Pinson, Dr. William H. Jr., 89, of Stow, MA died October 30, 2008 at the VA Hospital in Bedford, MA following a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at the chapel at Bedford VA hospital. Dr. Pinson received his Ph.D. in 1952 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he taught Earth Science and Astronomy until his retirement in 1984. As a Professor Emeritus, Dr. Pinson continued to teach at area colleges and universities including Bentley College, Tufts University and Bridgewater State College until the mid 1990's. Dr. Pinson had a life-long commitment to civil rights and marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Alabama in 1965. He served the country with distinction as a B17 pilot in The Army Air Corp. in World War II and spent two years in a prisoner-of-war camp. He was passionate about restoring violins and had an ongoing love of outdoor life and all things Canadian. He would often share his knowledge with friends and family: as a 4H leader and as a community astronomer, often leading tours of the night sky at his back-yard observatory. He is survived by his wife, Lauma Silins-Pinson of Stow, three children, Merri E. Marino of Watertown, MA, Naomi R. Pinson of Cambridge, MA, Harlow W. E. Pinson of Rio Rancho, NM, a sister Rhett Saunders of Atlanta, GA, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers contributions may made to any organizations that serves veterans. www.lawlerfuneralhome.com Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home 617-323-5600