Benjamin C. Bixby ’57

Benjamin C. Bixby ’57 passed away in his sleep on January 4 at home in Kingston, New Hampshire. Ben went to Haverhill (Massachusetts) High School and Phillips Exeter Academy. He majored in history, belonged to Theta Delta Chi (treasurer), Dragon (president), Green Key, and the Dartmouth Outing Club. He was in Navy ROTC, later serving in the Navy as lieutenant, j.g., on a destroyer out of Norfolk, Virginia. Ben graduated from Harvard Business School in 1961 and joined the family business, Bixby Box Toe Co. (now Bixby International), in Bradford, Massachusetts. Through the years he guided the company through challenges in the leather manufacturing business, eventually as chairman of the board. Although Ben contracted polio in1959 and was told he would never walk again, he was a tremendous skier (on water and snow) and tennis player. He was involved in his community, serving as president of the Lone Tree Council, with the Boy Scouts of America (receiving its highest honor, the Silver Beaver award), and as trustee of Bradford College, deacon of First Congregational Church, and on the boards of banks, charities, and chambers of commerce. Ben married Betsey in 1957 and they traveled the world, at every destination adding a charm to Betsey’s bracelet. He was president of his local Dartmouth club and an Alumni Fund volunteer. Ben is survived by Betsey, children Barbara and William, and grandchildren.