Deceased April 30, 2013
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In Memory
Ben Kightlinger died April 30, 2013, in New York City where he had lived most of his professional life. He was born in Northampton, Mass., son of an UMass professor, and attended Amherst High School. At Amherst, he was a member of Theta Xi, Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi. He received his M.D. degree from Harvard Medical School, and then continued his studies in neurology and internal medicine in the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his military service, he settled in New York City, was board certified in internal medicine, and had a private practice in internal medicine for ten years. As he said in a letter to the class on the occasion of the 35th reunion "it was a very satisfying time since, at its best, the contact of the doctor with his patients is a most personally rewarding relationship."
In 1972 he joined the medical department of Mobil Corporation in its New York headquarters. There, he supervised the headquarters medical clinic, the clinics at refineries and chemical plants in the U.S., and medical programs in all overseas affiliates. As Deputy Corporate Medical Director, he traveled to various exotic nooks and crannies where oil is produced or prospected. Since his retirement from Mobil in 1993, he devoted much of his time to the study of U.S. history, concentrating on 19th Century England and World War II.
His many interests included chamber music and organ recitals. He was a member of the Union Club of New York City. In 2001, at the 50th reunion of the class, he participated in a panel of classmates who had devoted their lives to the study and practice of medicine. He is remembered by his classmates as a quiet, friendly student, and will be missed by those who knew him well.
John H. Baker '51