Robert Cyril “Bob” Haugh passed peacefully from this life to the next, surrounded by his adoring family, on February 23, 2013 at age 92, after a 10-month battle with colon cancer. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara Meek Haugh, who passed away in 1999. Their 50-year marriage was a model of unconditional love, devotion and sacrifice. Mourning his loss are his loving wife of 11 years, Suzanne Robertson Haugh, daughters Carol Brejot, Katy Haugh and Kristy Vincent, along with sons-in-law John Brejot and Victor Vincent. Bob also leaves behind seven adoring grandchildren: Sarah and Matthew Brejot, Grant and Natalie Bills and Robert, Taylor and Thomas Hill. Suzanne’s son, Richard Robertson, also survives him.
Born December 28, 1920 in Hammond, Ind., Bob grew up during the Great Depression in nearby East Chicago, Ind., the son of Cyril and Estelle Haugh and older brother to Jack. After graduating from East Chicago Washington High School in 1939, Bob enrolled at Indiana University in Bloomington. At I.U. his life suddenly changed when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Soon he was off to serve in the Navy, stationed in the Pacific Theater. He returned to I.U. to resume his studies in 1946, graduating with a B.S. in history in 1948. He married Barbara Meek, also an Indiana University graduate, on October 22, 1949.
Known as a history buff, Bob was also in a league of his own when it came to geography and quoting lines from old movies. He retained his razor sharp mind to the end.
Bob’s long and storied business career began at U.S. Gypsum in Indianapolis, and in 1952 he joined New Castle Products. In 1967, he accepted a position as Vice President of Operations with Overhead Door Corp. in Dallas, where he eventually rose to President, CEO and Director. During his tenure, ODC grew from a private company of $39 million in sales to a New York Stock Exchange firm with sales of $400 million. Bob retired in 1990 after 20 years as CEO.
Anyone who knew Bob understood that fitness was a top priority, and he took this on with zeal, just like everything else he did. He began running in his 50s, influenced by his close friend, Dr. Kenneth Cooper, “the Father of Aerobics.” Bob ran 26 marathons, including eight in Boston, four in New York City and four in Dallas, the White Rock Marathon. He holds two age group records for the 50-mile Ultra-Marathon for age 59 and 61 and was recognized in Sports Illustrated for these achievements. He was awarded the Kenneth Cooper Prize for Aerobics Leadership in 1997 and in 1999 received the Dallas White Rock Marathon Award for Excellence.
As an extension of his love for fitness, Bob donated funds for the track and field complex at Indiana University, which today bears his name. He adored I.U. and obtained the 12th man ranking for his involvement over the years with the University Athletic Program. In 1998, Bob received I.U.’s highest honor, the Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
As a member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Bob served on several committees. He considered PHPC’s senior pastor, Rev. Blair Monie, a close friend and spiritual mentor. Over the years, he also sat on the board of many companies as well as numerous nonprofit groups, including the Baylor Hospital Foundation, the White Rock Marathon, AWARE, Vickery Meadows Learning Center and Paul Anderson Youth Home.
Yet Bob realized that the business and athletic successes were nothing compared to a richly blessed life focused on faith, family and friends. He loved his Bible study group. He became exceptionally close to his three daughters in his final years, expressing his deep devotion to each of them. His grandchildren were a source of immense pride, as all seven of them matured into outstanding young adults of character and integrity. Bob’s friends were also near and dear to him. His basketball group (he was the king of free throws) and The Old Boys’ Club brought him countless hours of joy and laughter over the years, especially the happy hours at Mi Cocina. Bob’s amazing mind, his can-do attitude, his wicked sense of humor and his generosity were appreciated by many.
Bob was fortunate to find love again late in life when he married former high school classmate Suzanne Tobias Robertson in 2002 on a beach in Maui, Hawaii. They enjoyed many special times at their homes in Colorado and Sedona, Ariz
A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life is scheduled for February 28 at 3 p.m. at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church. A visitation is set for February 27 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, Parlor, 9800 Preston Road, Dallas, TX 75230. Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society, Baylor Health Care System Foundation or the charity of your choice. Bob’s family is indebted to his many friends for their kindness, love and compassion during a difficult time.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. “ (2 Timothy 4:7)
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