Thomas H. C. Webster ’55

Thomas C. H. Webster died at his farm at St. Thomas, Pa., Jan. 15, 1997, after a brave struggle against cancer. He was 63.

Tom came to us from Mercersburg Academy. At Princeton, he captained the 150 lb. crew, was editor of the Tiger, and a member of Colonial Club. After graduation, he married Deborah de Land Cobb of NYC and served two years in the Army Field Artillery, leaving as a first lieutenant. After leaving the army, he returned to St. Thomas to farm, but later became assistant director of the National Parks and Conservation Assn. in Washington, D.C.

From 1968-71, he was director of the Pennsylvania Governor's Council on Natural Resources. In 1969 he divorced Deborah; he married Marillyn Raynal in 1970. In 1971 Pres. Nixon named him U.S. Commissioner of the Susquehanna River Basin, a post he held until 1977, when returned to the St. Thomas farm. He and Marillyn became the largest breeders of Cleveland Bay horses in North America.

Tom is survived by Marillyn and their sons, Hunter and Chauncey W., and by two daughters from his first marriage, Mrs. Julia Barclay and Virginia. To them, the class extends its sympathy in the loss of a colorful sportsman, who was happiest when he was hunting or fishing.

The Class of 1955

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paw@princeton.edu