Peter Buttenheim

No one else could be a better friend than Alex Long. We met as pledges at Phi Delt in the fall of 1961, and, by the spring break of 1962, Alex led a number of the pledges in the Class of 1964 as a work crew when he re-designed and re-bulit our rather delapidated upper pantry above the kitchen. We were all good friends after that adventure.

Alex was a science major, but he certainly knew his carpentry, too! He also re-designed an old storsge space  into his own room at Phi Delt with very fancy panelling that was the envy of everyone. I think his dates were charmed thoroughly by this tasteful space.

During heated conversations and serious house meetings, Alex kept his own counsel. He was our E. F. Hutton person. At some point in the debates, Alex would ask to be recognized, and the room would falll silent. After Alex spoke, there was always a way forward with general agreement that Alex's plan would work.

After Commencement, Alex and his dear wife Anne lived in California. When I had school business in CA, i was able to see them once or twice. Again, Alex was un-changed: dedicated to his work, devoted to Anne, and a proud father. Alex's work in the community was exemplary.

It was Alex and Anne's decision to come back to Williams for our 50th Reunon that brought almost every member of our Phi Delt 1964 group to that event. Alex was still unchanged: kind, thoughjtful, caring, and ever a delightful punster. We learned so much about Alex and Anne's life in Sillicon Valley, San Francisco, and the coast above the Golden Gate.

Alex was taken from us by ALS, but, as Anne said, Alex will be with us always as that dear friend I mentioned above. Rest well, Great Friend!

Peter Buttenheim