Robert "Bob" Eugene Griswold

He passed away peacefully on the afternoon of December 4, 2025, in Naples, Florida, surrounded by his family. He was one month shy of his 91st birthday.

Born in Chicago in 1935, Bob dedicated his life to helping others discover their inner strength, confidence, and capacity for growth. In 1972, he founded Effective Learning Systems, Inc., which became one of the most influential organizations in the self-help and personal development world. Over the course of his career, Bob personally taught more than 50,000 people through seminars for corporations, government agencies, and the general public—sharing techniques for relaxation, goal-setting, memory improvement, stress management, and self-esteem.

His teachings reached far beyond the classroom. Bob’s audio programs became the top-selling line of self-help recordings in North America, spending more than two decades on the Barnes & Noble Bestsellers list. His books and recordings have helped hundreds of thousands—if not millions— of people around the world improve their lives, build healthier habits, and pursue their dreams with clarity and confidence.

Bob graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign–Urbana with a degree in Urban Land Economics. In 1963, he married Deirdre, the love of his life, in Chicago. Together they built a beautiful family, raising four children—Kimberly, Kevin, Robert, and Jeffrey—and later welcoming a large, joyful extended family. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was simply “Poppy,” a name he adored and a role he treasured.

To those who knew him, Bob lived fully and loved unconditionally. He was an encourager beyond belief—someone who instinctively lifted others up. He modeled kindness, humility, generosity, and love in every chapter of his life. He adored Deirdre throughout 63+ years of marriage, demonstrating daily what it means to be a devoted husband. He was a steadfast father, setting a powerful example of what it means to be a good man, and he cherished his role as an incredible grandfather (“Poppy”) and great-grandfather to his 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A proud American, Bob loved his country deeply and served 6 years in the Army National Guard. He was also an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan, celebrating their highs and persevering through their lows with characteristic optimism. He traveled near and far, embracing the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. And throughout his life, he held a special bond with his dogs—Pal, Oliver, and Roger—each of whom brought him great joy.

Beyond his public accomplishments, Bob’s true legacy is the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the example he set: to be generous, to be kind, to be humble, and to believe in others even more than they believe in themselves. He devoted his life to helping people grow, and the world is immeasurably better for it.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Deirdre, his four children—Kim, Kevin, Bobby, and Jeff—his 14 grandchildren, and his 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Jim Griswold and partner Randi.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Bob's life will be honored at a private memorial service with his family and closest friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are preferred to St Jude Children's Hospital www.stjude.org