Richard W. Patton ’51

Richard W. Patton ’51, a successful product and business developer for 40 years, died on August 23, 2015, in Jacksonville, Florida. He is survived by two daughters and two grandchildren. His brother, Charles ’45, predeceased him. Dick was a senior marketing analyst for Alcoa from 1954 to 1986, exploring new markets, products, ventures and acquisitions in all parts of the world with the goal of expanding the company’s businesses. A notable success was the introduction of pop-top cans for beer and soft drinks, which became a major consumer of aluminum. He later joined Radiation Systems Inc. in Sterling, Virginia, as vice president of corporate development. Maintaining close ties with his Dartmouth classmates, including lifelong friends from Delta Tau Delta and Dragon, was a source of great pleasure throughout Dick’s life. Class of ’51s Tom Barnett, Jim Bovaird and Jack Skewes served in the U.S. Army with Dick during his tour of duty as a communications intelligence officer. Golfing partners included classmates Bill Dow, Al LeClair, Bill Michener and Pete Stien. Dick proudly displayed photos of these treasured friendships on a “wall of remembrance” wherever he lived. Dick was an active Dartmouth volunteer as president and secretary of regional alumni clubs and an Alumni Fund class agent. He volunteered regularly at the Naples (Florida) Community Hospital. Other interests included sailing, reading and rooting for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.