Robert Clarke Fauver

FAUVER

ROBERT CLARKE FAUVER "Bob"

Robert Clarke Fauver "Bob" passed away on January 20, 2022, in Olney, MD. He was 78 years old. He was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC, and attended Ohio Wesleyan University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in economics. While there, he met the love of his life, Patricia. They married shortly after his graduation and were together for over 55 years until his passing.



Bob was a dedicated civil servant, spending 30 years in government service, before moving on to provide consulting services for international clients. After obtaining his master's degree in economics from the University of Maryland, he began his government career at the US Department of the Treasury, where he worked from 1970 until 1989 in various roles dealing with international trade policy. He was a key player in the Yen-Dollar negotiations, the first bilateral financial services agreement with Japan, which led to the liberalization and internationalization of Tokyo financial markets. Bob was instrumental in designing the Plaza Accord, a program which realigned exchange rates among the G-5 nations, as well as the US-Canada Free Trade Agreement.



In 1989, was recruited to the State Department as Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia and the Pacific. He advised the President and the National Security Advisor on international economic and financial policies. He designed and negotiated the first Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) body, a group which has grown to include 22 members, including the simultaneous presence of China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. As Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, he provided a strong focus on matters of international trade. The Japanese Foreign Minister awarded Bob a Commendation for his achievements in contributing to the friendship and goodwill between Japan and the United States. In 1993-94, he acted as the personal representative of President Clinton to the annual industrial country economic summits.



His government career continued until his "retirement", in roles at the National Intelligence Council and the US Department of State. In 2000, he left the federal government behind, but he continued working in the field, doing private international economic consulting with a particular focus on Asian clients. He also continued his longtime relationship with the University of Toronto's research team focusing on international economic summits.



While not wrestling with the economic problems facing the world, Bob enjoyed honing his golf game, and he loved playing with his friends and his son. Most notably, he won his club's senior championship in 2010. Bob could often be seen driving his bright red Miata on his way to watch his grandson play ice hockey. He thoroughly enjoyed discussions of policy and government and he continued to serve as a mentor for younger colleagues.



Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia; his son Clarke and daughter-in-law Jennifer; his sister Anne; and his grandson Andrew. A memorial service will be held at a later date, when health restrictions are lifted. Anyone wishing to honor Bob's memory can make donations to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.