ELMER R. TOWNSLEY, '33 , M.D.'39, A.M.'41, Assistant Professor of Physical Education, died of heart attack at 2 P.M. July 18 while he was leading a class of the physical hardening program in calisthenics. In his honor, nearly 1,800 students in the program staged a mammoth physical fitness review at Ferry Field on July 29.

According to Dr. Warren E. Forsythe, Director of the Health Service, Dr. Townsley knew he had a weak heart, but that he loved his work in physical education so well that he would not give it up. The physical hardening program was largely the creation of Dr. Townsley, who served as chairman of the committee charged with planning the program.

Born December 6, 1907, in Vincennes, Indiana, Dr. Townsley was appointed Instructor of Physical Education in 1929. He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor in 1941 and was slated to succeed Dr. George A. May as Director of Waterman Gymnasium. Dr. Townsley is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jean Webb Townsley, and three small children. An estimated 5,000 persons attended the physical fitness review in Dr. Townsley's honor. They saw the students of "P.E.M. 31," the new physical hardening course, go through mass calisthenics, relays, a tug-of-war, games, and many other activities in which they have become proficient during the first weeks of the program.