An Enduring Inspiration

American Youth Foundation champion and lifelong pursuer of his best Dr. William “Bill” Danforth passed away Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 at age 94.

As the grandson of founder William H. Danforth, Bill spent childhood summers at Miniwanca and stayed directly involved in AYF programs and planning throughout his entire life. He actively served on the board for 57 years. Bill was a hands-on, full-hearted supporter of the AYF’s mission to inspire youth to live lives of purpose. He always believed that, if we do our work well, the greatest result of an AYF experience is inspiration. No one has inspired us more than Bill Danforth.

Bill leaves an impressive legacy of achievements born of his work as a doctor, scholar, chancellor, chairman, founder, board member, advocate, and so much more. He served as chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis from 1971 to 1995. During that 24-year tenure, he grew Washington University into a national research institution. He also served four years as chairman of the WashU board of trustees, and in 1998, he founded the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis.

Bill was a humble man who did not seek attention for his many accomplishments. He believed passionately that our focus should be on making a difference in people’s lives and in the lives of those who will follow. He considered it his duty to use his gifts to better the world for future generation. At every stage of his life, Bill embodied his grandfather’s dare to “Aspire Nobly, Adventure Daringly, Serve Humbly.”

AYF President Anna Kay Vorsteg said Bill did all he could to ensure the AYF’s continued success.

“Bill understood the power and importance of the AYF better than most,” she said. “He was a giant, gentle presence who stood with us in program, in the board room, and always when challenges arose. He showed us that we have more to learn and give at every age and that the pursuit of best is not reserved for the young. I have always felt that the greatest compensation I’ve received while in my role with AYF was time shared with Bill. He was my generous, wise, and loving teacher.”

His roles of husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, uncle, brother, son, and grandson seemed to bring him his greatest joy. He is survived by his brother, former U.S. Sen. John C. Danforth; two daughters, Maebelle Anne Danforth and Elizabeth G. Danforth; and his son and current AYF board chair, David Danforth; 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Family was his deepest source of inspiration. Bill was a kind man of high character who had an unquenchable thirst to understand. He wanted to better the world, and we are the beneficiaries of his tireless work. He will be sorely missed. His light will linger long.

Perhaps because of his height, that twinkle in his eye, his interest in learning from and about others, and his commitment to change the world for the better, I always think of Bill when I see the challenge to ‘Stand tall, think tall, smile tall and live tall.’

— Andi Van Cleve , AYF board secretary

I was privileged to call Bill Danforth a friend and colleague. Bill was quiet and self-effacing, but when he spoke, his comments were always insightful. To me, Bill was an inspiration for a life well lived. He was a true gentle man who will be sorely missed.

—Pat Mulcahy, AYF advisory committee member

He always signed his letters to us grandkids at camp, ‘Devotedly, Granddad.’ He was devoted not just to our family, but to the greater community. While Granddad was devoted to becoming his own best self, it wasn’t in pursuit of a legacy or reputation, but in hopes that it might inspire others to do the same.

— Gray Danforth, grandchild