Robert Sloane Custer ’55

Bob, whose talents ranged from hiking the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal at 17,000 feet to making great chocolate chip cookies and salmon quiche, died April 16, 2024, at home in Corvallis, Ore., with his wife and family.

He was born Dec. 27, 1933, in Garden City, N.Y. He attended Garden City High School, where he was active in student government, school band, lacrosse, and the National Honor Society.

At Princeton, he joined Tower Club and majored in chemical engineering. He won major numerals in freshman football and lacrosse and played JV football and varsity lacrosse, including with Princeton’s 1953 national championship lacrosse team. Bob also participated in IAA pingpong and pool. His senior-year roommate was Don Emmons. After graduation he was drafted into the National Guard, received an MBA from Harvard, and in 1957 married Gerry Raymond of Chappaqua, N.Y. Bob’s career was largely focused on chemical and mining companies.

Bob was a fierce bridge and poker player and loved to play tennis. From when his two sons were able to join the Boy Scouts, he was their hiking and canoeing leader. He backpacked in the Rockies and with his sons bicycled and hiked in Europe. With his wife he enjoyed good food, exploring Oregon’s many wineries, watching football, and attending local symphony orchestras and theater. For business and pleasure Bob traveled to every continent except Antarctica.

Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gerry; sons David and Jonathan ’84; and two grandchildren.