William Arthur Babson II ’51

Bill succumbed to ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) Aug. 17, 2001. He was 76.

His father was Clifford Rea Babson '03. After serving in the Army, Bill attended Clark U. for two years before coming to Princeton, where he was an art and archaeology major and a member of Campus Club. His roommates were Dave Hill '51 and Bill Ahrens '50.

In July 1952 he married Helen Deane, who survives him along with their son, William III, and their daughters, Sarah Babson, Mary B. Fuhrer '79, and Anne B. Casello. He is also survived by his sister, Katharine, the wife of Clinton G. Denny '43.

Bill was an industrial engineer and first worked for INCO; in 1966 he went into banking, retiring in 1990 from Shawmut, now FleetBoston.

The goal closest to his heart was to motivate youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds, introducing them to fishing, hiking, natural history, and environmental protection. He had recently completed his first book, Re-exploring Urban Wilderness Close to Home.

The class has lost a gentle, modest man of integrity and of principle. We join his family in mourning their loss.

The Class of 1951