The patriarch of Hamilton’s first family, William McLaren “Mac” Bristol III ’43, died Tuesday, August 18, following a brief battle with cancer. He was 88.
Mac Bristol served Hamilton in numerous capacities, most notably as a member of the Board of Trustees since 1965. He was chairman of the board from 1977 to 1990 and was a life trustee and chairman emeritus at the time of his death.
In announcing the news to the campus community, Hamilton President Joan Hinde Stewart called Bristol “our college’s heart and soul.” She said he “spent much of his life working to make Hamilton not just better, but the best college in the country...It is hard to imagine Hamilton without his loyalty, leadership, passion, determination and competitive spirit.”
The Bristol family’s association with Hamilton College dates to 1793 when Mac’s great-, great-, great-grandfather Joel and his brother Eli each pledged one pound sterling as well as contributions of labor and lumber toward the establishment of the Hamilton-Oneida Academy. When the Academy was chartered as Hamilton College in 1812, Joel Bristol became one of its first trustees and his son George became one of its first students as a member of the Class of 1815. Since that time, at least one member of each Bristol generation has attended Hamilton.
“Few families have meant as much to Hamilton, and I doubt that anyone ever loved Hamilton more than Mac,” Stewart said.
Mac was a long-time senior executive for Bristol-Myers Squibb, the international biopharmaceutical company founded in Clinton by his grandfather William in 1887 with Hamilton classmate John Myers. In addition to his wife Mary Jayne Comey, Mac is survived by four children, Pam Bristol P’05, ’07, Brian Bristol P’11, Pinny Kuckel and Sanford “Sandy” Bristol ’81; two brothers, Atherton “Toni” Bristol ’45 and Michal W. Bristol P’86; and his loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. in the College Chapel, with a reception to follow on the Bristol Center Terrace. The Bristol family has asked that contributions in Mac’s memory be made to the Mac Bristol Fund at the College.
(The death of Mac Bristol was announced after the press deadline for the print version of the summer Hamilton Alumni Review, to be mailed the first week in September. Special coverage of Mr. Bristol and his legacy will appear in the fall issue of the magazine.)
If any alumnus of the College ever knew the spirit of carissima, it was Mac Bristol. No one epitomized the love of Hamilton more than him. It gives me tremendous pride to be able to say that I served as a Trustee of the College along with Mac. Whenever he spoke at a Trustee meeting the room would go silent, not only out of respect for the speaker but because everyone in the room was about to learn something wise, important and thoughtful. As he was to so many in the Hamilton family, Mac was inspirational to me in so many ways. Day in and day out, year upon year, Mac was without question the No. 1 alumnus of the College. His innumerable contributions to the College have materially benefitted every member of the Hamilton family for decades---students, faculty, administration and alumni. He openly valued fundraising for the College as a primary means of “giving back” to Hamilton for all life-changing gifts she had given her students and he was the best fundraiser and benefactor in his own right that Hamilton ever had. Mac was especially inspirational to me with regard to my role as Chair of the Annual Fund the past two years. During the rather anxious days of last year’s tremendously difficult Annual Fund—which turned out so successfully—Mac was a constant beacon of encouragement and support. He had unshakable faith in our Alumni and their love for the College. It gives me enormous pride to know that Mac was so pleased with the way our Alumni responded in the face of the nation’s economic adversity. Hamilton may have lost her greatest friend, but Mac’s legacy will live on the Hill and in our hearts forever. We owe it to him and to Hamilton to live our lives as he lived his own,inspired to do great things for the best reasons. Mac was a great man and a great citizen of this world. We are privileged to be in his company as alumni of Hamilton. Carissima indeed, Mac.
-George Baker, '74
During my years as President of Middlebury College, I enjoyed many a "rocking chair" football game with Mac and his family, and I know first-hand how devoted a fan he was, not simply of Hamilton football but of his alma mater, in every way. We will all miss his booming voice, his generous and unambiguous friendship, his energy, his enthusiasm. This is a great loss for the Hamilton community, to be sure, but everyone in higher education joins Mac's family in the grief they now must endure and, in the fullness of time, also the many wonderful memories of a life well and fully lived.
- John McCardell
It is a tribute to the dedication of Mac Bristol that the current Hamilton students who are members of the Football Team all hold the utmost respect and admiration for one of their biggest fans and supporters. My son and his team mates have always been aware of Mac and his heartfelt interest in their success both on and off the field. I thank Mr. Bristol for everything he has given to this wonderful college and send my most sincere condolences to his family on the passing of a wonderful man. Hamilton will surely miss his inspiration and contributions.
- Jan Powell
I have so many fond memories of Mac. This is so sad. I remember his advice when I joined the Board. He said, "Russ" (in that gravelly voice that was so characteristic), "The faculty runs this place, and don't you ever forget it." There were many times, I think, when HE ran the place...always lovingly and generously.
