Pas died Oct. 22, 2020, from Parkinson’s disease. He was a direct descendant of Carter Braxton, a Virginian planter who signed the Declaration of Independence. His rector and friend described Pas, a lifelong Baltimorean, as “both modest and smart.”

An Exeter graduate, Pas majored in religion and belonged to Quadrangle. His father was a member of the Class of 1920. After three years in the Marine Corps, Pas continued in the reserves, retiring as lieutenant colonel in 1978.

His professional career was in science publishing, where he was a much-in-demand speaker at publishers’ gatherings. Early on, Pas built Williams & Wilkins’ export department into one of the industry’s best-known publishing units. In 1970 he opened the University Park Press in Baltimore. He joined a German health-science publisher six years later to establish its American company. After overseeing its sale in 1990, he managed a British publisher’s American operation. He retired in 1994.

Pas was devoted to many civic organizations, including running the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots in Baltimore and as a founding member of the Sea Education Association of Woods Hole. He sailed throughout his life, especially enjoying the Chesapeake Bay and the Caribbean.

Pas is survived by sons Braxton ’78, Charles, Walter, and Thomas; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Class Year: 
Undergraduate Class of 1950