Robert S. Borden ’42

Bob, a mathematician and music aficionado, died Mar. 8, 2004, in Peoria, Ill. He was 82.

Having prepared at Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio, Bob majored in mathematics at Princeton. He was a member of the band, Tiger Orchestra, and Triangle Club. In WWII, Bob was a corporal and served as an antiaircraft gunner in Europe. After VE Day he devoted his talents to teaching math to American soldiers at American U. in Biarritz, France, by day, and entertaining them in the evening as orchestral trombonist.

Having had summer employment with Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Bob resumed his career with the company in store management and sales. He married Mary Peck in 1948 and they had two children, Mary Caroline and Robert. Mary Peck died in 1985.

In 1957, Bob made a career switch to teaching mathematics. Starting at Shady Side Academy in Pittsburgh, he progressed from instructor at the U. of Pittsburgh, where he earned a PhD in mathematics, to professor at Knox College in Galesburg, Ill., and wrote among various publications a textbook titled, A Course in Advanced Calculus. After retirement from Knox, Bob moved to Peoria, married Margaret Brown, who survives him, and returned to his second love — music.

Bob deeply admired Princeton and particularly the honor system. We will miss him.

The Class of 1942