William B. Plasket ’56

Bill died in his sleep Jan. 6, 2005, at his new home in Kennesaw, Ga. His activities that day were typical of many he enjoyed since retiring after 43 highly successful years with GE, mainly in North Canton, Ohio.

Born in Camden, N.J., Bill went to school in nearby Merchantville, where he met his future wife, Ruth, whom he married shortly after our graduation. His freshman roommates were Bill Sweeney, Bob Hein, and Bob Card. Bill majored in electrical engineering, served as treasurer of Dial Lodge, and joined Westminster Fellowship. He developed a lifelong interest in sports after playing IAA football, basketball, and volleyball, somehow squeezing in jobs as busboy and busboy captain in Commons. A loyal '56er, Bill attended all major reunions and several mini-reunions.

Bill served as president of the Rotary Club and in several official positions with the Faith United Methodist Church in North Canton, and worked with Habitat for Humanity and the Meals on Wheels programs. His generosity of spirit, his energy and unfailing good humor made him a huge asset to community-service organizations throughout his life.

Our class extends deepest sympathy to Ruth, his devoted wife of 48 years; their children Patti, Pam, and Willie; and their five grandchildren.

The Class of 1956