Samuel Coombe Howell ’50

When Sam died of a brain tumor Feb. 19, 1997, our class, and Princeton, lost one of its most loyal supporters.

Sam prepared at the Taft School. At Princeton, where his father was a professor, Sam majored in geology, was a standout on the track team in the 440 and relay events (awarded the Bonthron Cup), and was a fervent supporter of all the athletic teams. He joined Tiger Inn, where he was famous for his hilarious sense of humor.

After graduation Sam sailed to England with the PrincetonCornell track team and competed against the OxfordCambridge team. After returning from Europe, Sam went to Houston to start a career in oil geology, but was instead drafted into the Army. He was soon in Korea, where he was wounded and spent two months in the hospital.

Sam returned to Princeton in 1953, married Joan Vollrath, and began working for the university. Sam found his calling as associate director of athletics, a position he held with distinction until he retired in 1991. He was awarded the ECAC Distinguished Achievement Award in 1996 and was serving as the president of the Friends of Princeton Track and Field at the time of his death.

We share his loss with his wife, Joan, sons Steven, Larry, and Sandy, and their five granddaughters.

The Class of 1950