[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 123 (Thursday, September 13, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   HONORING ROBERT FRANK OHRENSCHALL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2012

  Ms. WOOLSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with both pride and sadness to 
honor my friend Robert Frank Ohrenschall, a Marin County businessman, 
entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader who passed away on 
August 28, 2012 in San Rafael, CA. Bob was known for his intelligence, 
wit, and compassionate heart combined with warmth that enabled him to 
connect with people.
  Born on June 9, 1926, Bob grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, graduating 
from Boys' Latin School in 1944. After receiving a B.A. in American 
History from Yale University, he first moved to New York City to work 
for an ad agency, and then served as a U.S. Navy lieutenant during the 
Korean War. After his military service, Bob came to San Francisco, 
where he worked for an ad agency and met his future wife, Susan Page. 
He and Sue were married in 1955 and settled in Greenbrae to raise their 
four children. In 1960, Bob and his partner Huntley Soyster founded 
Soyster & Ohrenschall, a San Francisco-based design company which 
became the leading firm in the field.
  After the company was acquired in the mid-1980s, Bob was able to 
devote more time to other interests. Travelling, reading, and family 
time were among his favorite pastimes. He and Sue visited close to 50 
countries and enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren on the 
West Coast and in Spain.
  Bob's philanthropy demonstrated his commitment to a broad range of 
local, national, and international causes, from education to the 
environment to medical needs in developing countries. He devoted his 
talent, energy, and personal resources to numerous organizations, 
including the Eisenhower Institute, San Francisco State University 
College of Business, Romberg Tiburon Center for Environmental Studies, 
Tiburon-Belvedere Rotary Club, WiRED International and International 
Diplomacy Council. He also supported the Hoover Institution at Stanford 
University, Boys' Latin School and College of Marin.
  From successful business executive to devoted family man, dedicated 
naval officer to compassionate philanthropist, Bob was a very gifted 
and caring individual who touched many lives. He connected with people 
across the political spectrum, referring to himself as my ``embedded 
republican friend.''
  In addition to his wife, Bob is survived by his four children, Mark, 
Ross, Page, and Sally, and their families.
  Mr. Speaker, Robert Frank Ohrenschall leaves a legacy that will 
inspire generations to come. I ask you to join me in honoring his life.

                          ____________________