Edgar Byron Wilson '53

Dear Laurentian Community,

I write today to share the sad news that Board Chair Emeritus and Trustee Emeritus Edgar Byron Wilson ’53, who went by “Ed” and “E.B.,” died peacefully on November 15 at the age of 94 with his beloved wife Betsy by his side.

A native of Albany, N.Y., Ed graduated from St. Lawrence in 1953 with a degree in government. During his undergraduate years, he was a member and officer of Beta Theta Pi. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and served two years in the U.S. Army. In 1956, he and Mary Beth “Betsy” Weilbacher Wilson N’55 began a 69-year marriage marked by shared adventure and service.

Ed built a distinguished career in consumer goods marketing, rising to CEO roles that took him and his family to New York City, San Francisco, Tokyo, Paris, and beyond. In 1976, he was honored to serve as one of five Americans invited to the People’s Republic of China on a rare “citizen-to-citizen” visit.

After retiring from corporate life, Ed devoted himself fully to higher education, nonprofit governance, and mentoring. He developed a national reputation for his work with university and foundation boards, including a long-standing relationship with the Association of Governing Boards. At St. Lawrence, he served with distinction as Chair of the Board of Trustees from 1995 to 2001. The University later awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his leadership, insight, and service. He was also appointed to the Public Education Nominating Council of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Beyond his professional and volunteer accomplishments, Ed brought curiosity and enthusiasm to every aspect of life. He was a passionate supporter of the arts, a devoted sports fan, a generous host, and an avid reader. In retirement, he took up oil painting, played competitive bridge, and found grounding in the community of St. Christopher’s Church in Chatham, Mass.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Betsy and their extended family and friends. Ed’s remarkable legacy of leadership, service, and connection will long be remembered at St. Lawrence.

Please join us in honoring Ed’s life by sharing your memories of him on the St. Lawrence University website. You can read the remembrances of others here. 

Sincerely,
Kate Morris