Pierre-Philippe President ’75

We celebrate the life of Pierre-Philippe President, which ended on October 22, 2016. He died peacefully, with his wife of 43 years, Patricia Alford President, by his side. While classmates will be saddened, Pierre’s irreverent wit would answer any maudlin display with some arcane remark that would require the O.E.D. to comprehend precisely how one had been insulted.

Born in Chicago, Pierre had an exotic childhood as the son of a State Department Foreign Service Officer whose assignments included Pakistan, Sudan, and Vietnam. As a teen, he attended Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C., where his lifelong love affair with Patricia began. Carlos Sabater ’76 remembers well the generous spirit and warm hospitality they offered at their Virginia home. They had a son, Justin, who, sadly, predeceased his father.

Classmates are most likely to remember Pierre for his blistering guitar during performances with Chicken Farm, a band that enlivened many a campus party during the early ’70s.  Bandmate Larry Gregory ’72 recently said, “Pierre played guitar like he lived his life: a full-throttled assault, leaving no opportunity for excellence or fun unconquered.” Others may be reminded of his penchant for gadgets and inventions.  Probably all who knew Pierre recall his long strides that were always on the verge of breaking into a run, a pace that his habit of tardiness made a necessity.

After graduating as a physics major, Pierre embarked on a long and successful career with ExxonMobil. Music remained a captivating interest, however, and he loved to jam, particularly when Johnny Ward ’75 convened Princeton friends for weekends of guitar obsession.

Farewell to our classmate and friend.