Sayre Rodman ’44

Sayre died Aug. 8, 2004, of complications related to Parkinson's disease. He was 82.

Born in Pittsburgh, he prepared at Shady Side and Andover academies. At Princeton, his activities presaged his career and avocations. He majored in chemical engineering, was photo editor of the Bric-a-Brac; feature editor of the Princeton Picture Service, and a member of the Outing Club, Camera Club, and Key and Seal. He roomed with Jack Tuttle. After graduation, Sayre and a friend successfully started a business of developing innovative lubricating oils for aluminum rolling mills. This led him to industrial respect, awards and eventual retirement.

He loved adventure and the outdoors, a passion shared with his wife, Jean. They pioneered whitewater rafting in the East, making the first such descents of the Youghiogheny, Gauley, and Cheat rivers. Sayre also enjoyed rock climbing, mountaineering, backpacking, and canoeing, and was an accomplished photographer with a homemade, gadget-filled darkroom. His climbs included the Himalayas. He was a member and activist of the American Alpine Club, Pittsburgh Climber Club, and the Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia Highlands conservancies.

Sayre is survived by Jean; daughters Ann '81 and Elizabeth; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Isabel; and a close family friend from Pyne Hall years, Dr. Garth K. Graham '45. We send our condolences to all.

The Class of 1944