Louis Schelling ’48

Engaging, explorative, philosophical Lou, of Winchester, Mass., died of prostate cancer Dec. 27, 2005. He was 78.

He came to Princeton in 1946 from Blair Academy, which named him Alumnus of the Year in 2000, and after serving in the Navy. Lou majored in economics, belonged to Dial Lodge and Whig-Clio, played intramural sports, and graduated in 1949.

Lou joined the family industrial hardware business, became its president, then established Schelling Manufacturing Corp., inventing the Tide Timer (the world's best-selling tide clock). Endlessly energetic, he ran his business and was actively researching books on human locomotion and nutrition until his death.

Lou served as '48's reunion chairman, then class president from 1998 to 2003. His proudest accomplishments during his administration include the gift of the Class of 1948 Plaza facing Cannon Green, and development of mini-reunions.

At 6 feet 4 inches tall, Lou was every inch a gentleman. He and his wife, Joan, were known for their parties, often featuring martinis and oysters. Their marriage lasted 45 years, until her death in 2001. They enjoyed skiing, parasailing, and world travel when not devoting countless hours to their children, Beth and Steve, and six grandchildren. Lou's brother, George '43, predeceased him.

To Lou's family and many friends, we extend heartfelt sympathy.

The Class of 1948