Robert Donaldson
June 29, 1938 — September 3, 2016
Robert Donaldson
Robert C., Bob, Donaldson, passed over the bar (from a nautical prayer) September 3, 2016. He was born June 29, 1938 in Pensacola, Florida.
Donaldson was an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 8th Western Rivers District, having served as a division and unit commander, as well as branch chief on the national public affairs staff at the division and flotilla level during his 37 years. Donaldson retired from UAMS in 2004 as director of the TeleMedical interactive video network. He played a primary role in the development of the Arkansas Video Network that today connects over 500 hospitals and educational institutes through the state. After retirement he established Communications Associates, a consulting firm that developed the first interactive video "wireless" network in Arkansas. He also established the UAMS Audio Visual Production Center and Instructional Television Division which purchased the first color television camera and video recorder in the state while working with national companies such as Bell & Howell and Curcon to produce macroscopic and micro surgical video equipment. Before going to UAMS he was a photojournalist with KATV Channel 7. He also served as assistant national advertising manager for the Arkansas Democrat/Gazette and advertising manager of J.C. Penney in Pine Bluff, Arkansas while serving in the Arkansas Air National Guard 154th Squadron.
He attended high school in Sheridan and college at University of Arkansas in Monticello. He was past commodore of the Greers Ferry Lake Yacht Club where he spent a great part of his life sailing and enjoying the camaraderie with fellow sailors. Donaldson sailed on every ocean surrounding the United States as well as many foreign destinations throughout his sailing career. His motto in life was, if the sun is out and the wind is up, I am sailing. Enjoy!
He is survived by his son Robert A. Donaldson and wife Kimberly of Metairie, LA; grandsons Axl Deur and Michael Donaldson; step-son, John Fredrick of Pangburn; step-daughter, Christy Blakeman of Olathe, KS; brother, Ben Donaldson and wife Francis of Oppolo; cousins, Greg and Stephanie, all from Arkansas and cousin Fred Manas and wife Alice of Esparto, California.
He is preceded in death by his father, Cecil A. Donaldson LCDR-Ret., U.S. Navy and step-mother Barbara of Vacaville, California and his mother, Lucille Donaldson and grandmothers Nettie Johnson of Pensacola, FL and the very beloved Grace "Aunt Grace" Donaldson Swiney of Sheridan, AR.
Visitation and gathering of family, friends and memories will be held on Thursday, September 8th from 4:00 - 6:00pm at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, AR, 70025
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Bob's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
Donaldson was an active member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 8th Western Rivers District, having served as a division and unit commander, as well as branch chief on the national public affairs staff at the division and flotilla level during his 37 years. Donaldson retired from UAMS in 2004 as director of the TeleMedical interactive video network. He played a primary role in the development of the Arkansas Video Network that today connects over 500 hospitals and educational institutes through the state. After retirement he established Communications Associates, a consulting firm that developed the first interactive video "wireless" network in Arkansas. He also established the UAMS Audio Visual Production Center and Instructional Television Division which purchased the first color television camera and video recorder in the state while working with national companies such as Bell & Howell and Curcon to produce macroscopic and micro surgical video equipment. Before going to UAMS he was a photojournalist with KATV Channel 7. He also served as assistant national advertising manager for the Arkansas Democrat/Gazette and advertising manager of J.C. Penney in Pine Bluff, Arkansas while serving in the Arkansas Air National Guard 154th Squadron.
He attended high school in Sheridan and college at University of Arkansas in Monticello. He was past commodore of the Greers Ferry Lake Yacht Club where he spent a great part of his life sailing and enjoying the camaraderie with fellow sailors. Donaldson sailed on every ocean surrounding the United States as well as many foreign destinations throughout his sailing career. His motto in life was, if the sun is out and the wind is up, I am sailing. Enjoy!
He is survived by his son Robert A. Donaldson and wife Kimberly of Metairie, LA; grandsons Axl Deur and Michael Donaldson; step-son, John Fredrick of Pangburn; step-daughter, Christy Blakeman of Olathe, KS; brother, Ben Donaldson and wife Francis of Oppolo; cousins, Greg and Stephanie, all from Arkansas and cousin Fred Manas and wife Alice of Esparto, California.
He is preceded in death by his father, Cecil A. Donaldson LCDR-Ret., U.S. Navy and step-mother Barbara of Vacaville, California and his mother, Lucille Donaldson and grandmothers Nettie Johnson of Pensacola, FL and the very beloved Grace "Aunt Grace" Donaldson Swiney of Sheridan, AR.
Visitation and gathering of family, friends and memories will be held on Thursday, September 8th from 4:00 - 6:00pm at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, AR, 70025
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Bob's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Gathering
SEP 8. 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM (CDT)
Little Rock Funeral Home8801 Knoedl Ct
Little Rock, AR, 72205
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