Robert William Mayer ’42

Bob died Dec. 11, 1997, at home in Fort Pierce, Fla., after a long battle with bone cancer that included using experimental drugs. A loyal, dedicated Princetonian, he never missed a reunion (the only classmate to do so) and usually was first to sign in. As associate editor of many early class yearbooks, Bob could never do enough for '42, using his expertise in research to make the statistics readable and interesting.

Bob attended Northwood School, majored in psychology, and was a member of Key & Seal. During WWII, he was a forward observer liaison pilot with the Army in the Pacific theater, attaining the rank of captain, and received the Army Air Medal of Honor.

After the war he began a business career in research, initially with Gallup & Robinson in Princeton, and later with Young & Rubicam advertising agency in NYC, becoming assistant director of marketing, research and development. He resigned in 1970, moved to Florida, and founded a recreational boating venture, Waterbird, that fell victim to the oil (gas) shortage in the early 1970s. He continued to be active in civic affairs, acting, and maintaining his love affair with the Class of '42. Imaginative, innovative, warm, and outgoing, he will be missed by all who came in contact with him.

To his sons, Gerrit and Wing; his two grand-daughters; and his companion, Wilma Cowles, the class offers its most sincere condolences.

The Class of 1942