Robert Yohe

Robert L. Yohe Bonita Springs, FL

Robert L. Yohe died at his home in Bonita Springs, FL on October 13, 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born May 11, 1936 in Flushing, NY to Berdene (Walker) and Robert C. Yohe, he attended Baldwin High School on Long Island. After graduating from Lafayette College, he served in the Navy on the USS Bristol, where he was known as "Grins" to his shipmates. He achieved the rank of lieutenant and upon discharge, entered Harvard Business School, graduating in 1964 with an MBA.

His highly successful business career included executive management positions at Hooker Chemical, Uniroyal, Inc, and Olin Corporation. Bob was elected executive vice president and member of the board of directors of Olin in 1990. In 1993, he was named vice chairman of Olin and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1994. His corporate board service included Air Gas Corporation, Calgon Carbon Corporation, Albchem Industries Ltd., The Middleby Corporatuon and Marsulex Corporation. He served as volunteer chairman of the board of directors of the Southwestern Area Commerce and Industry Association of Connecticut and chairman of the Connecticut Commission on Educational Excellence.

In 1992, he returned to Lafayette College to serve as a member of the board of trustees where he dedicated himself to giving back to the institution that played such an important role in his life. He was vice-chair of the board of trustees from 2004 to 2007 and vice-chair of the 2004 presidential search committee. He played significant roles on numerous college committees, including investments, finance, career planning and placement, and information technology. Bob was devoted to mentoring students and helping others whenever he could.

He is survived by his wife Judith; and his stepchildren, William H. Huckins (Linda), Elizabeth Huckins Erwin (Matthew) and their children. When he lost his only brother and best friend, Thomas G. Yohe, to pancreatic cancer in 2000, Bob, (affectionately known as "UB") became surrogate father to his nieces and nephews, Thomas E. Yohe, James R. Yohe, Lauren Yohe von Krusenstiern, Suzanne Yohe Tessitore, Colin R. Seely, Darren C. Seely and their 13 children who survive him.

An avid golfer, Bob enjoyed annual trips with HBS classmates. He belonged to the Bonita Bay Club and the Royal Poinciana Golf Club in Florida. He and Judy maintained a summer home in Bethlehem, PA, to be close to Lafayette College and belonged to the Saucon Valley Country Club.

Bob was both an inveterate bird hunter and dedicated conservationist. He enjoyed shooting quail over dogs in the South and driven birds in England. In the past few years he returned to an early passion, hunting wild pheasants, this time on the great plains of South Dakota.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 14th in Colton Chapel, Lafayette College, Easton, PA at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert L. Yohe '58 Scholarship Fund at Lafayette College or to Hope Hospice of Lee County, FL

We will all miss Bob very much.

Please sign guestbook

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