Robert A. Butler ’59

Bob died Feb. 16, 2014, due to complications from pneumonia. He had been incapacitated for several months following a serious skiing accident in 2013.

Born in Framingham, Mass., and coming to Princeton from Erie, Pa., Bob majored in the Woodrow Wilson School, sailed with the yacht club, and ate at Campus Club. Following graduation he earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, where he was an editor of the law review. Bob took an associate position with the Shearman & Sterling law firm in New York City in the field of major-securities litigation. He nurtured his passion for skiing during this time, on slopes in Vermont, Canada, Austria, and Switzerland.

In 1969, Bob moved on to Union Carbide, where he became chief litigation counsel, handling such high-profile cases as the Bhopal gas-release in India, and the multitude of asbestos workers’ claims against his company. He retired from Union Carbide in 2001.

In the 1990s, Bob competed successfully in U.S. Ski Association Masters Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super G races. He was a member of the Wolfpit Running Club in Ridgefield, Conn., and an avid cyclist.

Bob is survived by Liz, his wife of 47 years; his sister, Connie; children Christopher, Deborah, and Jennifer; and six grandchildren. We have sent condolences.