Robert B. Conner, 83

Newport, R.I.

Bob died on Sept. 8. His love of the sea led him to sailing. He was an active member of Ida Lewis Yacht Club, which he joined in 1967, serving as Commodore during the years 1977-1979. Among his many significant accomplishments, Bob was instrumental in ensuring that women received equal rights and stature as members of the club. He and his wife successfully raced their Ensign and Coaster for several years.

Bob was a certified international sailing judge, and he was instrumental in organizing the national One-Ton, Half-Ton, and Quarter-Ton races at Ida Lewis. He was president of the Narragansett Bay Yachting Association, treasurer of US Sailing, chairman of the R.I. Olympic Sailing Trials, a director of the C. Thomas Clagett Regatta, a member of the New York Yacht Club Race Committee during the 1970’s America’s Cup years, and was chairman of the New York Yacht Club Race Committee and Chairman of the NYYC Jury. Upon completing his military service as a Lt j.g. in the U.S. Navy, Bob began his 40-year career at Raytheon, retiring in 2000 as an international marketing executive.