Silas Strawn Cathcart ’47

Si's death on Oct. 29, 2002, in Lake Forest, Ill., deprives us of a celebrated classmate. He was 76.

"My time at Princeton was short (1946-48) but great," Si wrote for our 40th, adding that he had been "lucky" thereafter. In fact his unique combination of qualities produced a remarkable career. He became the innovative CEO of Illinois Tool Works and then director of many national companies. At age 60 he was asked by the General Electric Co., on whose board he served, to manage and rehabilitate the then scandal-tarnished Kidder Peabody firm. He also served as a trustee of many public institutions, including Princeton.

All this activity was combined with enjoying his 51 years with Corlene, five children, and 10 grandchildren. At their ranch in Wyoming, Si indulged his passion for golf, fly-fishing, and nurturing civic projects in Cody.

In business, Si was noted for his commitment, integrity, and ability to resolve problems. His Princeton friends also remember these qualities and a classmate who excelled in economics and loved college life: "A great guy" who "met life head-on" — and surely mastered it. We hope these memories provide some solace to Corlene and the family.

The Class of 1947