Robert Chapman Edwards ’41

Bob Edwards died Oct. 12, 1996, in Sonoma, Calif., after suffering from Alzheimer's disease for several years. As v.p. of research and development for the Cook Electric Co. he had been instrumental in supplying devices for the early NASA space launches.

Born in Chicago, Bob prepared at the Elgin Academy and Choate and was an honors graduate in economics. His sports were crew and sailing, and his club was Quadrangle. The Navy taught him meteorology and assigned him to the Aleutians, where this arcane science helped PBY Catalinas fly in weather so dismal that seagulls stayed grounded. After the war he got an engineering degree at Northwestern, and his creative career was launched. Bob and his wife, Elizabeth Rinehimer, kept homes in Kenilworth and San Francisco.

Other survivors include daughters Kathryn Johnston, Mary, and Virginia, three grandchildren, and a brother, Alfred '37. To all of them, and to Betty, we extend our deep sympathy.

The Class of 1941