Obituary of Robert Borland Elder

Robert (Bob) Borland Elder died unexpectedly at home in Houston Texas on Thursday 25th February. He was welcomed into the world July 22, 1956 in Oil City, Pennsylvania as the fourth child of Dr. William Wiles Elder and Josephine Borland Elder. Beloved husband to (Katie) Ann Elder, having celebrated 30 years of marriage on December 14th. He was the devoted father to David of Melbourne, Australia, Amy (Robert Andersson) of Perth, Australia, and Scott Elder of Houston, Texas. He recently became a grandfather to Cooper James Andersson on February, 24 2016. He was a wonderful brother to his sisters, Sarah Elder (Bruce Tatusko) and Rachel Elder (Pat Foran), and brothers, (William) Wiles Elder, and Walter Elder. He will also be sincerely missed by his mother-in-law, Flora MacLean, and brother-in-law, John MacLean and all of Ann's family in the United Kingdom. He was deeply loved by his nieces and nephews, William (Emily Mente), Rosemary (Matt Iacovino), Katherine, and Sarah Foran, Rachel Tatsuko, and Addison Elder, even though he enthusiastically exhausted them with endless activities. Likewise for the family dog, Coco and cat, Emily. Bob graduated from Oil City High School in 1974 and The University of Pittsburgh in 1978. He received his Masters from the Colorado School of Mines. His career started as an expatriate petroleum engineer working for Chevron and continued for over 35 years. He met his lovely bride in Scotland and took his growing family to all corners of the world, living in various places including London, Aberdeen, Angola, Kuwait, Midland, Texas, and Houston, Texas; and Bob's favorite spot and the current home of Amy (Perth) and David (Melbourne), Australia. Bob was a persistent and lifelong competitor. He loved all sports, in particular, basketball, biking, golf, the occasional rugby game; and, of course, the many he made up on his own. He was an annual participant in The MS 150, and was currently training for a triathlon. He was always up for any type of challenge or adrenaline rush- jumping out of planes, abseiling buildings, and always getting the most out of life. His vigor and enthusiasm for life gave him the well-deserved nickname of 'energizer bunny'. At home, he was a loving husband and wonderful father who always put family first. He was a tremendously compassionate man, giving generously. He is missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Unity of Houston, 2929 Unity Drive in Houston, Texas with reception to follow. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the charity of your choice. At the website of; http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Chapters/MAM/Donate/Give-in-Honor-or-Memory or donate to Tim Nagey who will be completing the MS 150, a ride to support Multiple Sclerosis. http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR;jsessionid=B79DC166F2A24AB87F3BC6FBD3A455DA.app354a?fr_id=27003&pg=personal&px=12854752