William S. Friedlander ’51

William S. Friedlander ’51 died on February 1 in his longtime hometown of Hudson, Wisconsin. He once described himself as “fascinated by the world and how it worked.” His passion for science, combined with a rare ability to find commercial applications for basic scientific discoveries, led to a substantive 40-year career with 3M Corp. In his years at 3M Bill was equally at home in the laboratory and the management suite. He led highly successful research initiatives that resulted in the creation of new substances and compounds. As director of the new business ventures division he oversaw 3M’s contributions to products as diverse as hockey sticks, silver polish, and fibers that reinforce missile fins and bicycle frames. Later, he served as managing director of 3M’s European research operations in Harlow, England. At Dartmouth Bill was a member of Theta Chi and the Undergraduate Council. He was active in the Outing Club and Cabin & Trail. He helped build Fred Harris Cabin on Moose Mountain and happily recalled paddling down the whitewater Penobscot River in Maine. Bill went on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees in chemistry at the University of Illinois. Bill was an avid trekker, cross-country skier, and sailor. He and his wife, Sally, incorporated these activities into their frequent worldwide travels. In Hudson he served on the local planning commission and hospital board and as an advisor to the park board. Bill and Sally helped create the St. Croix Valley Arts Guild.