Richard A. Springs III ’64

Dick died Sept. 9, 2024, after hospitalization for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The third Richard Springs to attend Princeton following his father (1940) and grandfather (1877), Dick majored in philosophy and ate at Tiger Inn.

He learned single-wing football as a blocking quarterback at Kent under Princeton’s future offensive backs coach, Jake McCandless ’51. In 1960, Dick joined 100 classmates for freshman football. By 1963, only 13 remained, helping earn the team’s share of the Ivy title.

Dick loved blocking. His favorite memento was a 1963 New York Times photo showing his block on Columbia’s end that sprang tailback Don McKay ’65 for the Tigers’ lone TD in a 7-6 victory. Dick’s skills earned him inclusion in Jay Greenberg’s compilation of “Best Princeton Football Players of the Ivy League Era: Offense.”

His passion for Tiger football never abated. Among others, he stayed close to ’64 teammates Bill Crano, John Clarkson, Pete Porietis, Hugh MacMillan, and Jim Rockenbach, even coordinating a visit during Rocky’s final illness in 2021.

After Princeton, Dick’s life was in the agricultural sector as a cattle breeder, organic farmer, and local food provider. Dick and Melinda’s special joy was their summer home on Beaver Inlet, British Columbia, where they loved welcoming friends and passersby.

Dick was private about his own illness, selfless to the end. We will miss our good friend, a Princeton Tiger through and through. The class extends its sympathy to Melinda; children; grandchildren; brother Lanny ’67; and sisters.