After Taps Henry C. Pitot III ’51 By David S. Wilkinson ’67
I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Henry C. Pitot ’51, who passed away June 9, 2021, at the age of 91. After graduating from VMI in 1967, I had the distinct honor of becoming a graduate student under Dr. Pitot at the University of Wisconsin, following in the footsteps of my VMI dyke, Lee Fleshood ’64, Ph.D. The three of us shared the VMI experience and organic chemistry under Col. Herbert Richey. In 1967, Dr. Pitot was a young, up-and-coming cancer researcher at the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research. Over the next six years, he would move on to become professor of pathology and oncology;
chair of the department of pathology; acting dean of the medical school; and director of the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, a position that he held from 1973-91. Despite being a world-famous researcher, teacher, and author, Dr. Pitot was a humble and patient mentor. He was a great role model for me and was a huge influence on shaping my scientific and leadership skills. Dr. Pitot mentored more than 100 graduate students and postdoctoral trainees who went on to productive careers in academic or industrial research. He taught thousands of undergraduate, graduate, and medical students during his
60-plus years at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Pitot carried out groundbreaking research in the molecular biology of multistage carcinogenesis and published more than 500 scientific papers. He played a major role in formulating cancer research policy in the United States, serving on the board of directors of the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Advisory Board, and the president’s Cancer Panel. He served on the editorial boards of 13 professional journals and won numerous awards for his work. The world has lost a great man whose kindness and willingness to help others will be missed by many.
Col. William L. Faistenhammer ’74 By Wayland “Snookie” Parker ’74
William L. Faistenhammer ’74, known to his BRs as Bill, was born in Fort Benning, Georgia, to retired U.S. Army Col. Ludwig Faistenhammer of York, Pennsylvania, and the late Maria Damenica (Barbaro) Faistenhammer. All who knew Bill understood that he adored his family, his country, and his calling; his dedication to his country and service was a recurring theme throughout his life. Those early years prepared him well to take on the rigors of VMI and later military service, but as one friend and BR noted, Bill “did VMI his way.” He was a good student, self-confident, focused, meticulous, strong-willed, and in tremendous physical condition because when it came to physical fitness, Bill was relentless and enthusiastic in his workouts. In fact, Bill was a standout in everything he undertook at VMI. He excelled as a team player on the swim team and always volunteered for the hardest races. Coach Joyce knew him as the go-to guy in events that other swimmers hadn’t specialized in or when someone was needed to compete in events that were scheduled too close to each other for those specialists. Bill was often identified as the “tough nut” on the team because he attacked every race and opponent with
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determination and zeal throughout his cadetship. His ability to perform under pressure enabled the team to take on and win swim meets against much larger teams from UVA and Duke. A four-year private, Bill received few demerits and generally kept a low profile at VMI, but his 30-year U.S. Army career included special forces combat zone assignments, achieving the rank of colonel, and culminating in his final military assignment as professor of military science at VMI and commander of the ROTC detachment—an assignment which brought him back to VMI and the Blue Ridge Valley he loved. Following retirement, Bill deployed to Afghanistan for an additional four years of service. Bill had tremendous leadership skills, and he put them to good use throughout his life. One BR recalled a visit to the special forces group back in the ’80s, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and seeing the commander’s pictures on a wall at the group headquarters. There was a picture of Bill commanding one of the special forces companies. Instead of his name under the picture, it read in bold, block letters: “THE HAMMER.” He was a legend in the group—which is likely not a surprise to his BRs. He further recalled that Bill’s father commanded the 10th SFG(A)
in Bad Tölz, Germany; thus, Bill’s service there must’ve been especially meaningful to him and almost a family tradition. Another BR shared that Bill was bigger than life. He was bold, tough, aggressive, and a natural leader. He was one of the finest examples of a VMI man, and all were privileged to call him brother rat. Bill’s three-year roommate, Gary Lape ’74, passed in August 2020. Gary’s brother, “Salvo,” Class of ’75, shared that some years ago, Gary’s wife, Lee Ann, said the two were like frick and frack or two peas in a pod, noting that they dressed alike, enjoyed similar jokes, and even danced alike. Salvo also shared that during a visit to Lexington a few years ago, Bill said he didn’t see himself ever leaving the Shenandoah Valley. It is now a fond memory—tempered by the heartache of a vibrant, full, happy life ended way too soon—yet reinforced by knowing that Bill’s spirit will be there always. We say goodbye to Bill; thank him for his joy of life, enthusiasm, and quiet kindness; and share our sympathy with his beloved wife, Linda; son, Bill; his father, William; and all his family and friends.
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