William Roy Pierson ’52

Bill died in Reno on Jan. 1, 2000, of cancer. At his memorial service, Bill was remembered for his personal and scientific integrity, dedication to mentoring, and sense of humor, in addition to a record of formidable scientific achievement.

At Princeton, Bill majored in chemical engineering, sang in the Chapel Choir and Glee Club, and played in the band all four years. His innate musical ability allowed him to shift instruments, keeping him in the front row of the marching band. Science and music were lifelong passions, and he had great talent for both.

After Navy service, Bill completed his PhD in inorganic chemistry at MIT in 1959, followed by a postdoc at the Fermi Institute at the U. of Chicago. Bill devoted his life to the analysis and control of air pollution, with basic research in atmospheric chemistry at Ford Motor Co. and later at the Desert Research Institute. In recognition, Ford has established in his name a graduate fellowship in environmental research at the U. of California, Riverside.

Bill is survived by his wife, Juliet; daughters Elizabeth Pierson and Anne Veis; grandchildren Jeremy and Jennifer Veis; and his sister, Patricia Peterson. To them, we extend our deepest sympathy.

The Class of 1952