Born in Washington, D.C., Bob was the eldest child of Mary and Samuel Major. Throughout his early years, Bob excelled in school and participated in many extracurricular activities. He was particularly proud of his association with the Boy Scouts of America and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Bob graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1963 and later earned degrees in Naval and Mechanical Engineering from MIT. He served aboard the USCGC_ Androscoggin _and in several other posts before retiring as a Lieutenant Commander in 1973. Following his military service, he worked as a naval engineer at ARCTEC in Montreal, Canada, and Washington, DC, EXXON Production Research in New Jersey and Houston, and finally at the American Bureau of Shipping in Houston.

In 1988, Bob married Elizabeth Kennady in Houston. Following Bob’s retirement in 2008 they relocated to their vacation home on the Medina River in Bandera, TX. There, Bob enjoyed the peace of riverside life and was a dedicated member of Bandera United Methodist Church, sang in the choir, and volunteered with Kairos Ministry. He remained active in the Coast Guard Academy Alumni Association.

An avid runner, skier, and boater, Bob adapted with determination after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in his fifties, staying active through swimming and fundraising for MS research.

Bob is survived by his wife, three children, two grandchildren, two sisters, and a loving extended family. He was predeceased by sons Ian Major and Colin Major.

A memorial service will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.