Henry L. Sweatt ’54

Harry died Oct. 21, 2020, in Wayzata, Minn., of complications of COPD. He graduated as salutatorian at Westminster School, Simsbury, Conn. 

A history major at Princeton, his senior thesis was on Aaron Burr. He joined Terrace Club, was active in Whig-Clio, and was a four-year varsity swimmer. After earning an MBA at Harvard Business School in 1956, he served in the Finance Corps of the Army in Germany for two years. 

In 1955 Harry married Virginia Ecklund (Vassar ’57). During his career with Minneapolis-Honeywell, co-founded by his grandfather William R. Sweatt, he worked in New York and Cincinnati and built joint ventures and strategic partnerships around the world. In 1978 the family returned to Minneapolis to reestablish their deep roots in Minnesota.

Harry was a lover of classical music, active in his church, and a generous contributor to numerous philanthropic organizations.

After retiring in 1988 he and Ginny bought Red Pine Island on Rainy Lake near International Falls, Minn., which they enjoyed for 33 summers with their children and grandchildren. 

Harry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ginny; children Margie Kunhardt ’80 and Bill Sweatt; and eight grandchildren. His oldest daughter, Catherine Mueller, was attacked and killed by a bear on their island Sept. 1, 2019, while rescuing their two beloved springer spaniels.