Robert Andrews Izard
May 17, 1925 ~ December 24, 2013
Resided in:
Rye, NY
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Only special people leave this world on special days, so it is fitting that Bob Izard, 88, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, 2013, in Rye, New York, after an extended hospital stay. He was born on May 17, 1925 in Hartford, CT to John and Elizabeth Izard.
Raised in Asheville, Bob graduated from The Hotchkiss School and graduated at 19 from Yale University in the class of War February 1945. He served in the Navy, stationed in Japan, before returning to Yale to complete a second degree in English. After college, Bob started the Carpet Tuft Company in Dalton, selling this venture in 1954. He later joined Galaxy Carpet Mills, leading their International Division, and for the next 25 years traveled the Middle and Far East, spending almost six months of every year abroad.
Bob was the definition of a gentleman, living a life full of integrity and quiet service to others. While he refused recognition or honors, he gave more than two decades of leadership to Carver Center in Port Chester, serving on its board and spearheading development efforts. Bob also served on the boards of the Rye Country Day School, the United Way and the vestry of Christ's Church Rye.
Above all, Bob loved his family: Jean Owen, his wife of 58 years, and their five children and spouses, Bob and Susan Izard, Nancy Engen, Charlie and Kathy Izard, Elizabeth and Dinah Apelles-Nissen, and David and Pamela Izard. He cherished his sixteen grandchildren: Catherine, Thomas, Margaret, Jon, Trygg, Peter, Kris, Lauren, Kailey, Emma, Maddie, Philip, Isabella, Katie, Hayden and John. Family get togethers were always of utmost importance to Bob and he arranged many family trips over the years. This past summer, Bob gathered the family one last time for a special reunion and birthday celebration for Jean.
Bob loved his home in Rye where he and Jean raised their children and spent 47 years together. Throughout the seasons, Bob could be found in his gardens, tending his vegetables or puttering in his greenhouse with his dachshunds, Ziggy and Angie, following at his heels. His life was centered in a faith and integrity that was, and will continue to be, an inspiration for all his family.
In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Bob is survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and a diverse group of friends who loved this man of honor.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ's Church Rye, 2 Rectory St., Rye, NY 10580 or The Izard Prize Fund for Cardiology. Checks should be made payable to: The Trustees of Columbia University. Please note in the memo section and/or correspondence: Izard Prize Fund/In Memory of Robert Izard. Mail to Julie Fisher, Administrator, Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, PH3-345, New York, NY 10032.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, January 6, 2014 in Calvary Episcopal Churchyard in Fletcher, NC.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.
I’m so sorry to hear about your lose. And even though I never met this amazing gentleman, I can tell he is greatly loved and will be missed very much. The reason for my visit here is to share comforting words from the bible, so when you have a moment please read 2 Corinthians 1:2-7. It gave me comfort when I needed it, I know it will do the same for you. But also the fond memories you have, treasure them for they are what keeps your love alive for him. May God bless you all!