Malaysia — and consulting assignments in many African countries. Everywhere he lived, he learned the local language and eagerly absorbed the local culture. Along with his gift for languages and his cheerful disposition, Hal was known for his graceful and energetic ballroom dancing.

Hal married Elliott Campbell in 1955, soon after she graduated from Smith College. He and Elliott bought a house in a picturesque village in southwest France where they spent their summers after Hal retired. She survives him as do their two children, John and Caroline, and, a grandson, William. The class sends its condolences to them.