- Russel Bantham, '63
From our first meeting on registration day on the Hill, Mac Bristol and I, coming from opposite ends of the economic rainbow, established a friendship that grew stronger throughout our post-graduate years. Mac discouraged every effort to recognize his many contributions to the College, but they will long endure for years to come.
- Milton P. Kayle '43
I can still recall how nervous I was to meet Mac Bristol for the first time in August of 1993 when he arrived on campus for his annual "walk about" to view the facilities, particularly Bristol Campus Center. As the new Director of Student Activities, a lot of my attention was focused on the opening of the brand new Beinecke Student Activities Village that month, but there had also been major revisions to Bristol Campus Center such as the new WHCL radio station and expanded student office and meeting space. He had such a serious and focused presence and wanted to be sure that the new director was visible and dedicated to students. I quickly understood Mac's deep love for Hamilton College and I developed a genuine respect for the man while trying very hard to live up to his expectations. When Mac and Mary Jayne were staying on the fourth floor, it was "spit and polish" time for me and my staff! I learned a lot from Mac - he certainly kept me on my toes! He will be missed, tremendously.
- Beverly Low
I didn't know Mac Bristol well. I saw him at football games when I played, and later when I covered games for the Observer-Dispatch, or when I watched my nephews play. I got to know him a little bit in the last few years. I spoke to hiim about Milt Jannone when his former teammate was named to the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame, and then a few years later when Milt passed away. He struck me as a rugged, down to earth guy, which I guess I should have expected from a former football captain and lineman. I was fascinated that he was a direct descendant of one of the founders of Clinton and Hamilton College. I also deeply appreciated his support of the football team. A couple of years ago, Mac invited Ben Madonia to bring some friends down for a Bills-Jets game at Giants Stadium. Ben, Jim Rishel, my brother Jerry and I joined Mac, his family, and friends at his suite. It was just terrific, and Mac was very gracious. Our Bills won, his Jets lost, but we didn't even think about gloating! As I said, I knew Mr. Bristol only slightly - he didn't like being called Mr. Bristol, and I don't think he was being falsely self-effacing when he insisted on being called Mac - and I wish I had gotten to know him better. His death is a big loss for Hamilton College in general, the football team in particular, and for anyone who knew him. We all owe a great debt to him, and we'll miss him very much.
- John Pitarresi '70
Perhaps once in a lifetime each of us is lucky enough to meet someone who has wisdom, foresight and an incredible sense of what is right -- Mac was one of those people and I feel so fortunate to have been able to serve on the Board while he was still alive. He will SURELY be missed.
- Ann Hutchins '79
Entering Hamilton as a freshman in the fall of 1967, I soon became familiar with the Bristol name. The building bearing the name of one of the College's founding families was a sanctuary of sorts for the Hamiltonians of our era. Most of us didn't know Mac, but we benefited from his generosity to the College every time we checked our mail (in literal mail boxes), shot some pool, bowled a couple games, or enjoyed a burger or a coffee down at "Bristol." Eventually, I was able to put a face to the name when I saw Mac at various College functions, first as an undergraduate and then, in the passing years, as a fellow alumnus of Hamilton. Recently. I had the chance to spend time with Mac and Mary Jayne in a social setting -- as a guest of theirs at a Bills-Jets game two years ago. Unsure of just how to address this icon of everything Hamilton and raised to show respect to my elders, I was about to call him "Mr. Bristol." My brother John beat me to the punch, using the same salutation I had considered. In response, Mac opened his wallet and took out a small card on which was printed a short poem. I don't remember all the lines, but the instructive one read, "My friends call me Mac." For the rest of the afternoon, we had a wonderful time with "Mac" and Mary Jayne. To be welcomed into that large circle of people whom Mac called his friends, to use that familiar form of address with a man who meant so much to Hamilton, was a privilege and an experience I'll cherish always. We will miss him greatly.
- Jerry Pitarresi '71
It was a distinct honor to know Mac Bristol and to experience his devotion to Hamilton. He was driven to make Hamilton College the best college it could be, leading me to observe to others that he was the “Vince Lombardi of Board Chairs.” One snowy January Friday evening some years ago, I called to thank him for a contribution to Hamilton – one of his favorite ways to begin the year. During our conversation, we talked about the Super Bowl and he revealed that he had admired Green Bay since the Lombardi days. I told him I had compared him to Lombardi, noting his quest for excellence at Hamilton. His message was clear -- execute everything you do perfectly, practice that play until it works consistently. A humble man who deflected attention away from himself, Mac simply said, “I have to put on my Wellingtons, now get out there and encourage contributions to Hamilton.” Pure Lombardi. Arguably, no person provided as much visionary leadership, successful volunteer effort and generous financial support as Mac.
