William Bell Heaton ’51

Born Aug. 31, 1929, in South Bend, Ind., Bill died of cancer at home in Troy, Mich., April 4, 2003.

He prepared for Princeton at the Wayland Academy in Wisconsin where he was an all-state football center. Bill was a chemical engineer, a member of Key and Seal, and was in the NROTC at Princeton. His roommates were Karl Rauschert, Bill Paxton, and Dick Zahn.

Following graduation, Bill served as communications officer on an attack transport, mostly in the South Pacific. A man of many talents, he also was a newspaper publisher and venture capitalist.

An avid duck hunter and fly fisherman, Bill enjoyed the outdoors and especially cherished time with his family at their cottage on Lake Michigan. He was also an accomplished artist, potter, and world traveler, and was active politically, spending two campaigns with George Romney and serving as a member of the Great Lakes Commission.

Bill is survived by his wife, the former Mary Alice Johnson; his brother, Jack; and four children, Lucinda, Whit, Alice, and Don. He had nine grandchildren and four great-granddaughters. His classmates will remember Bill for his quick wit, sense of humor, and his deep commitment to family and friends.

The Class of 1951