Robert C. Shriver (Bob), a highly-respected music products manager, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 24 in Camas, Washington. He was 63.
Defined by his exceptional music talent, creative sense of humor and outward love for family, friends and business colleagues, Bob dedicated much of his professional and personal life to the pursuit of music, building an enviable, 38-year career working for Yamaha, the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer.
Born February 27, 1955, in Pennsylvania to William and Lois Shriver, Bob grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana. He married his wife, Jeanne on April 7, 1984.
He got his start in the music business in his late teens, working at Nelson’s Pianos and Organs in Merrillville, Indiana, and later joining the Everett Piano Company as a district manager. Yamaha had purchased Everett in 1973, and on June 15, 1981, Bob was invited to join Yamaha as a district manager for Electronic Keyboard products, serving piano retailers, mostly in the northwest United States, for nearly four decades.
Bob was consistently recognized by Yamaha for his significant and creative contributions to his sales team, as well as for superior service in his territory, evidenced by the deep respect he earned from his long-time piano retail customers. He was named overall “District Manager of the Year” in the company’s Keyboard division on several occasions, most recently in 2014, and was a member of the company’s President’s Club, which recognizes top sales achievement, in 2010, 2014 and 2015.
“Bob spent nearly 38 years sharing his unbridled passion for music and our instruments with our dealers and customers,” said Dan Rodowicz, general manager, Keyboard division, Yamaha Corporation of America. “He was rarely seen without some type of Yamaha logowear and, like every good salesperson, forever carried his signature gold pen with the Yamaha tuning forks, always prepared to take an order. He had a heart of gold and will be sorely missed.”
When he was off the road, Bob actively pursued his love for praise music, performing on the organ with his praise and worship team at the Rolling Hills Community Church in Tualatin, Oregon.
Bob is survived by his wife, Jeanne; his son, Robert W. Shriver, his daughter Alyssa Shriver and his grandson, Jaxtyn.
A memorial service for Bob Shriver will be held in Washington at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Humane Society for Southwest Washington in Bob’s name.
The Shriver family would like to extend its deepest appreciation to all their friends for their outpouring of love and support.
