Robert H. (Bobby) Rawle passed away on April 27, 2011 at the age of 63 surrounded by love. Bobby had a huge smile, a quick wit, and eyes that twinkled with life. He possessed a giving heart and a natural ability to see the strengths in others. Born in New Orleans, LA on April 18, 1948, he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. Rawle and Rita Mae Berke Rawle of New Orleans, LA and his baby sister Sandy. Being born and raised in New Orleans, he was a big Saints fan and took great joy in their 2009 Superbowl win. Bob was a 1966 graduate of Martin Behrman High School in New Orleans and a 1971 graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Industrial Management.
Bobby leaves behind his wife of 39 years Becky Howell Rawle and daughter Jennifer as well as his brother Richard Rawle of Slidell, LA, his wife Marlene Hinson Rawle, nephew Matt Rawle of Shreveport LA, nieces Melanie StCyr of Slidell, LA and Megan Stafford of Baton Rouge, LA. as well as his sister and brother in law Marcia and Hu Brennan of Baton Rouge, LA.
His greatest joy in life was being a father and husband. One only had to mention Jennifer’s name and his eyes beamed with love. They spent hours hunting and fishing together or watching John Wayne movies. He never missed a horse show, dance recital or volleyball game. He was as comfortable giving joyful approval of a prom dress as he was holding her horse. The family loved nothing more than just being in each other’s company.
Bobby spent many years with J. Ray McDermott where both his parents were employed. He began his career in 1964 with a summer job in the mailroom in New Orleans. After high school he spent his summers offshore. Bob learned it all - from making salad and cleaning to working as a clerk on the derrick barge. After college he continued his McDermott career as a field engineer and in 1997 he was named President. While with McDermott the family made their home in Thibodaux, LA, Singapore, Dubai, U.A.E., London, England and moved to Katy, TX in 1995. During those years Bobby served on several boards at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston LA, and was a dedicated member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. After retirement from McDermott in 2000, he was given the opportunity to return to his alma mater. His work with the University involved intellectual property, business development, and entrepreneurship. Bobby was instrumental in developing and opening Tech’s first Enterprise Center aimed at fostering start-up businesses. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life and at one speech given at Tech, he called it his “Happy Place”. Tech’s School of Business named him alumnus of the year in 2000 and the university named him Alumnus of the year in 2004. In 2008 he was named to the University’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni and was recipient of the “Tower Medallion,” the university’s highest award.
Seven years ago Bobby was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gherig’s disease. As was his nature, he didn’t let it quell his spirit. Bobby was active, productive, and full of life through each stage of this devastating disease. One could say he was a true example of “living life to the fullest”.
A memorial celebrating his life will be held for Mr. Rawle at 1:00PM on Thursday May 19th at Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church, 2655 South Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: the Louisiana Tech University Foundation, PO Box 3183, Ruston, LA 71272 or MDA-ALS Research Fund, Methodist Neurological Institute 6560 Fannin, Suite 802, Houston, TX 77030.
Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church
Robert H. (Bobby) Rawle passed away on April 27, 2011 at the age of 63 surrounded by love. Bobby had a huge smile, a quick wit, and eyes that twinkled with life. He possessed a giving heart and a natural ability to see the strengths in others. Born in New Orleans, LA on April 18, 1948, he was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. Rawle and Rita Mae Berke Rawle of New Orleans, LA and his baby sister Sandy. Being born and raised in New Orleans, he was a big Saints fan and took great joy in their 2009 Superbowl win. Bob was a 1966 graduate of Martin Behrman High School in New Orleans and a 1971 graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Industrial Management.
Bobby leaves behind his wife of 39 years Becky Howell Rawle and daughter Jennifer as well as his brother Richard Rawle of Slidell, LA, his wife Marlene Hinson Rawle, nephew Matt Rawle of Shreveport LA, nieces Melanie StCyr of Slidell, LA and Megan Stafford of Baton Rouge, LA. as well as his sister and brother in law Marcia and Hu Brennan of Baton Rouge, LA.
His greatest joy in life was being a father and husband. One only had to mention Jennifer’s name and his eyes beamed with love. They spent hours hunting and fishing together or watching John Wayne movies. He never missed a horse show, dance recital or volleyball game. He was as comfortable giving joyful approval of a prom dress as he was holding her horse. The family loved nothing more than just being in each other’s company.
Bobby spent many years with J. Ray McDermott where both his parents were employed. He began his career in 1964 with a summer job in the mailroom in New Orleans. After high school he spent his summers offshore. Bob learned it all - from making salad and cleaning to working as a clerk on the derrick barge. After college he continued his McDermott career as a field engineer and in 1997 he was named President. While with McDermott the family made their home in Thibodaux, LA, Singapore, Dubai, U.A.E., London, England and moved to Katy, TX in 1995. During those years Bobby served on several boards at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston LA, and was a dedicated member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. After retirement from McDermott in 2000, he was given the opportunity to return to his alma mater. His work with the University involved intellectual property, business development, and entrepreneurship. Bobby was instrumental in developing and opening Tech’s first Enterprise Center aimed at fostering start-up businesses. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of his life and at one speech given at Tech, he called it his “Happy Place”. Tech’s School of Business named him alumnus of the year in 2000 and the university named him Alumnus of the year in 2004. In 2008 he was named to the University’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni and was recipient of the “Tower Medallion,” the university’s highest award.
