Walter F. Brown ’59

Walt died peacefully April 22, 2018, at home in Pensacola, Fla.

He came to Princeton from Moorestown (N.J.) High School. A history major, he participated in Orange Key, Triangle, and the University Orchestra. He dined at Quadrangle Club.

Upon graduation, Walt was commissioned an officer in the Navy, working in cryptology in the Pentagon. He spent his entire career in the world of information technology, beginning as a systems engineer for RCA and IBM at the dawn of the computing revolution, and later co-founded one of the first software product-marketing firms in the industry. He subsequently authored numerous training course curricula and books within his field, most notably Chasing Quota — an MIT textbook — while independently consulting for more than 200 information-technology clients worldwide.

In retirement, Walt taught primary schoolchildren about the wonders and curiosities of the wider world. Affectionately called “Mr. Walter,” he produced tours and talks for the children on far-ranging topics in history, literature, science, technology, architecture, and life skills, leading to publication of his last book, Chasing Life, much of it written at his Vermont summer home.

Preceded in death by his first wife, Carlotta Ferguson; and his son, Michael; he is survived by his wife, Sarah; his sister, Annie; his daughter, Sharon; stepsons Louis and John; and four grandchildren. We have sent condolences.