Ronald E. Burton (SESP60), 67, Boston, Sept. 13. A legend among Wildcat athletes and football fans, Mr. Burton was an All-American halfback for Ara Parseghian's Wildcats in 1957-59, ranked fourth on NU's all-time list for career rushing touchdowns and was a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. He was named NCAA Back of the Year and nominated for the Heisman Trophy in 1959, when the Wildcats were at the top of the national rankings after their first six games.

In 1960 Mr. Burton was the first player drafted by the American Football League's Boston Patriots. He played for the Patriots for six years and later achieved success in the insurance industry.

Having overcome poverty himself, he founded and ran a summer camp for inner-city youths in the Boston area. He was awarded the NAA's Alumni Service Award in 1978 and the Service to Society Award in 2000.

A new wing of Harold Anderson Hall will be named the Ron Burton Academic Advising Center in his honor. It is expected to be completed in 2005. "Ron Burton's spirit and legacy will live on in the new facility bearing his name," said University President Henry S. Bienen. "He was one of the finest people and ambassadors for Northwestern I was fortunate to meet."

Mr. Burton's children are all Northwestern alumni. Along with his wife, JoAnn, they survive: Elizabeth (WCAS85), Stephen (WCAS85, GJ88), Ron Jr. (WCAS88), Philip (C94, GJ95) and Paul (C96, GJ98). The four sons all played Wildcat football, and the youngest was a member of the 1996 Rose Bowl team.

John Fanklin "Jack" Clancy

John Franklin "Jack" Clancy (C59), 66, South Padre Island, Texas, July 12. He founded and served as president of Publishing Concepts, a publisher of alumni directories for colleges and other associations. He retired in 1999.

Mr. Clancy served as director of the Northwestern clubs of Chicago and Dallas, co-chaired the Alumni Admissions Council in Dallas and was a member of the John Evans Club and Annie May Swift Society. In 1991 he was awarded the Alumni Service Award.

He is survived by his wife, Paula (C59); a son, Andrew (KSM94); a daughter, Allison Clancy Hinshaw; and three grandchildren.

Gordon B. "Don" Thomas

Gordon B. "Don" Thomas (SESP90), 35, San Francisco, June 6. A passionate filmmaker, Mr. Thomas began making films at the age of 8 and grew to become an internationally recognized and award-winning filmmaker.

His last film, Pedro & Tony, was shown in more than 50 festivals, both nationally and internationally, including the Chicago International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, where it was awarded the 2003 Best Animation Prize. Mr. Thomas' other films won five national and seven state-level festival awards.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his domestic partner, Ronman Ng; mother, Elaine; father, Richard; stepmother, Sharon; sisters Lisa, Jennifer and Kate; and brothers Chris and Joel (McC89).

Victor Eugene Walker

Victor Eugene Walker (WCAS41), 84, Glenview, Ill., Aug. 1. With his brothers Everett (WCAS43) and H. Richard (WCAS47), Mr. Walker operated the Walker Bros. Snack Shops in Evanston, popular eateries of 1948-62. In 1960 Victor and Everett opened the Walker Bros. Original Pancake House in Wilmette, now with six Midwest locations.

While working in naval stateside intelligence in World War II, Mr. Walker helped manage his uncle's California restaurant. He returned to Evanston and opened the snack shops and also introduced Kentucky Fried Chicken to the Chicago area.

Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his wife, Frances. He is survived by his brothers; sons Ray, Victor Jr. and Richard; and two grandchildren.