Robert (Bob) Harbert |
| Posted 2014-11-17 by Sharla |
| Vistoso Funeral Home, Oro Valley, Arizona Robert “Bob” Harbert, 81, passed peacefully from Casa de La Luz Hospice on October 8, 2014. His wife, Kathleen “Kathy”, and his two sons, Jeffrey and Michael, were at his side. Bob had a long and rewarding life. He was born on March 18, 1933 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He moved with his family to Pueblo Colorado in 1946 and graduated from high school there in 1951. He served in the United States Navy aboard a mine sweeper from 1951 – 1955. Bob returned to attend Pueblo Junior College, receiving an AA degree in 1958. He transferred to the University of Colorado, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering in 1961. He began a 30 year career with Reynolds Metals Company in 1961, starting work in Phoenix, Arizona, where he designed aluminum electrical tower and substation structures. He was promoted to Plant Superintendent of Aluminum Fabrication in Richmond, Virginia in 1967 and Manager of Reynolds Electrical Tower and Substation Operations there in 1969. In 1970, Bob was promoted to Plant Manager of Reynolds Aluminum Cable Plant in Malvern, Arkansas. He successfully guided the plant to greater efficiency and profitability within a year after his arrival. He was named to “Who’s Who in South and Southwest Business” 1978 – 1979. Bob participated in numerous community activities in Arkansas. He became a member of the Board of Directors of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce in 1973, and was elected President of the Camber in 1979. He initiated the Junior Achievement Program in 1975 – 1976 while serving on the Chamber Board. He was also active in United Way, serving as Campaign Chairman in 1978 and President of United Way in 1982. Finally, he served as Grand Knight and State District Deputy of the Knights of Columbus in Arkansas. Bob retired in 1991 after 30 years with Reynolds, where he was a pioneer in both the design and manufacture of aluminum products. After living several years in Virginia, he and Kathy moved to Arizona in 2001. Throughout his retirement Bob has been active in local church and communities. He was a member of the Santa Catalina Catholic Church. Bob was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January of 2014 and successfully underwent a six-week course of radiation and chemotherapy which ended in remission. He recovered quickly and traveled to Virginia to spend quality time with his sons and their families, including his four grandchildren. Upon returning to Arizona his health steadily declined until he acquired pneumonia in both lungs. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Ruth Harbert. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years of marriage, Kathy, and two sons Jeffery and Michael (Amy), three brothers; Jack (Betty), Charles (Kay), and Jim (Marianna), his sister-in-law Peggy (Jim) Spitzer; and four grandchildren Jessica, Meghan, Julia, and Zachary; and many nieces and nephews and the many friends with whom he enjoyed life. A Memorial Mass to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at Santa Catalina Catholic Church in Tucson on Friday, November 7th at 1:00pm. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to a charity of your choice. |
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