ROBERT W. BATCHELDER

BATCHELDER, ROBERT W. Bob's family was by his side as he passed away on August 12, 2011 from complications of gastric cancer and after a 20 year battle with multiple sclerosis. Bob was born in Washington, D.C. on March 2, 1945, but claimed Bloomington, Indiana as his hometown and was a proud "Hoosier". In 1967, he graduated from Indiana University and continued his education there, receiving a Masters of Business Administration. While attending college, Bob joined the IU Rugby Club and was part of the championship team that won the Mid America Cup and Big Ten Tournament. After serving in the Navy during the Vietnam War, he received his Juris Doctorate from University of San Diego School of Law in 1974. A position with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Honors Attorney Program brought Bob and his wife, Sai to Northern Virginia where they called home for the next 23 years. He remained with the DOT in his new role as the Assistant Chief Counsel for The Urban Mass Transportation Administration. In 1978, he received the Lawrence Schneider Award as the department's outstanding young attorney. In 1981, Bob accepted a position with the American Public Transportation Association in Washington, D.C. He was the Chief Counsel and Deputy Executive Vice President of Government Affairs until his retirement in 1996. He and his wife then returned to San Diego and settled in Chula Vista, California. During his retirement, Bob remained active despite health challenges. He was an avid gardener and loved working in his vegetable garden. He also looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Colorado and Mammoth. Bob was a longtime volunteer with the Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego and served as their Treasurer. He also became involved with the local chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, attending weekly swim classes. Bob and "Bob's Buddies" actively participated in the annual MS Walk and was consistently a top fundraiser. The highlight of this year was the birth of his first grandchild in January. Hayes will miss his weekly visits with Grandpa. Bob will be especially remembered for his warm smile, quick wit, kindness and generosity. He kept a positive attitude despite difficult circumstances and always remained optimistic. Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Hisae; daughter, Kira (Matt) Thompson; grandson, Hayes; brother, William (Ece) Batchelder; nieces, Iona, Jennifer, Sarah; and many other family members and friends. At Bob's request, no services will be held. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego (JAHSSD), P.O. Box 22349, San Diego, CA 92192 or the American Public Transportation Foundation (APTF) General Scholarship Fund, 1666 K. Street, N.W., Suite 1100, Washington, D.C. 20006.