William Woodward Bancroft ’53

Bill died of cancer Jan. 18, 2003, in Locust Valley, N.Y. He joined us from Middlesex, played hockey for four years, and roomed with fellow teammates and Cottage Club-mates Jinx Cleaves and Bill Gall. They were outstanding performers on the ice for the Pentagonial League champs. After graduation Bill tried advertising for awhile, but horse racing was in his blood. His grandmother owned 1955 Preakness and Belmont Stakes winner, Nashua, and 1967 Preakness and Belmont champion, Damascus.

In 1971 he and his brother, Tom, established their own thoroughbred stable, Pen-y-Bren, and produced winners around the Belmont and Saratoga tracks. Four years ago, Bill suffered a stroke, but with typical determination, rehabilitated himself so that he could even drive a car. Then cancer struck, but Tom said he kept his mischievous spirit and sense of humor until the end. We send condolences to his wife, Sarah; sons William Jr., Montgomery, and Frederic; daughter Elizabeth Peterson; brother Thomas Jr. '51; and five grandchildren.

The Class of 1953