WILLIAM WILLIAMS KEEN BUTCHER

BUTCHER

WILLIAM WILLIAMS KEEN, died peacefully at his home in Chestnut Hill, Phila., PA on Wed., May 15, 2013. He was born in Ardmore, PA, on Jan. 17, 1916. He attended Le Rosey School for 2 yrs. in Switzerland; he was graduated from the Hill School in Pottstown, PA in 1934; and he was graduated from Williams College in Williamstown, MA in 1938.
After graduating from college, Keen began work for Butcher & Sherrerd, Investment Bankers and members of the New York Stock Exchange. He then enlisted for military service with the First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry, 28th Infantry Division as a Private. At the outbreak of WWII, he was sent to Europe as a second lieutenant in the 34th Infantry Division. He was overseas for 4 years and participated in the North African and Italian campaigns. His Division was committed in action for 517 straight days, the most straight days of service by any American Division in all wars. Upon his return as a Major, he returned to Butcher & Sherrerd, which later became Butcher & Singer. He spent 47 years there and retired as its CEO in 1983.
He was actively engaged in many community organizations throughout his life. He was a member of the Committee of 70 for 60 years, served as the Chairman and Trustee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute for 36 years, and as a Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania's Medical Presbyterian Medical Center for several decades. Additionally, he served as a: Trustee of the Agnes Irwin School, Director of the Chestnut Hill Community Association, Treasurer and Director of the Greater Philadelphia Area Chamber of Commerce, Trustee for 41 years at the Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania, Trustee of the Carson School. He and his family spent portions of many summer vacations at Eatons Ranch, Wolf Wyoming, his first visit being in 1924 at the age of 8. He also had a summer home with his wife, Madeleine, in Nantucket, Massachussetts. His unfailing good humour, integrity blended with an affectionate respect for all who know him, made him a beloved member of his community, and he is sorely missed. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Madeleine Kilvert Butcher. He is survived by 8 children: Garrett Dunn Pagon, Madeleine Pagon Brownell, Somers Keen Butcher, Noel Butcher Hanley, Marshall Watters Pagon, Nicholas Abbott Pagon, Alexandra Kilvert French, and Williams Keen Butcher. 22 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at Noon at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Fort Washington, PA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Madeleine and W.W. Keen Butcher History Institute at the Foreign Policy Research Institute in 1528 Walnut St, Suite 610, Phila., PA 19102. Tel. 215-732-3774

JACOB F. RUTH