France, retired University v.p., dies

During his 31 years at the University, France taught economics and served in administrative posts. He joined the faculty in 1956, becoming a full professor in 1962.

He was associate dean for graduate studies in the College of Arts and Science, acting dean of the College, associate provost, and vice president for planning and director of budgets from 1970 to 1987.

France received his bachelor's degree from Oberlin College, and his master's and doctoral degrees from Princeton University. He served in the Air Force during World War II and retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force Reserve.

From the 1950s through the '70s, France was an arbitrator of labor disputes on panels of the American Arbitration Association, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the New York State Board of Mediation. He also was very active in community organizations.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Reitsman France, an adjunct associate professor of art history at the University, of Pittsford; a son, Robert Karl France, of Roanoke, Va.; two daughters, Virginia Grace France, of Champaign-Urbana, Ill., and Kiki France Perry, of Pittsford; two sisters; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., May 2 in Interfaith Chapel on the River Campus. Contributions may be made to the World War II Memorial Fund at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio 44074.