Eulogy for
Roberts F. Brock
Presented by Jim Bodenmiller
Given at Rotary Club June 9, 2009
Roberts F. Brock, 85, passed away on May 21, 2009, at Regency Place. Bob was born
in Clark Co, and graduated from Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg. He attended
IU for two years before serving in the 2nd Armored Division of the Army in WW II,
receiving five battle stars, the Unit Presidential Citation and the Belgian Fourragere. After
serving his country, he received a master's degree in biochemistry from IU.
Bob had a 40 year career in marketing with E.R.Squibb & Sons where he received
several Gogetter Awrds, and was a member of Squibb's Hakeem Honor Society. As
a successful entrepeneur he was the owner of the Pack Rat Antique Shop in downtown
Lafayette for 25 years while still working at Squibb and after retiring.
Bob was a true community servant and a leader as demonstrated by the number of
organizations he served and the numerous leadership position he held. I first met Bob
when I served on the selection committee for the C of C Marquis de Lafayette Awards
and was impressed by how organized he was. He always listened carefully to ideas
from all participants and there was no doubt he was a man of action. Highly motivated
Bob was ready to identify challenges and pursue the solutions to a successful
conclusion.
He was an active member of the Tippecanoe Co Antique Assn, where he was president;
President of the YMCA during the time it moved form downtown to the S 18th st
Location; president of the Optimist club, past commissioner of the Boy Scouts; a
member of the Salvation Army Board; president of Lafayette City Health Board, a life
member and board member of the Tippecanoe Co Historical Ass; president and
organizer of American Field Service Foreign Student program at Jeff HS; a member
and VP of Friendship House Board from its inception to 2005; president of the Laf
Symphony Foundation Board and a member of the LSO Board; a member of the Long
Center for the Performing Arts Board and the Laf Parks Commission; Member of the
Rotary board of directors; a life member of the BPO Elks Club, LCC, American Legion
And Indiana Alumni Club, a 30year member of the John Purdue Club, and a member
Of the C of C and Trustee of Federated Church of West Lafayette.
Bob among his many other accomplishments wrote a column for the J&C called
Antique Connections and spoke to groups on the subject as well as attending national
seminars and continuing education. He was instrumental in securing the Camp Treece
property and developing it into Camp Straight Arrow. Brock Lake and Brock Lane
carry his name in recognition of his contribution to the organization. He also served
as a trustee and member of that Foundation Board. Bob also served as president of
the Stars and Stripes annual event celebrating the 4th of July at Slayter
Center.
Special awards received by Bob included the Sagamore of the Wabash, Marquis de
Lafayette award in 2000 and the Grand Marquis de Lafayette for a life time
Achievement of community service.
Bob's failing health and the inability to physically handle the active life he was used
to was a challenge for him; however, with his many accomplishments through the years
he leaves a legacy to be admired and an inspiration for us all.
Bob is survived by his wife, Valerie Jean, and four children, Thomas (wife Jan) of
Onalaska,Wis; Peggy- Brock Santos (husband,Ed) of Hayden Id,; Robert, Bob ( wife,
Amy) of Austin, Tx; and Jane Brock-Wilson of Wellesley, Mass; two step children,
Sean McAllster (wife, Shelley) of Columbus,IN; and Scott McAllster (wife, Lisa) of
Schererville.
Please observe with me a few moments of silence in memory of our friend and fellow
Rotarian
-
Roberts Brock
Jim Bodenmiller