Robert Van W. Lengen ’40

Bob "Bronc" Van Lengen, known to most of his classmates as a brilliant football runner and colorful campus figure, died July 23, 1995. At Princeton he studied Greek, majored in philosophy, joyfully sang in the Glee Club (as well as in the locker room and on the steps of Nassau Hall), and attended the Metropolitan Opera when he had the opportunity.

After WWII, in which he served in England as an Eighth Air Force intelligence officer, Bronc completed law school to practice in Syracuse, N.Y. Despite a growing family and law practice, he found time to become one of the top football referees in the East assigned to the major games. He was also president of the Syracuse opera and served as director of one of the city's largest hospitals.

Bronc's love for Princeton was deep and abiding. He was a member of a number of Princeton athletic and educational committees and had been a past president of the Princeton central New York committee. In our 40th yearbook, Bronc wrote, "I am grateful for the 'good life.' " In turn, the class is grateful to have shared in Bronc's good life over the years.

To his wife, Carol; four children; and seven grandchildren, the class sends its affection and deep sympathy. Bronc's laughter, bubbling spirit, and cheerful presence we will indeed miss. (Thanks to Bronc's lifelong friends, Gene Gillespie and Wilky Wilkerson, for assistance with this memorial.)

The Class of 1940