Robert "Bob" J. Lange

Columbus - Robert "Bob" John Lange, born on October 31, 1930, in Los Angeles, passed away on March 21, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. Bob was a proud graduate of Compton High School and Compton College in 1948, setting the stage for his bachelor's degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1952. Bob's naval career included a commission as an officer aboard the USS Halsey Powell, a Fletcher-class destroyer assigned to accompany the USS Battleship Missouri during the Korean War. Furthering his education, Bob earned a bachelor's degree in foreign trade from Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management in 1958, where he delivered the graduation speech in French. His linguistic prowess extended to German, Spanish, and Mandarin, enhancing his international business career. Bob was known for his dedication to his career in international business, and his wit, humor, and interest in multicultural experiences. To that end, he embarked on a distinguished 39-year tenure with Goodyear International Corporation in 1958 (GIC) as a sales trainee in Goodyear's executive management development program. Then in 1960 he began a fifteen-year international assignment overseas by beginning in Ghana as a regional representative. He then transferred to Peru as a manager of the tire department in 1963. In 1966, he became tire zone manager in Ivory Coast. He was then promoted to managing director, Goodyear Austria in 1967. After working with Goodyear sales in Great Britain in 1968, he was appointed sales director, Goodyear Germany in 1969 and returned to Austria in 1971 as managing director. Upon moving to Goodyear headquarters in Akron, Ohio, Bob became sales manager for the Natural Rubber Division where he was in charge of sales and distribution of natural rubber and latex in domestic and international markets. He transitioned to Goodyear Export based in San Francisco, CA until he retired from GIC. Bob was proud to serve Goodyear for his entire career where he was fortunate to flourish as a citizen of the world and where he made lifelong, dynamic friendships. With his love of diverse cultures, languages, and international cuisine, Bob was always embracing new experiences while enriching the lives of those with whom he worked and played. He volunteered for the Canal Society of Ohio, the U.S Census, the Boy Scouts, in his wife Lani's recovery bookstore, and served on the vestry at St. Paul's Episcopal church. An avid skier, traveler, sailor, gardener, and reader, Bob was most content when he was enjoying his time with family and friends over a good meal or on the road to unexplored places. Bob will be dearly missed by his family including his daughter Leslie (Mossy) Kennedy of Long Beach, CA and his son Chris Lange of Naperville, IL. He is preceded in death by his father, Captain Frederick Lange; his mother, Elizabeth De Kay; his son Andrew (Jennifer) Lange; his first wife, Lani Lange; and his second wife Patricia Lange. Bob will be forever held in deep affection by his grandchildren, Catherine, Evan, Mitchell, Connor, and Madison. His life's journey, marked by professional dedication, cultural exploration, and community involvement, will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.