Robert M. Chilstrom ’67

Bob Chilstrom died of a heart attack July 8, 2011, while fishing in Colorado. A great and thoughtful personality, he was generous to family, church, community, charities, and Princeton.

Bob attended McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Md., and later served on its board. At Princeton, he was an international-affairs major, Wilcox headwaiter, and Terrace member. A heavyweight rower, he later became a Rowing Association trustee. He roomed in 1937 with Chesham, Lem, McConnell, Nelson, and Rakowski, and, with Joye, rode in the “Royal Polish Cavalry.”

After earning a master’s degree from Columbia, Bob served in the Army Reserve and graduated from Yale Law School. He was a senior partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom in New York.

Extraordinary personal effort from Bob was a given, and he cajoled, encouraged, and inspired all he met to do their best through his unique combination of challenge, intelligence, humor, honesty, and support. Bob was a loyal friend who made concerted efforts to maintain Princeton friendships.

Bob was a class leader and active alumnus: His thoughtful and beautifully written Annual Giving letters to classmates are treasures. Bob was especially proud that son Per  ’97 and daughter Mikaela ’99 chose Princeton. They and his beloved wife, Buena, along with all attending, rose to sing “Old Nassau” at the close of Bob’s memorial service.