Born in Shanghai, China, in 1941 to J.T. and Lydia Ling, he moved to the United States with his family in 1949, settling in Louisville, Ky. He came to Princeton from Waggener High School. At Princeton Bob majored in biology, was a member of Key and Seal, and participated in Whig-Clio, the Kentucky Club, and Orange Key.
After Princeton, he was an advertising executive for Sullivan, Stauffer and Bayless, Grey Advertising, and Hakuhodo. Bob was passionate about horse racing, the fine arts, and traveling with Matthew de Clercq, his partner of 33 years. He remained involved with Princeton for 55 years, including chairing our class’s Annual Giving campaign in New York City for many years, as well as attending many class reunions and mini-reunions.
Bob is survived by Matthew; sister Lucie Ling Campbell and her husband, Jeff; brother David Ling ’73; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of Bob’s life was held in New York City Sept. 22, 2019, at the Lotos Club and was well attended by members of our class.