Former Billboard chairman William D. Littleford, whose grandfather William H. Donaldson founded the trade publication in 1894, died in Princeton, N.J., on May 14. Littleford and his wife Marian Hastings Towne played an instrumental role in the founding of the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust on Vieques Island in Puerto Rico, whose mission is to protect the unique archeological, physical and ecological environment existing on Vieques in particular the bioluminescent bays found on the island. VCHT supports a broad array of educational programs for the community, with a special focus on children, through lectures, educational exhibits, seminars, publications, computer resources and a unique Vieques scholarship program.

As a mark of Littleford’s commitment to the environmental protection of Vieques, the family asked that in lieu of flowers donations in his memory be made to the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust at Calle Flamboyán 138, Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765.

Painting above: Vieques Coast by Glen Wielgus can be found at http://www.glenwielgus.com/page3.html?page=7

Littleford’s obituary can be found at http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3ia00f4b58276bb2e3cf81d4e72b9b2038