Deceased October 17, 2014
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In Memory
Bill died on Oct. 17, 2014, at the home of his son Whit in Skaneateles, N.Y., after a lengthy illness. He initially matriculated at Amherst from Tabor Academy with the class of 1953. After an interruption for military service, he returned to the College in 1952 and graduated in 1955. Some five years ago, in recognition of the many friends he made on his return, especially among his brothers of the class of 1954 in Psi Upsilon (especially Jerry Grant), he elected to be identified with our class. Immensely loyal to the college and to Psi U, Bill was a regular convivial presence at reunions and homecomings, until his failing health made it impossible for him to attend our 60th reunion.
After graduation Bill began his career as an investment banker at the First National City Bank of New York, and first shaped his interest in the role of gold in our monetary system. He worked for several prominent brokerage firms as an oil and mines analyst, and in 1970 wrote “The U.S. Dollar and World Monetary System: The Calm Before the Storm,” which supported the idea of investment in gold as a safe haven from the collapse of the system as he foresaw it and earning from many the title “the Father of Gold.” Bill’s enthusiasm for gold endured through thick and thin and brought him back to prominence four years ago when gold prices soared amidst genuine economic anxieties.
He was a member of the University Club in New York, an enthusiast of fine wines and a gracious host.
Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Sally Painter, and by Virginia Rehm, mother of his son, Whit, and two stepdaughters, all of whom who survive him, along with Whit’s two sons.
Tom Blackburn ’54