Nicholas R. Flagler ’58

Nick Flagler of Oxford, Md., died Sept. 19, 2006, exactly two months after his 70th birthday.

Nick's life held three passions: family, medicine, and sailing. He grew up in Stroudsburg, Pa., and spent summers sailing on Barnegat Bay in New Jersey. In 1952, Nick entered Exeter, where he acquired his enduring nickname, The Blade. At Princeton, he majored in biology, played freshman lacrosse, and joined Ivy Club.

Nick received a medical degree from Temple University's School of Medicine and embarked on a nine-year career as a Navy doctor. Leaving the service in 1971, he co-founded an obstetrics and gynecology practice in Easton, Md., remaining there until his retirement in 2000. It is estimated that Nick delivered more than 3,000 babies, including children of women he had delivered as babies.

In addition to countless hours on Chesapeake waters, Nick sailed the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and the Caribbean. He also was involved in many civic activities.

Nick is survived by the love of his life, Diane, whom he married in 1971; a daughter, Alice; two sons, Nicholas Jr. and Daniel; a stepson, Robert; nine grandchildren; a great-grandson; and a brother, Philip. The class extends sympathy to his family.

We will all miss Nick convulsing with laughter just before reaching the punch lines of his own jokes.