Donald McMillan Routh

Donald "Skip" McMillan Routh, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025 just shy of his 89th birthday. Born on February 10, 1936, in Sandusky, Ohio, he was the son of A.C. and Helen (McMillan) Routh. He lived a life full of purpose, service, and dedication, leaving behind a legacy in both his professional career and community involvement.

Skip married Carroll Sperry Routh in 1960. Together they shared a life of love and commitment, raising three children and watching with joy as their family grew to include eight grandchildren. His family was always at the heart of his life, and he took great pride in supporting their individual pursuits and accomplishments.

A proud alumnus of Sandusky High School (Class of 1954), Skip went on to achieve a B.A. in American Studies from Amherst College in 1958, where he was a member of the cross country, basketball and track teams. He later earned a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) from Johns Hopkins University in 1960. In 2004, he was bestowed an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by Amherst College. His commitment to education led him to a distinguished career in academia, where he spent the majority of his professional life shaping the lives of students and supporting higher education initiatives.

From 1960 to 1965, he worked at McDonogh School in Maryland as a teacher of Social Studies. He then moved to Johns Hopkins University as Assistant Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching Program, before transitioning to Amherst College, where he served as Dean of Financial Aid from 1965 to 1981. Skip's career at Yale University, where he served as University Director of Financial Aid from 1981 to 2000, was marked by his deep commitment to helping students gain access to education, a cause he championed with passion and diligence. Nationally, Skip was chairman of the College Scholarship Service Council and chair of the Policy Committee of the Consortium on Financing Higher Education. In both groups, he was an early advocate for pairing need-based financial aid with need-blind admission.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Skip was deeply committed to his community. He played an instrumental role in various civic organizations in Amherst in the 1970s and early 80s, including the Landlord Tenant Relations Committee, the Board of Health, and the Board of Selectmen, where he served as Vice Chairman. His service extended to the Amherst Community Chest, Hampshire County United Way, and Rotary Club of Amherst, where he held leadership positions and worked tirelessly to support local causes. While at Yale, Skip continued his Rotary Club service and volunteered with the Guilford ABC Program, where he served as Treasurer and on the Board of Directors from 1988-95. After retiring from Yale, he moved to Deep River, CT and became involved with the Finance Committee, Meals on Wheels, Deep River Rotary Club and Friends of the Deep River Public Library, where he served on the Board of Directors starting in 2002.

Skip's contributions to his community, and his unwavering support for education and charitable causes, will be remembered by all who knew him. He was a man of integrity, wisdom, and kindness, always eager to lend a hand and offer quiet guidance to those in need.

He is survived by his wife, Carroll Sperry Routh; their three children and spouses Penelope (Robert), Cameron (Aileen) and Duncan (Camberly); seven grandchildren Emily, Samantha, Katherine; Ian, Ainsley, Adair and Harrison; and numerous friends and colleagues who were fortunate to have known him. He was predeceased by his granddaughter, Avalanna.

Beyond family and friends, some of Skip's favorite things were AM radio, baseball, ice cream, peanut butter, jigsaw puzzles, apple cider and pretzels. He could often be seen combining one or more of these passions.

Skip's family will gather for a private remembrance and celebration of his life to honor his life and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cure ATRT Now or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.