William M. Brewster ’53

Bill, one of Gilman, Old Nassau, Cap and Gown, and the University of Virginia Business School’s own, died May 3, 2013, of mesothelioma, in Brooklandville, Md.

At Princeton, Bill roomed with, among others, Jay Cooper, Hap Hackney, Skip Hargraves, Al Hoblitzell, Cy Horine, Smiley Johnson, Bill Kenny, and Liv Rodgers ‘52. Following service as a Naval Intelligence officer, he joined Charlie Barham, Cooper, Pieter Fisher, and Hackney to earn an MBA from the University of Virginia. There, he was class president and recipient of the coveted OAK Award for service, athleticism, and scholarship. Afterward, he and Hackney traveled overseas for three months, a journey their fathers Benjamin H. ‘21 and Hiram H. “Monk” ‘22 might have experienced when they graduated.

Bill used his business and financial experience as business manager of his alma mater, Gilman School, and as a chief fundraiser for the refurbishing of his eating club, Cap and Gown, which he also served as a trustee. His favorite second home was in Charlevoix, Mich., where he sailed and played ferocious tennis.

He is survived by his wife, the former Dorothea Pearce Leonard; children Page Williams, Elisabeth Kelly, and William M. Jr.; and two grandchildren. Speaking for them, daughter Page said, “It was such fun traveling with him and listening to his storytelling. He made all of us feel very loved."