Robert M. Fenner

Bob Fenner recently passed away after having fought a courageous battle with cancer. He will be missed by his children Peter, Clarke, Garry, and Robin, and his former wife Mrs. Patricia (Metcalfe) Fenner and seven grandchildren. Mr. Fenner was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Mrs. Isabel Johnson Fenner and Mr. Lynn Burton Fenner. Having lived in St. Louis, Missouriand Columbus, Ohio, he and his mother moved to Evanston, Illinois where he enjoyed school, scouting and camping throughout Wisconsin and lower Canada. He endured the Depression Era with the help of his mother Isabel; graduated from the Evanston High School and entered the University of Colorado. There he was a respected member of his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, and drew inspiration from the foothills of the nearby Rocky Mountains. He graduated with his bachelor's degree. At this time, he entered Officer's Candidate School, in the U. S. Navy, earned his commission, and toured the Caribbean, commanding destroyer escort missions during World War II. It was during this time that he developed his love of the sea and boating; a love that would stay with him throughout his life. He received and honorable discharge, at the rank of full Lieutenant.Having left naval service, he entered Harvard University where he earned his Masters Degree in Business Administration. Shortly thereafter, he met his wife Patricia Metcalfe with whom he helped found ''Parents with a Purpose'' in New York, that developed into ''The March of Dimes'' and went on to raisetheir family in New Canaan, Connecticut. His interviewing, marketing and sales skills as well as his interest in business development, attracted him to well known employers such as Colgate Palmolive, and Chesebrough-Ponds. At home, the family attended St. Mark's church. Although Mr. Fenner was often times a a very gregarious and outgoing figure, he could be a very concerned and stern father figure. He was intent upon giving his children something he himself did not have as a child, a father. The Fenner family enjoyed many wonderful years in New Canaan. Later in his career, he returned to his love of the sea and boating. He managed Cedar Island Marina in Clinton, Connecticut where his sons joined him as dock boys during the summer months. During these years, the family enjoyed their own sailboat which allowed for numerous family adventures. His most recent achievement was the development and operation of the marina at the Greenwich Harbor Inn in Greenwich, Connecticut and as an executive interviewer for Yankelovich Partners, a well known polling firm. There will be a Memorial Service at St. Mark's Church in New Canaan, Connecticut on Friday, May 3rd at 1:00 PM with interment to follow at the church columbarium.