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Robert Raeburn Obituary
Mr. Raeburn graduated from the Virginia Military Institute.
He distinguished himself as a member of the Institute's swim team, setting southern conference records. He was a very active supporter of the Regiment of Graduates, serving as class agent for the class of 1951 until this past year. Following the sale of N.S. Meyer, Inc. in 2000. Mr. Raeburn donated to the Virginia Military Institute Museum his entire collection of original Civil War Paintings including the well known "Drummer Boy". Mr. Raeburn was a member of the Board of Trustees of the N.Y. Military Academy. He was great supporter of the "Puppies Behind Bars".
Mr. Raeburn was predeceased by his first wife, Joann, who passed away in 1992.
He is survived by his widow, Donna; a daughter, Victoria Benton (Leigh); a son, Robert (Karen); four grandchildren: Christopher, P.J., Kyle, and Lauren; and three great-grandsons.
Friends may call Friday, April 20, 2007 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. with the services at Frank E. Campbell on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the Virgina Military Institute or Puppies Behind Bars.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Raeburn
Henry Pitot
April 13, 2019
hi Bob, you remain in my prayers always, along with all of our brother rats. Hopefully we will all have a class reunion one day with you in heaven, and all our loved ones as well, especially my wife, Julie. Henry
Steve (Glenn) Meader
April 17, 2008
Donna Our prayers go out to you in remembrance of a true giant. We will so miss Bob at every occasion of '51 VMI gatherings.Rest in peace Brother Rat.You did good and always gave from your heart.
Jack '51 and Marie Ross
April 16, 2008
Bob, class will miss you. No reunion will be the same. Marie and I wish to express our deepest sympathies to Donna and the family.
Suzanne Takeda
April 15, 2008
My Dearest Donna, We are so happy and grateful for your return visit to our beautiful Kauai. We will always keep Bob close in our hearts and thoughts as we remember and respectfully acknowledge his leaving us a year ago. Our prayers and aloha are with you and the family always. Suzanne Takeda and the CJ's crew
Frans Kasteel
April 15, 2008
Vickie, Bobby and Donna, this guestbook just came to my attention. Before it goes away I want you to know that for sixty years Bob and Jody continue to be very important persons in my life. I miss them both, but their memory warms my heart as I know it does yours.
Henry Pitot
April 14, 2008
Donna, you, Bob and your family have been in our prayers for more than a year and always will be. He was a wonderful man who will be remembered by all who knew him. We hope and pray that time will ease the pain of his loss for you, although his memory will always be with you and us.
Jeff Powers
April 25, 2007
Bob, along with Donna, lit up the room, whenever they arrived and held all those captive with laughing, love and great stories for all. Donna, the orchids you both gave us for our birthdays last year are full and rewarding us with great memories. My restaurant crew will always remember his smile and humor and most of all,I will remember his TRUE friendship! CJ's waits for your return, Donna, so come back to paradise soon.
Suzanne Takeda
April 25, 2007
In remembrance of our Dearest friend Bob Raeburn, We will always fondly remember you and Donna and the great fun we had together at CJ's in Princeville, Kauai. Thank you for your kindness, graciousness, great generosity and especially the warm Aloha you both displayed to all of us everyday we knew you. We hope that Donna will continue to visit us here and we look forward to her gracing us with her presence soon. With warmest Aloha, Suzanne Takeda
James Spellman, '85 President VMI Alumni Assoc.
April 25, 2007
To all of the Raeburns: Bob was that VMI giant, the life of the room, who never failed to impress us as he recited many VMI memories for us younger guys while in his company. He was a gentleman to all of us, a proud VMI man and his presence and manor will be missed each and everytime VMI men gather here in NY. Rest in Peace, Bob.
Ken Kleinknecht
April 22, 2007
We have had many common goals over the past 40 years. As you pass into our memories, I hope that you can look back with pride at all that has been accomplished. Thanks for being ever the good friend.
Kevin Parent
April 21, 2007
Our heartfelt condolences for the loss of a special man who was full of many terrific stories and who cared deeply for our wonderful aunt.
Kevin, Vero, Dylan & Theo Parent
Dick McFarlin
April 20, 2007
Bob, VMI get-togethers will never be the same without you! Your many faithful years as class agent will never be equaled. We wouldn't let you resign while you were living; we won't let you resign from our memories!
Dick and Clare McFarlin
Robert J. Christie
April 20, 2007
We were like brothers for so many years. Why that got away from us I will never understand. I will always remember the good times & fun we enjoyed together. May you now be at rest.
My condolences to your family.
HOBART RICHEY
April 20, 2007
It will be 60 years in September since we all walked through Jackson Arch together. While we will not all leave together, we will not forget the Brother Rats that proceed us. In the Spirit! Hobart Richey, 1951
Sam & Dew Bass VMI '51
April 20, 2007
Bob was a loyal and dedicated VMI alumnus who always was willing to take on tasks on behalf of the '51 Brother Rats. He will be sorely missed by all.
Brother Rat Sam Scott
April 20, 2007
The VMI class of 1951, has lost its "leader" of more than 55 years. Bob, you served us with all your heart, and showed us all by your love and loyalty, the true meaning of the words "Brother Rat", and we, today, sing to you, the words in VMI's Doxology.."Red, White, and Yellow floats on high..The Institute shall never die..so now Keydets with one voice CRY..God Bless Bob Raeburn and VMI".
Frans and Shirley Kasteel
April 20, 2007
Our condolences to Donna and the family. The VMI Class of 1951 salutes you for all you have done. You have been a very good friend and brother for 60 years.
Sookie and Nancy Hill
April 19, 2007
We appreciate Bob's faithful and generous suupport of VMI. We miss him and he'll be missed by all.
Alan Isserlis
April 19, 2007
On behave of the entire Isserlis family I deliver our heart felt condolences. Long live our memories of your Mom and Dad and the great times our families had together. Alan J. Isserlis
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