William J. Coe ’57

William J. Coe ’57 died on October 10, 2021, at his home in Durango, Colorado, from complications of Parkinson’s disease and a fall. He came to Dartmouth from McMinn County High School in Athens, Tennessee; majored in architecture; and graduated with distinction and a resolve to change his name from Bill to Will. A graduate fellowship took him to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he earned an M.A. in philosophy. A teaching fellowship was granted by Penn State University. By 1961 Will had completed coursework and exams for a Ph.D. in philosophy, but it took several years while teaching at Baldwin-Wallace College and Southeast Missouri State College to complete his dissertation and receive his degree in 1967. Later that year Will joined the faculty of Northern Illinois University, where he taught philosophy until 1971, then moved to Fort Lewis College for a long teaching career. Lecturing and discussing philosophy made Will’s professional life meaningful, and he loved teaching and interacting with colleagues and students. He retired from Fort Lewis College in 2000. Will enjoyed the outdoors, photography, playing tennis, and travel. It has been said he was “a model of equanimity, kindness, dignity, and understanding.” He treasured time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Victoria, sons Nathan and Justin, daughter Clellan ’84, and two grandsons.