Seven years ago Bobby was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gherig’s disease. As was his nature, he didn’t let it quell his spirit. Bobby was active, productive, and full of life through each stage of this devastating disease. One could say he was a true example of “living life to the fullest”.
A memorial celebrating his life will be held for Mr. Rawle at 1:00PM on Thursday May 19th at Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church, 2655 South Mason Road, Katy, TX 77450. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: the Louisiana Tech University Foundation, PO Box 3183, Ruston, LA 71272 or MDA-ALS Research Fund, Methodist Neurological Institute 6560 Fannin, Suite 802, Houston, TX 77030.
Louisiana Tech University Foundation
PO Box 3183, Ruston, LA 71272.
Website Link
MDA-ALS Research Fund - Methodist Neurological Institute
6560 Fannin, Houston, TX 77030.
Website Link
What a wonderful, loving spirit--one I was privileged and so happy to know. May you find peace which passes all understanding. With thoughts and prayers, Karen
Dear Mrs. Becky Howell Rawle and the Rawle Family
Alas I had to receive this news while serving McDermott's Asia Pacific in Singapore. As a 30-year vet, I have known Mr. Bobby as a mentor, champion, colleague and friend, and we proudly watched his career climb to the peak, while serving with him and for him in NOLA, Bayou Black, Baku, India, Middle East and Asia Pac. One of my career's proudest moments was to receive a surprise call from Mr. Rawle to notify me of my receiving the McDermott Quality Employee of the Year Award in 1995, and my place in the Morgan City Hall of Fame, his creation. A President calls to notify a man in the trenches, well that speaks for the man's qualities of head and heart. What a sad, sad day in my life to be hearing this. I take solace in that Mr. Bobby Rawle's body is at peace now, and while condoling with the bereaved family, we pray that his magnificent soul fineds an everlasting peace.
May God grant him everlasting happiness.
In prayer
Linus and Jyoti Sanzgiri
Dearest Rawle family,
We at Methodist will miss Bobby very much. He was one of my favorite patients; I will never forget him. He truly represents why we do what we do, because of our amazing and wonderful patients. Please keep in touch. Love, Purvi
Please accept our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Bobby was so very considerate of me when Dave passed away. He gave a very personal euology for Dave that helped everyone see a side of Dave only a dear friend and colleague knew. I will forever remember his words, strength and kindness.
You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
To the Rawle family: I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of getting to know Bobby when I worked for the president/ceo of Technip. There was not a time when Bobby called or walked in to our office that we did not stop what we were doing to benefit from his keen wit and his wonderful smile. I was touched when he brought by some autographed Cajun cook books for the executives that he thought of me and gave me one too. He is exactly the kind of man I would have loved to work for and learn from. He was quite a wonderful man and I know the Rawle family feel very, very lucky to have had him in your life for as long as you did......always cherish what you did have with him and you will always keep him in your heart. I am sorry that I will be out of town at the time of the Memorial but know that I will be thinking of all of you as you share your wonderful stories about Bobby and celebrate the wonderful life he must have had with all of you.
It is sad to hear that such a vital life has been cut short, but I hope Bobby's family will be sustained by their memories of him in life. I knew Bobby during a time when customers and contractors were struggling to move from an adversarial relationship to one of partnering, while tackling challenging new construction efforts at the same time. Bobby was a man of integrity, grace and wit through it all. My recollection is that he smiled a lot.
My father told me years ago that when your time came
you would be able to count your real friends on one
hand. Bobby will always be one of my fingers.
Becky and Jennifer,
Our deepest sympathy to you in the lost of such a great person. Our prayers are with you. Please be sure to let us know if you make it to Thibodaux for a visit to Mike and Paulette's.
Take care and know he will always be looking down on you.
Love,
Amelie & Emile Talbot & Leah
Thibodaux, LA
Bobby was a great guy to work with. I have so many great memories. A trip to Sumatra with him in '78 (he was so impressed with the 70 cent martinis and $1 steaks), a game of golf with him at Warren golf course around the same time, Halloween Parties, late nights working hard in Jurong office, dinner with Becky and Bobby to introduce my bride to be (Diana), and many many others. Over time we drifted apart but whenever our time-lines crossed it was as if we had never been apart at all. Bobby's laugh was infectious. "Hi Mop-head!" was always the greeting (even when my hair was extremely short) followed by his laugh and smile. My last email to him was to thank him for helping me complete 30 years with McDermott.
He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered.
Our prayers are with you Becky and Jennifer.
Take care
Paul, Diana, Tess & Tara McNamara
Becky,
Just wanted to say so sorry for your loss. As one of your neighbors, we saw and were so impressed with the way you took care of your husband over the years as his illness progressed. You are an inspiration to us.
Tom, Cindy, Rachel, Evan and Grace Tamlyn
On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank you and your staff for your excellent and caring service.
Thank you for all you did to make our mother's funeral special, dignified, and easy for us.
I just can't express to you enough how much we appreciated the kindness and professionalism my family experienced with you and your staff.
Thank you for treating my beloved mother with honor and respect all throughout the process.
Our family will be forever grateful to the owner and staff at Beresford Funeral Services for the excellent services they provided to our family upon the death of our loved one. Everything went smoothly. The planning was easy with everything needed for the funeral provided on sight at reasonable prices with no pressure to spend more than planned. They were flexible with our personal plans, very kind, and considerate from beginning to end. We would definitely recommend Beresford Funeral Services to anyone in need of funeral services.
Guest Book
Sign Guestbook