By Anna Kennedy, Executive Director
Our dear friend Bob Haigh passed away at his home on May 12, after being hospitalized for 10 days. His sister was by his side.
Bob was a dear friend and mentor. He served as LOHF’s first President/CEO. Bob was an incredible force for philanthropic good in Pennsylvania. He had such a wonderful sense of humor and optimism, even in the most challenging situations. I always enjoyed working with him. I spent the day with Bob just a few months ago at a Psychiatric Leadership Council meeting in Harrisburg. I’ll always remember his unwavering dedication to finding opportunities, his steadfast optimism, and his laughter.
A Life of Public Service
We will remember Bob for his extensive knowledge of public health and human service programs in Pennsylvania. Prior to joining LOHF, Bob was Special Assistant and Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Department of Public Welfare, Feather Houstoun. His work there focused on foundation partnerships. He improved relations with county government.
His Philanthropic Legacy
Bob spent decades successfully working with major private and community foundations in Pennsylvania, and across the country. He secured more than $70 million in foundation grants for health and human service programs. Bob also was a consultant to Council on Foundations and Grantmakers in Health. Bob brought this exceptional organizational and consensus building skills to LOHF, which remains strong in our organizational culture today.
Bob brought his expertise and influence to many Boards of Directors, including: Harrisburg AIDS Alliance, United Way of Lancaster County, United Way of Pennsylvania, Parents Anonymous, and Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. He was Vice Chair on the State Advisory Council for CHIP and Adult/Basic Insurance for the PA Department of Insurance. Bob was appointed to Governor Ed Rendell’s Commission on Children and Families. He also served as a member of the Public Policy Committee of the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, and the National Advisory Board on Joint Project with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for Grantmakers in Health.
Obituary and Celebration of Life
Bob’s obituary is available at http://obits.pennlive.com/obituaries/pennlive/obituary.aspx?n=robert-p-haigh&pid=189052378 and https://www.buhrig.com/notices/Robert-Haigh. A celebration of his life will be planned for a future date.
The staff, board, and volunteers at LOHF offer our sincere condolences to Bob’s sister, nephew, and the many friends and colleagues who knew him. We lost a very bright light.
Bob Haigh Memorial Fund at LOHF
Friends of Bob are honoring his legacy by establishing the Bob Haigh Memorial Fund at LOHF. If you wish, to join in making a gift in his honor, you may do so here. (Please make your designation in the “note” block as you make your gift.)
