W. Harding Kneedler ’22

Harding Kneedler, our sole surviving classmate and class president, died Mar. 21, 2002, at the age of 101. He was Princeton's oldest graduate at the time of his death and was a man of great intelligence, honesty, and courage. He received the 1923 Old Guard Award in 1999 for being the oldest alumnus at Reunions. After receiving his award, Harding addressed the luncheon about the pleasures of his Princeton association. He then led the P-rade, walking the entire route. Harding and his wife spent many years as medical missionaries in Thailand. He served in a leprosy hospital in Chiang Mai during the 1930s and fled Thailand as the Japanese were invading through Burma. He reestablished his internal medicine practice in North Carolina, making subsequent trips to Thailand.

Harding is survived by three children, including his son, Bill Kneedler '60, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held Apr. 21 at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder. We remember several photographs that were taken in 1998, when Harding won four gold medals at the Senior Olympic Games. Harding was a wonderful Princetonian and a fine person. We extend sincere condolences to his family.

The Class of 1922