- Ben Madonia '74
Mac Bristol served Hamilton in numerous capacities, most notably as a member of the Board of Trustees since 1965. He was chairman of the board from 1977 to 1990 and was a life trustee and chairman emeritus at the time of his death.
In announcing the news to the campus community, Hamilton President Joan Hinde Stewart called Bristol “our college’s heart and soul.” She said he “spent much of his life working to make Hamilton not just better, but the best college in the country...It is hard to imagine Hamilton without his loyalty, leadership, passion, determination and competitive spirit.”
The Bristol family’s association with Hamilton College dates to 1793 when Mac’s great-, great-, great-grandfather Joel and his brother Eli each pledged one pound sterling as well as contributions of labor and lumber toward the establishment of the Hamilton-Oneida Academy. When the Academy was chartered as Hamilton College in 1812, Joel Bristol became one of its first trustees and his son George became one of its first students as a member of the Class of 1815. Since that time, at least one member of each Bristol generation has attended Hamilton.
“Few families have meant as much to Hamilton, and I doubt that anyone ever loved Hamilton more than Mac,” Stewart said.
Mac was a long-time senior executive for Bristol-Myers Squibb, the international biopharmaceutical company founded in Clinton by his grandfather William in 1887 with Hamilton classmate John Myers. In addition to his wife Mary Jayne Comey, Mac is survived by four children, Pam Bristol P’05, ’07, Brian Bristol P’11, Pinny Kuckel and Sanford “Sandy” Bristol ’81; two brothers, Atherton “Toni” Bristol ’45 and Michal W. Bristol P’86; and his loving grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 11 a.m. in the College Chapel, with a reception to follow on the Bristol Center Terrace. The Bristol family has asked that contributions in Mac’s memory be made to the Mac Bristol Fund at the College.
(The death of Mac Bristol was announced after the press deadline for the print version of the summer Hamilton Alumni Review, to be mailed the first week in September. Special coverage of Mr. Bristol and his legacy will appear in the fall issue of the magazine.)
Reflections on Mac Bristol
If any alumnus of the College ever knew the spirit of carissima, it was Mac Bristol. No one epitomized the love of Hamilton more than him. It gives me tremendous pride to be able to say that I served as a Trustee of the College along with Mac. Whenever he spoke at a Trustee meeting the room would go silent, not only out of respect for the speaker but because everyone in the room was about to learn something wise, important and thoughtful. As he was to so many in the Hamilton family, Mac was inspirational to me in so many ways. Day in and day out, year upon year, Mac was without question the No. 1 alumnus of the College. His innumerable contributions to the College have materially benefitted every member of the Hamilton family for decades---students, faculty, administration and alumni. He openly valued fundraising for the College as a primary means of “giving back” to Hamilton for all life-changing gifts she had given her students and he was the best fundraiser and benefactor in his own right that Hamilton ever had. Mac was especially inspirational to me with regard to my role as Chair of the Annual Fund the past two years. During the rather anxious days of last year’s tremendously difficult Annual Fund—which turned out so successfully—Mac was a constant beacon of encouragement and support. He had unshakable faith in our Alumni and their love for the College. It gives me enormous pride to know that Mac was so pleased with the way our Alumni responded in the face of the nation’s economic adversity. Hamilton may have lost her greatest friend, but Mac’s legacy will live on the Hill and in our hearts forever. We owe it to him and to Hamilton to live our lives as he lived his own,inspired to do great things for the best reasons. Mac was a great man and a great citizen of this world. We are privileged to be in his company as alumni of Hamilton. Carissima indeed, Mac.
-George Baker, '74
During my years as President of Middlebury College, I enjoyed many a "rocking chair" football game with Mac and his family, and I know first-hand how devoted a fan he was, not simply of Hamilton football but of his alma mater, in every way. We will all miss his booming voice, his generous and unambiguous friendship, his energy, his enthusiasm. This is a great loss for the Hamilton community, to be sure, but everyone in higher education joins Mac's family in the grief they now must endure and, in the fullness of time, also the many wonderful memories of a life well and fully lived.
- John McCardell
It is a tribute to the dedication of Mac Bristol that the current Hamilton students who are members of the Football Team all hold the utmost respect and admiration for one of their biggest fans and supporters. My son and his team mates have always been aware of Mac and his heartfelt interest in their success both on and off the field. I thank Mr. Bristol for everything he has given to this wonderful college and send my most sincere condolences to his family on the passing of a wonderful man. Hamilton will surely miss his inspiration and contributions.
- Jan Powell
I have so many fond memories of Mac. This is so sad. I remember his advice when I joined the Board. He said, "Russ" (in that gravelly voice that was so characteristic), "The faculty runs this place, and don't you ever forget it." There were many times, I think, when HE ran the place...always lovingly and generously.
