I first came into direct contact with Bob; when as Electrical Services Manager I provided maintenance and breakdown cover for his Process Department. It soon became a development area with new technology in every aspect of Pre-Press cylinder production and I was lucky enough to be part of the changes which Bob instigated. During that period he introduced so many innovations, both in technology and working practices, many of which I was delighted to be part of.
 
It was not all work. A group of us; including Bob, played Squash at lunch times when perhaps we were both old enough to know better and at the annual Cricket match against some of the publishing houses his Wicket Keeping was “interesting”!  A Team Bonding exercise in the Wye Valley provided another aspect of his varied skills around fast flowing water, one of which was him not getting his feet wet, somehow!

A group of managers met at an Amersham Chinese Restaurant with our families on several occasions after the Directors had entertained us. We had some good times and met Pat, Bob's wife, over our Crispy Duck.

Although we have had little contact since his move to Florida we have been kept in the picture reference his illness via Gerald Mowbray, and his news that Bob had passed away was greeted with a deal of sadness here.

 Our sincere condolences are offered to all that knew and loved him, on both sides of the Atlantic.

Alan and Margaret Orchard.   Watford, England

Bob and his lovely wife Pat were great friends of ours for over 30 years both in Northampton, England and in Cary, North Carolina with Maxwell Communications. I personally worked with Bob until just before his retirement and consequent move to Orlando. Hilary, my wife, was an ardent shopper with Pat, we often cooked dinner in each others' homes, always great fun and a delight.  I came to Cary in 1985 to train all new employees over here with the new electronic process of the time and Bob followed soon after with Pat to lend his wisdom and expertise to the new venture.

Hilary, our daughter Laura and I were so sorry to hear the sad news of our dear friend Bob's passing. He is now reunited with his lovely Pat.

Our deepest sympathies go to his wonderful caring family.

I first met Bob Lawrence in 1956.  My father, who was a press room manager at Rembrandt Printers, a sister company of Sun Printers in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, introduced me to Bob Lawrence, who was the Studio Manager there.  I was working there on secondment from Sun during my process apprenticeship.

Little did I realise then the influence Bob would have on my subsequent career!

Bob gave me my first management role in the Process Department at Sun when he was the Process Manager.  The experience stood me in good stead throughout my career in general print and national newspapers.  I will always remember his wholehearted and continued support during our various launches of new computerised colour facilities in both England and USA for both the general print and national newspaper industries.

Bob was enthusiastic about all new challenges and grabbed life and its opportunities with relish wherever it took him – like taking on a new challenge at the joint studio venture in Carey, North Carolina between British Printing Corporation and Providence Gravure during his early 60's.

Later Bob came back on a short secondment to assist in the switch of Mirror Group Newspaper's London-based National Titles to full colour in the late 1980's.

Bob was an inspirational manager, very supportive of his colleagues and a loyal friend He was held in great esteem by those who worked with him.  He was indeed a true English gentleman.

We also enjoyed many social occasions together over the years with our respective wives. . The last time that we both met up with Bob and Pat was in Orlando, Florida in late 1998 and where he had been enthusiastically working to his late 60's.  Bob and Pat spoke so lovingly of their family and were so proud of their achievements.

Bob and Pat will always be remembered by us!

May they now both rest in peace having played their part well in this World.

Joy & Gerald Mowbray

I had the pleasure of working with Bob in Orlando, Fl.
Someone mentioned in one of the notes that he was "the perfect gentleman", which he certainly was. He also had a wonderful, wry sense of humor, that was always at the ready.  
My fondest memories of Bob will be how he delighted in educating we Yanks by using an English phrase we didn't understand and he would laugh at the puzzled look on our faces.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of as you celebrate a life well lived.

Bob was such a loyal & dedicated husband. I miss seeing the love and devotion that he had for Pat @ Emeritus memory care center. My sincere sympathies to Jean & Neil Shuttleworth & to the entire family.

Jon Erickson (Lois L. Mckay's youngest son)

Dear Bob, I'll remember you, such a generous, kind and helpful man who opened up a whole new world for Doll and I. Much love John

As I was visiting your guest book, I noticed that someone wrote that you were  "the perfect gentleman" and I couldn't agree more.  Bob, I will miss starting my morning walking with you.  I admired your determination and kindness.  You always made me laugh and were willing to listen to my stories (even though I am not so good at story telling!).  I am lucky to have known you and I will miss you dearly.  Rest in Peace.

Bob was my neighbor behind me in Orlando,  He and my husband Jack were golfing buddies for many years.  Bob was on the Home Owners Board and wrote a very touching article after my husband passed away.  I evacuated with Pat and Bob on one of our hurricanes.  We did fine. it was very interesting and glad he came up with the idea. We were stuck in Embassy Suites for 3 long days. We would do airport runs, sometimes we went sometimes they went. He was a good neighbor and I hated to see them move. He was a special person and know he will be greatly missed.   Pat Rixmann

More than a colleague, Bob was also a good friend and it was a privilege to have known him and  dear Pat. Our thoughts are with all the family at this time and we are sure that he will have left joyful memories with all those who were lucky enough to have shared his life. With warmest regards to all from Mima and Duncan Monachan.

Bob, the perfect gentleman, my favourite uncle and someone who I looked up to in my younger days as I was growing up.

Rest in peace
David Findlay

Dearest Bob,

You are now at peace and in a beautiful place with Pat.
God bless

Melanie and Richard
Desmond

Dear Bob,
Rest in peace with Pat now. A good friend and a perfect host for all the wonderful holidays spent with you and Pat.
With love
Frances and Brian

Dear Bob,
You were always positive and on the go. Devoted to Pat, Jeanne and Andrew and their families, we  remember your great kindness to us when we visited you & Pat in Florida. Many fond memories.
 God Bless. 
Rob, Heather, Laura & James

Dear Bob, you and Pat were good neighbours of ours in Maple Cross, always helpful when the children were little and we missed you when you went to America.  Rest in peace with all our love Denis, Hilda, Sue and Terry x

Dear Bob,
We will miss your delightful sense of humor and your sharp mind.  Thanks for adding so much joy to our Sunday card games.
Love, Pat, Cay and Sarah

Dearest Dad

I miss you with all my heart but am thankful that you are now reunited with Mum and you are both at peace.

Lots of Love
Jeanne
XXXX

OBITUARY

Charles Robert Lawrence

December 31, 1922 – July 22, 2013

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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