Robert R. Tilson

1932 - 2016

Robert R. Tilson 1932—2016
Mr. Robert R. Tilson, of Rockford, IL, passed away Friday, May 20, 2016, at the age of 84. Bob was born to parents, Robert and Lena Tilson on April 4, 1932, in Asheville, NC. He grew up in Burnsville, N.C. and graduated from Burnsville High School in 1950. He worked his way through college and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 1959. He worked as a Mechanical Engineer for General Electric, TRW and Reliance Electric in the 50's and 60's. A fuel pump patented in his name sits in a B-70 bomber in the National Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from Case Western University with a Master's degree in Business Administration in 1971. Bob married Joan Murphy in 1964, and the couple has three sons. In 1972, Bob brought his family to Rockford to work for Sundstrand working in International Relations, traveling the world. In 1981, he started his own business, Tilson Platinum Group, which grew into a nationally recognized merger and acquisition advisory firm serving clients locally and nationally. Bob was passionate about Scouting. He and his 3 sons are Eagle Scouts and he served as Blackhawk Area Council President and earned the coveted Silver Beaver Award in 1995. He also served as Chairman of the Chicago Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth, and President of the Board at Burpee Museum of Natural History and was named a Paul Harris Fellow for Rotary International. He was active member in the Rotary Chapter in Rockford. Later in life, Bob loved antique British cars. He loved tinkering with his red 1967 Jaguar XK-E and 1962 Austin Healy and swapping stories with his British Boots and Bonnets & Jaguar Car Club friends. Most of all, Bob was proud of his sons, their accomplishments and contributions to the world. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Joan; their sons, Rob (Ruth) of Aldie, VA, John (Mary) of Winnetka, IL and David (Alisa) Tilson of Chicago, IL; seven grandchildren, Victoria, Clark, Fiona, Eliza, Thomas, Samantha and Owen Tilson. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas Tilson; nephew Thomas Tilson II; as well as his cousin, Owen Tilson. The family wishes to thank the Staff and Caregivers at Comfort Keepers of Rockford, especially Debbie and Brenda, as well as the Nurses and Staff at St. Anne's Center of Rockford for the tender and affectionate care they gave Bob and Joan after his stroke in 2013.
Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2821 N Bell School Rd, Rockford, IL. Memorial service at 11 a.m. in the church. Luncheon to follow. The family is grateful for the condolences. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bob's name to Rockford Rotary Club (www.rockfordrotary.org) or Blackhawk Area Council of Boy Scouts, 2820 McFarland Rd., Rockford, IL 61107. To share a memorial or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd.