Robert B. McDonald

Date of Death: May 14, 2012

Robert “Rob” McDonald, 75, died on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Creasy Springs in Lafayette, Indiana following a year-long battle against cancer. Born October 31, 1936 in Seattle, Washington he was the son of the late Theodore Day and Elizabeth Wood McDonald.

Rob attended Robert A. Long high school in Longview, Washington and is survived by his brother Ted with whom he attended Yale University. He graduated from Yale in 1958 with a degree in chemical engineering. Rob went on to receive a master?s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Washington in 1960.

Rob started his career in the research and development area for Monsanto Chemicals in Springfield, Massachusetts which led to stints living in several states as well as Canada. From 1969 until the time of his retirement in 1998, Rob was employed at Great Lakes Chemical Corporation, where he rose to the position of President and CEO. Rob also served on the Board of Directors of a number of companies, including Lafayette Bank and Trust, Huntsman Chemical, OCTEL and the Krannert School of Management.

Rob was a generous supporter of his community through his donations and fund-raising efforts. He served on the Foundation Board of the Art Museum of Greater Lafayette, spearheaded with his wife Eleanore the concept for and the creation of the Riverside Ice Skating Rink in Tapawingo Park, served on the St. John?s Episcopal Church vestry, and participated in the March of Dimes “Gourmet Gala” charity events. He was declared a lifetime member of the President?s Council at Purdue University, where he was also a member of the John Purdue Club. Rob was awarded Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Frank O?Bannon in 1998, Indiana?s highest honor for distinguished humanitarian leadership. Other civic activities included hosting events for then Governor Evan Byah and Senator Richard Lugar. He was involved in the Lafayette Symphony and hosted the first Lafayette Symphony Ball. Rob was an active member of the Lafayette Country Club, the Bay Colony Club and Quail West Golf Club in Naples, Florida.

Surviving with his brother are his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Eleanore; his son, James A. McDonald and wife Lynne of Great Falls, Virginia; as well as his daughter Kylie R. McDonald of Chicago, Illinois. Rob loved spending time with his three granddaughters, Lauren, Amanda, and Sarah, who were a source of great joy in his life. Rob was predeceased in death by his oldest son, Christian in 1983.

He will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, an inspiring example for his children, a community leader, a golf enthusiast, and for the ease with which he made his many friends.

Memorial Service and burial will take place this Monday, May 21st at 1 pm at St. John?s Episcopal Church, Lafayette, Indiana. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions direct them to the: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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Eleanore and Family,

I never had the opportunity to meet any of Rob&s family members but , just as all of you, I knew Rob as a very great caring person. I worked for Great Lakes Chemical for 35 years. I worked with Rob in the Corporate Engineering Division both in El Dorado, AR and Memphis for many of those years. Rob always required us to be accountable, but he was fair to all. I can honestly say that I would not be where I am in my career today if it were not for Rob&s rigid expectations and strong work ethic. I will always remember Rob as a great friend and mentor.

May God bless you during these trying times.

In Christ,

Buddy Rowe

I was very saddened to learn about Rob&s passing. I had the pleasure of working for Rob during his last two years as CEO.

Rob was a good man who worked very hard to make certain that his decisions were fair and best for all concerned. Both he and Eleanor were very good to me and to my family and he will always hold a special and very fond place in my thoughts.

I know that no words can ease the pain of his passing. Please know that he touched many lives and that there are many people who have Rob and you in their thoughts and prayers.

Dear Ellie and family,

Rob was a great husband, family man, business man, and a fun person to be with.

We will really miss him...he was too young to pass away. Ellie, this has to be very hard on you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.

We will treasure our many fun times we had together.

Love,

Jean and Dave

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.