- Russel Bantham, '63
From our first meeting on registration day on the Hill, Mac Bristol and I, coming from opposite ends of the economic rainbow, established a friendship that grew stronger throughout our post-graduate years. Mac discouraged every effort to recognize his many contributions to the College, but they will long endure for years to come.
- Milton P. Kayle '43
I can still recall how nervous I was to meet Mac Bristol for the first time in August of 1993 when he arrived on campus for his annual "walk about" to view the facilities, particularly Bristol Campus Center. As the new Director of Student Activities, a lot of my attention was focused on the opening of the brand new Beinecke Student Activities Village that month, but there had also been major revisions to Bristol Campus Center such as the new WHCL radio station and expanded student office and meeting space. He had such a serious and focused presence and wanted to be sure that the new director was visible and dedicated to students. I quickly understood Mac's deep love for Hamilton College and I developed a genuine respect for the man while trying very hard to live up to his expectations. When Mac and Mary Jayne were staying on the fourth floor, it was "spit and polish" time for me and my staff! I learned a lot from Mac - he certainly kept me on my toes! He will be missed, tremendously.
- Beverly Low
I didn't know Mac Bristol well. I saw him at football games when I played, and later when I covered games for the Observer-Dispatch, or when I watched my nephews play. I got to know him a little bit in the last few years. I spoke to hiim about Milt Jannone when his former teammate was named to the Greater Utica Sports Hall of Fame, and then a few years later when Milt passed away. He struck me as a rugged, down to earth guy, which I guess I should have expected from a former football captain and lineman. I was fascinated that he was a direct descendant of one of the founders of Clinton and Hamilton College. I also deeply appreciated his support of the football team. A couple of years ago, Mac invited Ben Madonia to bring some friends down for a Bills-Jets game at Giants Stadium. Ben, Jim Rishel, my brother Jerry and I joined Mac, his family, and friends at his suite. It was just terrific, and Mac was very gracious. Our Bills won, his Jets lost, but we didn't even think about gloating! As I said, I knew Mr. Bristol only slightly - he didn't like being called Mr. Bristol, and I don't think he was being falsely self-effacing when he insisted on being called Mac - and I wish I had gotten to know him better. His death is a big loss for Hamilton College in general, the football team in particular, and for anyone who knew him. We all owe a great debt to him, and we'll miss him very much.
- John Pitarresi '70
Perhaps once in a lifetime each of us is lucky enough to meet someone who has wisdom, foresight and an incredible sense of what is right -- Mac was one of those people and I feel so fortunate to have been able to serve on the Board while he was still alive. He will SURELY be missed.
- Ann Hutchins '79
Entering Hamilton as a freshman in the fall of 1967, I soon became familiar with the Bristol name. The building bearing the name of one of the College's founding families was a sanctuary of sorts for the Hamiltonians of our era. Most of us didn't know Mac, but we benefited from his generosity to the College every time we checked our mail (in literal mail boxes), shot some pool, bowled a couple games, or enjoyed a burger or a coffee down at "Bristol." Eventually, I was able to put a face to the name when I saw Mac at various College functions, first as an undergraduate and then, in the passing years, as a fellow alumnus of Hamilton. Recently. I had the chance to spend time with Mac and Mary Jayne in a social setting -- as a guest of theirs at a Bills-Jets game two years ago. Unsure of just how to address this icon of everything Hamilton and raised to show respect to my elders, I was about to call him "Mr. Bristol." My brother John beat me to the punch, using the same salutation I had considered. In response, Mac opened his wallet and took out a small card on which was printed a short poem. I don't remember all the lines, but the instructive one read, "My friends call me Mac." For the rest of the afternoon, we had a wonderful time with "Mac" and Mary Jayne. To be welcomed into that large circle of people whom Mac called his friends, to use that familiar form of address with a man who meant so much to Hamilton, was a privilege and an experience I'll cherish always. We will miss him greatly.
- Jerry Pitarresi '71
It was a distinct honor to know Mac Bristol and to experience his devotion to Hamilton. He was driven to make Hamilton College the best college it could be, leading me to observe to others that he was the “Vince Lombardi of Board Chairs.” One snowy January Friday evening some years ago, I called to thank him for a contribution to Hamilton – one of his favorite ways to begin the year. During our conversation, we talked about the Super Bowl and he revealed that he had admired Green Bay since the Lombardi days. I told him I had compared him to Lombardi, noting his quest for excellence at Hamilton. His message was clear -- execute everything you do perfectly, practice that play until it works consistently. A humble man who deflected attention away from himself, Mac simply said, “I have to put on my Wellingtons, now get out there and encourage contributions to Hamilton.” Pure Lombardi. Arguably, no person provided as much visionary leadership, successful volunteer effort and generous financial support as Mac.
- Ben Madonia '74
