Stephen M. Boyd ’55

Steve, a notably friendly classmate with a distinguished record of interests and accomplishments, died April 7, 2024, at home in Washington, D.C. He was an international lawyer and arbitrator, marathon runner, competitive rower, early backer of what became Princeton AlumniCorps, and lifelong supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals. 

Steve was born May 1, 1934, in St. Louis, where his civic-leader grandfather, Luther Ely Smith, led creation of the St. Louis Gateway Arch. Steve attended Deerfield, where he participated in hockey, soccer, tennis, and publications. At Princeton, he joined Cottage Club and majored in history. He was active in the Triangle Club, played varsity soccer, and participated in IAA hockey, squash, horseshoes, and softball. His senior-year roommates were Bill Brown, Marsh Bryan, George Caldwell, Gordon Gray, Jim Griffin, Joe Quarles, Bob Russell, Andy Schoettle, and Bob Stinson.

After graduation from Harvard Law School, he served as a judge advocate in the Air Force, worked for the State Department, and practiced with private firms in St. Louis, Paris, and Washington, D.C. He was also an arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. 

Steve married Susan Forney in May 1964. He loved the outdoors, travel, music, hiking, skiing, tennis, and golf. In his 40s he took up distance running and rowing and competed in three Marine Corps Marathons and three Head of the Charles Regattas. He also helped found the Character Education Partnership. A friend noted Steve’s “integrity, fairness, character, and generosity.” 

Steve is survived by his wife of 59 years, Susan; children Christopher ’87, Elizabeth ’89, and Charles ’91; and five grandchildren.