Robert Daniel Musser Jr. ’55

Robert Daniel Musser Jr. ’55, the chairman emeritus of the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan, and gracious host of the 2011 mini-reunion, passed away in Lansing, Michigan, on April 13 of congestive heart failure. Dan was born in Circleville, Ohio, and grew up on a small farm. After Governor Dummer Academy, where he was class president, he entered Dartmouth, majoring in economics, and joined Alpha Delta Phi and Sphinx. After Army in Japan, Dan returned to the Grand Hotel as assistant manager, becoming president in 1960. He had worked there as a college student since 1951, his uncle having purchased the hotel in 1933. In 1979 Dan and his wife, Amelia, bought the hotel, which had increased its rooms from 200 to 385, and with a complete redesign extended its season from the beginning of May to the end of October. Dan had a hands-on approach to management and was known by his employees for handwritten notes, sometimes as many as 60 per day. A strong green advocate, Dan was chair of the island’s public works for 30 years, helping build a water supply system and wastewater treatment plant that more then met standards. One must mention his show dogs, one of which, Sadie, a Scottish terrier, won the Westminster Kennel Club “Best in Show” in 2010. Sadie was named “Dog of the Year” by the American Kennel Club. At the time of our reunion Sadie was expecting. Dan is survived by Amelia, two daughters and a son.