Sam Muir Atherton, Jr., known as Muir to his friends and Bo to a small circle of intimates, passed away on March 11, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy marked by his wry sense of humor, his extraordinary vision, and a lifelong appreciation for art and architecture, especially the cathedrals and forgotten Romanesque chapels of Europe. Muir possessed a deep affinity for music in nearly all its forms, along with a discerning love of fine cuisine paired with obscure wine vintages. He was particularly drawn to the bistros of Paris and the quiet, out-of-the-way auberges of Provence where authentic French cooking endured. Educated at Princeton in the class of 1968 and later at Wharton, his intellectual curiosity remained a constant throughout his life.
He is survived by his adoring ex-wife, Bethany du Val d’Epremesnil (Romain); his sons, Sam Muir Atherton III and Winfield Gates Atherton; his brother, Peter Lynn Atherton (Julie); his sister, Carolynn Muir Atherton Kimura (Walter, deceased); and his niece, Emma Rose Atherton Blodgette Palylyk. Muir was predeceased by his youngest son, Wells Coleman Atherton.
Born in 1946, Muir will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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