Robert Hackett Traver, of St. Louis, MO, passed away on June 30, 2024.  Born May 5, 1930, in Rockford, Illinois, he was the son of Clarence H. Traver and Jean B. Lawton.  Bob grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he graduated in 1952 with high honors from the University of Wisconsin with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.  After college, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1955, where he served for three years, and achieved the rank of LTJG.  During his final year in the Navy, he was assigned to and stationed in Malta from 1957-1958, which also afforded him the opportunity to travel extensively throughout Europe and Africa, and where he developed a love for travel.  

Following his military service, Bob worked as a Project Engineer for various product industries, including Carrier Corporation and the Naval Ordnance Test Station in California.  He also served for many years as Project Engineer and Project Manager with the Air Force base in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois, before retiring in 1996. 

Since childhood, Bob had a passion for flying.  While in the Navy, he trained to fly jets and mastered the art of landing on an aircraft carrier.  With help from the GI Bill, he successfully received his license to fly private planes, and subsequently bought a share in an airplane and later owned a small homebuilt airplane, which he flew every chance he could.  In addition to flying, he excelled at white water canoeing, biking, and was an avid gardener.  His love for travel took him on over twenty Road Scholar trips, which included biking along the Elbe River in Germany, canoeing in Yellowstone, and experiencing opera in Santa Fe.  Later in life, he also developed a love for ceramics, and enjoyed trying his hand at making various ceramic treasures for his family.  

Bob is survived by longtime partner, Ruth Bohan of St. Louis, MO, his former wife, Maya Andrau of High Point, NC, two daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret, two sons, Francis (Kim) of High Point, NC, and Darwin of Raleigh, NC, three grandchildren, Erica (Neil) of Seagrove, NC, Madison (Bryan) of High Point, NC, Ethan of High Point, NC, and one great-granddaughter, Harper Kate, of Seagrove, NC. 

Bob will be sorely missed by his whole family.  He is fondly remembered by his grandchildren as always being that grandparent that was “present”, even though many miles separated them.  During his visits, he always made his grandchildren the priority during the visit – slowing down the pace with them and taking the time to enjoy the moments with them, enjoying being outdoors, or reading, or sharing some great stories he’d often have.  He was compassionate, wise, adventurous, and was their “buddy” when they’d spend that time together going to the pool, or to the zoo, or blazing a new trail behind the house.  He loved those adventures and made the most of every moment spent with family.  Even when he couldn’t be with them, they always felt his love for them through the phone calls and postcards he’d send from his many travels.

Not only will Bob be missed by his grandchildren, but by his children as well.  Francis recalls how his dad was always there to teach and show him the “simple things” in life – how to change the oil, or a flat tire, on a car, how to mow the yard, how to garden, helping with science projects and how to approach a problem with logic and intelligence.  He was strong, stoic and had a solid work ethic and was a great example of how to provide for your family.  He carries memories of camping as a family, and learning how to white-water canoe together, and encouraging me through summer camps and Boy Scouts.  It was later in life that Francis recalls that they were able to bond in a more significant way, even over a long distance.  Multiple visits and regular phone calls that involved a broad range of topics from growing tomatoes to cooking techniques (Bob and Francis both loved to cook), gave them the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company as grown men, fathers, and to connect in a stronger way.  They enjoyed deep conversations on matters of faith and the personal journeys they were on as individuals.  God brought them together in a very special way, and they took advantage of, and made the most of, every single moment they were given.

Dad, I love you and pray to be reunited one day in heaven.