Robert S. Cecil died of cancer on 19 December 1999 in Vancouver, BC.  He was born on 28 May 1935 in Manila, Philippines.  He served as the company commander of the 11th Company during the fall and spring striper sets of his First Class year at the Academy.   As the leader of the company, Bob played a significant role in the selection of “Club 11” as the Brigade Color Company, an honor that is awarded to the company that has proven to be the best in  competition events that occur throughout the year and encompass all aspects of Academy life. 

He received the Forrestal Award which is presented to the midshipman who commands the Color Company.  He was also the captain of the varsity swimming team and an All-American swimmer.  He graduated with distinction and selected the United States Air Force as his service.  He attended flight training and earned his pilot’s wings.  He resigned from the Air Force in August 1960.

Bob graduated from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration with an M.B.A.   In 1978-1984, Bob was with Motorola, Inc. and served as Vice President and Director of Marketing and Planning.  From 1985-1991, he was the President of the Cellular Group of Lin Broadcasting Corporation.   In 1994 Bob joined Plantronics Inc. as CEO and Chairman of the Board, and subsequently rescued the company from bankruptcy.

Bob loved his family above all else.  He is survived by his wife, Louise, two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.