The Passing of Nathan Krissoff '03 

Nathan Krissoff

On Thursday, December 14 and Friday, December 15, 2006 the flag next Hopkins Hall on the Williams campus was flown at half-staff in honor of Nathan Krissoff.

"Nate was a character," said Eph head swimming coach Steve Kuster. "I would be hard pressed to remember a time that he wasn't smiling. He was very laid back and relaxed on the outside, but on the inside he was a very passionate kid. He loved to race and was a great competitor. As a captain he was able to keep things light, while still motivating his teammates when the time came. He had a very bright future ahead of him and was taken from us far too soon. Williams and Williams swimming have lost a terrific person. We will sorely miss him."

To Faculty and Staff,
I am very sad to report that Nathan Krissoff '03 died this weekend (Dec. 9) while serving as a U.S. Marine in Iraq.

Many on campus will recall him as a political science major and a member of the water polo team and swim team, which he captained his senior year.

Below is a message from his parents, with what's known about his passing and information on how to receive updates on plans for a memorial service.

Best regards,
Wendy W. Hopkins
Director of Alumni Relations

Friends and Family,

We are deeply saddened by the loss of our eldest son, 1st Lt. Nathan M. Krissoff USMC. Commissioned in June 2004, Lt. Krissoff deployed with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in Okinawa, Japan in September, 2006. Lieutenant Krissoff was the battalion's counterintelligence officer. He routinely took part in patrols throughout al-Anbar Province. During his deployment, we were able to speak to him frequently by satellite phone. In every conversation, it was apparent that his Marines were his first priority. He consistently and courageously led them from the front. Through good and bad, he reminded us that the media could not possibly capture the complete picture - the heroism he witnessed among his Marines nor the satisfaction and pride they shared in protecting and defending civilians to create a more stable Iraq. His commitment to his family, the Corps and his country never wavered. He was a tremendously loyal son, brother and American who made the ultimate sacrifice for the defense of his country.

Please send an email to his brother, Austin Krissoff, at akrissoff@hotmail.com, to be included on any further notices as well as dates and exact times for the service. Austin is compiling a contact list so that all friends and family are on the same page logistically during this difficult time. Please feel free to include any other addresses of friends of Nate's that were not included on this list and send them to Austin.