William Alsop Bours III ’39

Bill died Aug. 7, 2001, when complications from Alzheimer's ended a lifetime of generous devotion of time and energy to charitable causes, in addition to his demanding career with the DuPont Co. from 1941-81. From his home base in Wilmington, Bill served in numerous national chemical associations and received the Industry Statesman Award in 1984. He was president of the Delaware Research Foundation, a trustee of Tower Hill School, a founder and trustee of Delaware Hospice and of the Delaware Curative Workshop. He was chairman of the board of Planned Parenthood, receiving the Margaret Sanger Volunteer Award in 1997. He served on the advisory committee of the Coalition for Choice.

But Princeton was always in his heart, and he worked tirelessly on its behalf. Our class president from 1954-59 and class agent from 1943-46, he also served the Alumni Council in many roles. A member of Christ Church for 53 years, he was a senior warden for 10 years. To Betty, his wife of 60 years and always his companion at our class gatherings, and their children, Elizabeth, William IV, and Barbara, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, we offer our heartfelt sympathy.

The Class of 1939