Thursday, September 8, 2022
In Memoriam, Bob Fenton
I am deeply saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. Though we had not seen each other in years, I was taken aback. He is one of those unforgettable people.
As we make our way through life, we each encounter people that leave an indelible impression upon us for varying reasons. Relationships that may be established with such folks also vary in type, depth, and length. Bob Fenton is one of those people in my life. Our relationship was mostly professional, as I worked with Bob during the first seven years that he worked at Women’s Rights National Historical Park (NHP). He was one of those people who impressed me personally and helped shape my leadership style.
Women’s Rights NHP was heading into a new and much more expanded phase of both its program and physical facilities and, as the Facility Manager, I was looking for a person with superior knowledge of mechanical and building systems maintenance. I also foresaw the need for someone with leadership skills who could lead maintenance work crews. When I interviewed Bob for the position it was obvious to me that I had found my man in spades. What I did not anticipate was the depth of his character. That was revealed as we worked together.
I came to know Bob as one of the most honest, straightforward, practical, and hardworking people I have ever known. I always knew what he thought and why. Often this initiated a cycle of reevaluation in decision making and consideration of additional alternatives, a necessary step for good engineering, construction, and leadership overall. Bob was also quite gracious with visitors, who at times could be a challenge to us all. He truly was the model staff member and became my indispensable right hand.
In 2000, I left Women’s Rights NHP to assume another position within the National Park Service. Bob was the obvious choice as my successor and was quickly made Facility Manager, going on to lead the Park Maintenance Division with the highest level of integrity and skill.
I will miss his chuckle. His heart-felt advice. I will remember Bob most as a sincere intelligent man of impeccable virtue and boundless energy. My mind goes to a line written by Shakespeare when Hamlet, remembering his deceased father said; “He was a man, take him for all and all, I shall not look upon his like again.”
Rest in peace my friend.
Leroy Renninger
