Robert Carl Elder

Passed away at his Cambridge, MA home on January 5th at the age of 88. Bob faced some serious health problems over the last 15 years, but he triumphed over them and viewed each day as a gift from God. Bob's courage and strength were matched by his compassion and generosity, as he was known for his unfailing efforts to help others. Bob grew up in Louisiana and graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He earned an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Bob was a World War II veteran, becoming the chief engineer on the Navy destroyer USS Nields at age 21. Bob's business career started in Houston, TX with the A.M. Lockett Company. He later joined Gerald D. Hines Interests, a Houston real estate development firm where he and Gerry Hines developed One Shell Plaza and the Galleria Shopping Center. In 1972 Bob left Hines to join Cabot, Cabot & Forbes in Boston. Although he left the South 41 years ago, the South never left him; he continued to charm everyone with his lovely Louisiana accent and colloquialisms. While at Cabot, Cabot and Forbes, Bob developed the 60 State Street office building, the Ritz Carlton hotel addition, and other Boston landmarks. In 1979 Bob started his own real estate development firm, Robert Elder Associates. He developed the 50 Milk Street office building in Boston as well as properties in Connecticut, Washington D.C., Richmond, VA, and Westborough, MA. Bob's business career was noteworthy not only for the success of his projects but also for his strong mentorship of young, talented individuals. Bob never sought the limelight. His oft-expressed credo was to adhere to the strictest ethical standards and to hire the people he trusted, even if they were not the cheapest or the best known in the field. Bob created the Elder Family Foundation in 2002. The Foundation has supported a wide variety of medical, educational and service charities. Bob was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Boston YMCA and a trustee of the National Braille Press. Bob had a lifelong passion for golf. Although his accomplishments in the business world were not duplicated on the links, Bob treasured every opportunity he got to play his beloved nine-hole course at Braeburn Country Club in Newton, MA. Bob told his family that he thought he had finally cured the flaws in his game during a round he played six months before his death. Bob was an avid supporter of the Red Sox and Patriots and was worried during his last illness that the Patriots might have to get to the Super Bowl without him. Bob is survived by Coley, his loving wife of 66 years. He also leaves behind three children, Robert, Ralph, and Elizabeth, and five devoted granddaughters. Bob's death leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. Services will be held at Old South Church in Boston at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 12th. The family asks that Bob's friends and family members make any donations in his memory to the charities of their choice.