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Robert Malott

1926 - 2018

Robert Malott obituary, 1926-2018, Palo Alto, CA

Robert Malott Obituary

Robert H. Malott

Oct 6, 1926 - Apr 4, 2018

Robert Harvey Malott, former CEO and Chairman of FMC Corporation, died on Wednesday, April 4.

He was born in Boston on October 6, 1926 to Deane W. Malott and Eleanor Thrum Malott and had two younger sisters, Edith and Janet. The family moved first to Honolulu before relocating to Lawrence, Kansas where his father was named Chancellor of University of Kansas.

At the age of 16, Malott enrolled at the University of Kansas where he studied chemistry and played basketball. A year later, he enlisted in the Navy and served on an electronics repair ship stationed in San Francisco. After World War II, he returned to University of Kansas to finish his bachelor's degree, earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1950, and attended New York University Law School.

Malott worked for two years on the faculty of Harvard Business School before joining FMC Corporation in 1952. Bob met Elizabeth "Ibby" Hubert and the two were married in 1960. The couple had three children; Elizabeth, Barbara, and Deane.

In 1971, at age forty-five, he was elected CEO and soon moved FMC's headquarters from San Jose to Chicago to better oversee the diverse operations of the company. Throughout his two decades at the helm, Malott guided the company through significant global growth, leadership challenges and successfully defended the company from a hostile takeover attempt in the late 1980s by using innovative debt strategies. He retired from FMC in 1991.

Malott served on multiple corporate boards including Amoco, Argonne National Laboratory, Bell & Howell, Continental Illinois Bank, and United Technologies.

He was a dedicated philanthropist and served as a life director of the Lyric Opera Company of Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden. He served as chairman of the board of overseers of the Hoover Institution, a director of the American Enterprise Institute, and a trustee of the University of Chicago and the Aspen Institute. Malott was also chairman of the board of the National Museum of Natural History, on the boards of the Public Broadcasting Service, the National World War II Museum, and the National Academy of Sciences, and was a laureate of the Lincoln Academy of Illinois.

Malott was active in local and national politics, including serving as the finance chairman for James R. Thompson's three terms as Illinois governor.

He had a true passion for jazz music, photography and exploration travel. Malott ran the Colorado River in a wooden dory during the filming of a 1960 documentary about John Wesley Powell which led to a sixty-year membership in the Explorers Club. His love of adventure travel took him to both the South and North Poles, a dog sledded across Greenland, a circumnavigation of the Artic on an icebreaker, safaris in Africa, and countless family adventures.

Ibby predeceased him in 2003. Robert is survived by his three children, Liza, Barbara, and Deane; sons-in-law Chris Pohle and Keith Kizziah, daughter-in-law Jill Malott; and six grandchildren, Andrew, Elizabeth, Henry, Lane, Caroline and Clayton, and his sister, Janet Elliot.

A memorial service will be held at the Kenilworth Union Church on May 22, 2018 at 3pm. Donations may be made to the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 12 to Apr. 16, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
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Gordon Clemons

April 6, 2023

I continue to recall my favorite Bob Malott stories and endeavor to pass along his teachings to the next generation.

Gordon Clemons

April 6, 2019

I think of Bob often throughout the year. It is a great blessing to have worked with a leader who so clearly believed in our ability to succeed; that is a gift we carry with us always.

Sympathy Floor Basket - White

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Carol Stitzer

May 7, 2018

Dear Liza and Barb,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I will never forget my years at Lyric Opera when I had the prividledge of working with him. He was an inspirational and straight forward board member who always made sure we were successful. I am also pleased to have met both of you and hope you are doing well during these difficult times. One thing I am certain you are thankful for is the fact that he lived his life to the fullest and motivated others to do the same.
Unfortunately I am out of the country and will not be able to join you for the memorial service on May 22 but will be there in spirit and thinking about both of you and your families.
Much love,
Carol Stitzer

Doug Gray

April 30, 2018

Dear Deane and Family,

Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. Bob was a very special man in so many ways. I'll see you and your family at the memorial service. Thinking of you and fond memories of Bob.

Mari Adam

April 29, 2018

Liza, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. It's always such a difficult time to lose a parent. With my sympathy and warmest wishes,
Mari Adam
(former USIA)

Alan Schriesheim

April 28, 2018

I got to know Bob when I was Argonne National Laboratory Director. Bob was on the Board and a very effective and astute Board member. My wife and I became good friends Of Bob and Ibby.
A loss to family and friends.

Jeanne ONeil

April 28, 2018

Dear Barbara, Dan and I were sorry to hear about your Dad. We send our sympathy to you and your family. We will be thinking of you and remembering you in our prayers. With love, Jeanne and Dan ONeil

Elaine Woody LeBuhn

April 28, 2018

Dear Family: I was so fond of Bob from the first day I met him when I worked for the Aspen Institute and he was a Trustee. His wit, wisdom and sharp tongue were a welcome part of our Trustee meetings!!!! I will miss our telephone conversations.....Elaine Woody LeBuhn

Sara Leyden

April 25, 2018

Barb and family, Im so sorry to hear about your dad. I Know how close you were and remember the wonderful family vacations you shared. May you forever feel him in your heart. Sending lots of prayers and love your way. Sara Malaney Leyden.

Kathy Weber

April 25, 2018

Barb and family, So sorry to hear about your dad. I remember the wonderful charities you all supported through your family foundation. My father actually passed away last Friday. We are all very sad as well. Would love to see you and catch up.

Gordon Clemons

April 16, 2018

A wonderful influence on the lives of a great many. Bob inspired us all to do more.

len cerullo

April 16, 2018

a wonderful man and great philanthropist! You will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend. Len

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Memorial Events
for Robert Malott

May

22

Memorial service

3:00 p.m.

Kenilworth Union Church

CA 60611

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