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Robert Shriver Obituary

SHRIVER ROBERT SHRIVER Captain, US Navy, (Ret.) (Age 77) Left us on February 18, 2012 in the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Scottsdale, fighting complications in a brave battle with leukemia. The many whose lives he touched will always remember Bob for his kindness, humor and willingness to help anyone in need. His family, friends and community mourn the loss of his wisdom, outstanding leadership and commitment to bringing out the best in every situation he found himself in. Born and raised in New Bern, North Carolina, Bob was influenced by family ties to the Navy (a relative was former Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels). After enlisting and serving in the Korean conflict, Bob was selected for Fleet ROTC. His first duty assignment on the destroyer USS Henley took him to the Cuban area during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After subsequent assignments afloat, Bob transferred to River Flotilla One in South Vietnam where he served as Intelligence Officer for CTG 117.2, Mobile River Force, during the Tet campaign in 1967. He received two Navy Unit Commendations and a Presidential Unit Citation for his actions at Tet, and was a Legion of Merit recipient. A fluent Russian speaker, after his "blue water" duty, Bob attended the National Cryptologic School and served with distinction, including as commanding officer of the Naval Security Group Activity in Azores, Portugal, and in Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico. His final command was the Naval Security Group Activity at the National Security Agency, Ft. Meade, Maryland. After retiring, Bob earned an MPA from the George Washington University and began a life of public service and charity work. As Senior Warden of Ware Episcopal Church in his former home in Virginia, Bob supervised relief efforts to Rwandan refugees. The parish at St. Barnabas will sorely miss his dedicated support to the church's many activities. A renaissance man who adored travel, music, and the arts, Bob and his wife Emily traveled widely and were regular attendees at the Arizona Opera and the New York Metropolitan Opera. Bob is survived by Emily of Scottsdale, his devoted wife of 52 years; children Elizabeth and Andy, of Washington, DC, and Glenn, of Las Vegas, as well as brother George, of Seattle. Memorial service and reception at 3:30 p.m., February 24, at St. Barnabas on the Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona. Color guard burial service March 4, at Ware Episcopal Church, Gloucester, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. Condolences may be sent to Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, or the Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home, Saluda, Virginia.Activity in Azores, Portugal, and in Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico. His final command was the Naval Security Group Activity at the National Security Agency, Ft. Meade, Maryland. After retiring, Bob earned an MPA from the George Washington University and began a life of public service and charity work. As Senior Warden of Ware Episcopal Church in his former home in Virginia, Bob supervised relief efforts to Rwandan refugees. The parish at St. Barnabas will sorely miss his dedicated support to the church's many activities. A renaissance man who adored travel, music, and the arts, Bob and his wife Emily traveled widely and were regular attendees at the Arizona Opera and the New York Metropolitan Opera. Bob is survived by Emily of Scottsdale, his devoted wife of 52 years; children Elizabeth and Andy, of Washington, DC, and Glenn, of Las Vegas, as well as brother George, of Seattle. Memorial service and reception at 3:30 p.m., February 24, at St. Barnabas on the Desert, Scottsdale, Arizona. Color guard burial service March 4, at Ware Episcopal Church, Gloucester, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Family Promise of Greater Phoenix. Condolences may be sent to Messinger Pinnacle Peak Mortuary, or the Bristow-Faulkner Funeral Home, Saluda, Virginia.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Feb. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Caroline Harrison

March 7, 2012

I am so saddened on the loss of such a wonderful man. I loved him and enjoyed our many conversations. I will remember him fondly. My love and prayers remain with his wonderful family. Mr. Shriver, may you rest in peace.

Huntley Galleher

February 28, 2012

All of us are so deeply sorry to learn of the loss of Capt. Shriver. All memories of him will be everlasting. He touched many people's lives that crossed his path, in and around Christchurch School. We will light a candle this coming alumni weekend in his memory. The entire Christchurch community has lost a special and kind individual.

Stuart Huntington

February 27, 2012

Bob Shriver and I met in Navy Language School 50 years ago and Paula and I have counted him and Emily as best friends ever since we served together for two years in Turkey. One cannot forget a man of such character, strength, values and humility: we were so lucky to have the Bob and Emily in our lives!

Sharon Bohan

February 25, 2012

Emily, I was saddened when George and Omar told me about Robert. I was so much hoping to get together with all of you when you came back to the Beach.

My prayers and thoughts to you and your family. Robert will be missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.

Shirley (Eubanks) Lynch

February 24, 2012

Robert and I were both members of New Bern High School Class of 1952 in New Bern, North Carolina, and I last saw him at our Class Reunion in 2007. He was a fine Christian man, and always had a kind word to say to everyone, and was a friend to all who knew him. He will be missed by all who knew him. I send my Deepest Sympathy to his wife Emily and their family.

Barbara Whitson

February 23, 2012

Rest in peace

Barry Eubanks

February 23, 2012

Robert, I celebrate your Eternal Life and cherish the many memories of our friendship. Love to Your Wonderful Family.

tom chapman

February 22, 2012

Bob was truly a southern gemtleman, always gracious and generous with his time, talent and treasure. Rest well dear friend. Love to Emily and family! Hugs TNC

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