Eight Bells: David Storrs

David K. Storrs, 74, of Southport, CT, died on March 3 with his wife, Landon T., and his son, David K. Jr., at his side.

He was President of Alternative Investment Group, which he co-founded in 1996. Previously he was President of Commonfund, and from 1971 to 1984, he was the first Director of Investments at Yale University. He served for many years on the boards of TIAA-CREF and Alliance Capital. Raised in Oyster Bay, NY, David attended the Pomfret School before earning his B.A. from Yale in 1967 and his M.B.A. from Harvard in 1971.

An adventuresome and intrepid person, at different stages of life David was an accomplished wrestler, skier, squash player, pilot, world traveler, and bridge player. His lifelong passion, however, was for sailing. His wife was his flight instructor when they met; before long they were racing sailboats side by side.

Active in the Lightning Class in his teen years, it was later in life when he discovered match racing. After considering umpiring, but being told he was too old, he came back strong with a ‘watch this’ attitude, making it his quest to defy the doubters and excel as a competitor instead.

David not only became a solid match racing competitor, he became a champion. He climbed to the position of #1 American and #13in the World on the World Sailing Match Racing Ranking. He was on the podium often but was happiest in October of 2017 when, at age 73 years, he won the final match in the US Match Race Championship to claim the Prince of Whales Trophy.

He gave generously of his time and resources to many causes, among them Connecticut Audubon Society, Aspetuck Land Trust, Southport Congregational Church, Oakcliff Sailing Center (New York), and Shelburne Farms (Vermont). Family, friends, and colleagues adored David for his patience, kindness, curiosity, and integrity.

His social grace smoothed the way wherever he went, making everyone around him feel welcome and respected.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard S. and Frances Rousmaniere Storrs, and his brother Nick. Surviving him are his wife of 50 years, Landon T.; daughter, Landon R.; son, David K. Jr.; son-in-law Tyler Priest; grandson Mason Priest; sisters Ayer (Bellerman), Ginny (Akabane), and Nancy; and brother Cleveland.

A memorial service will be held at 1pm on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Southport Congregational Church. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in David’s memory to Columbia University Irving Medical Center Cardiac Amyloidosis Fund for Research, in care of the Trustees of Columbia University, Office of Development, 630 West 168th Street, P&S 2-421, New York, NY 10032.

Source: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/nytimes/obituary.aspx?n=david-storrs&pid=191784669