Robert Herdman

YORK - Robert Herdman, 85, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Bob was born Nov. 21, 1925, in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada. He was educated in the Corner Brook Public Schools; Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick (1948); McGill University in Montreal, Quebec (Mechanical Engineering Degree 1950); Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard University (1974).

Bob is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Tipping Herdman; sister, Doris Cross of Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada; daughter, Lynda and husband, Jim Johnson of Knoxville, Tenn.; daughter, Robin and husband,, Gary Paul of Juneau, Alaska; daughter, Susan Herdman of York, S.C.; daughter, Janet and husband, Greg Dukes of Lincolnton, Ga.; and seven grandchildren, Michelle and Brad Johnson, Garrett, Austin, and Carson Paul, Janelle and Taylor Dukes. Bob is also survived by niece, Leslie Cross of Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada and nephew, Ted Cross and family of Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Bob is predeceased by his parents, William and Martha Herdman, Joan's parents P.G. and Nellie Tipping, brother-in-law, Stan Cross, and nephew, Bill Cross, formerly of Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada.

Bob began his career at Bowater Pulp and Paper Company, Ltd. in Corner Brook as a design engineer in 1950. Prior to permanent employment by the company, Bob worked his summers as apprentice in the hydroelectric and the mechanical departments. He was promoted to Resident Engineer in 1956 and Plant Engineer in 1957. In 1961, Bob transferred to the Bowater Engineering and Development Company in Calhoun, Tenn., where he oversaw the building of the No.1 coated paper machine. Upon completion of this operation, Bob was promoted to Manager of Bowater Hardboard Mill in Catawba, S.C. The mill was sold to U.S. Plywood and Bob returned to the Bowater Carolina Paper Mill where he was appointed President and General Manager of Bowater Carolina Corporation. In the mid 1970's he was responsible for the building of a 360 inch Newsprint Machine, affectionately named "Ol' Blue" by the mill staff. In 1978 he was transferred to the Bowater Incorporated Administrative office in Greenwich, Conn., Bob then became Vice President of Manufacturing responsible for the Bowater Paper and Saw Mills in North America. In 1981 Bowater moved its corporate headquarters from Greenwich, to Greenville, S.C., where Bob worked until he retired in 1990.

After retirement, he decided to live on Lake Wylie. Bob loved the people and opportunities that existed in this country so he and Joan proudly choose to become American Citizens in 1992.

In Canada, Bob served in the Canadian Army and was a member of the Canadian Legion and Masonic West Gate Lodge. He continued to support many collegiate and provincial foundations throughout his life. In the United States, he also supported many organizations and charities with time, wisdom, guidance and financial contributions. His involvements included the Board of Directors and Treasurer of the S.C. United Methodist Foundation, Inc., member of St. John's UMC, the Rock Hill Country Club, Greenville County Club, Greenville Poinsettia Club, and a variety of Greenville and Rock Hill civic and community organizations. He also served on the Board of Rock Hill's Citizens and Southern Bank and First Federal Bank, and was a supporter of the York County Cultural Museum, McClevey Center and many more.

His numerous hobbies included boating, gardening, golfing, fly fishing, skiing, playing cribbage, and travelling with his wife, Joan. He was a loving and devoted patriarch of his family and believed in the overall well-being of others. His influence and love of family was reflected in his every action. His thoughtfulness, kindness and devotion to family and friends will never be forgotten.

The family will be receiving friends during the week at home. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 25, at St. John's United Methodist Church. Visitation with family will follow the ceremony.

Memorials may be made to St. John's United Methodist Church Building Fund in Rock Hill; the William Herdman Scholarship Fund in Corner Brook; or a charity of your choice in memory of Robert Herdman.

Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel is serving the family.