Robert Y. Justis Jr. ’65

Robert Y. Justis Jr. ’65 died peacefully on May 3. Born in Joplin, Missouri, he grew up mainly in Vermont and came to Dartmouth from Stowe, Vermont, via Deerfield Academy. He was president of Kappa Kappa Kappa, sang in the Glee Club, paddled in the Ledyard Canoe Club, and was in Air Force ROTC. Following graduation he earned an M.B.A. from the Wharton School. Bad hearing ended his ROTC career senior year; while working at General Motors he found a reserve unit to take him on for basic training and as a Russian linguist until his hearing again disqualified him. He left the executive track with General Motors to return to Vermont and pursue his interests in the outdoors, organic food, solar energy, climate change prevention, and economic development. Starting at a low-level state position in 1970, he became director of industrial development for Vermont in 1980 until a change in administration prompted his move to the UN Industrial Development Organization, working with less-developed countries. Bob again felt the pull of Vermont and returned to become head of economic development for Green Mountain Power, the state’s largest utility. He retired to the family home in Telluride, Colorado, where he continued to indulge his passion for mountain hiking while serving as a board member of the San Miguel Power Association. He is survived by his brother, Cleveland, and nephews Galen and Daniel.