Robert Kerwin Obituary

Kerwin Jr

Robert Woodward

Kerwin Jr

September 14, 1951

December 26, 2021



Istanbul to Colorado Springs



Bob Kerwin's 70 years gave him opportunities to live and learn in countries around the world. Born to a US Foreign Service Officer and his English wife in Istanbul, Turkey, Bob's international experience began with his own family. He was educated at schools in Turkey, England, and the USA, culminating in a degree with high honors from Dartmouth College. After college, Bob took on several odd jobs around the world that included grape picking in France, ski run construction in Switzerland, pub tending in England, fishing in Australia, and cooking for lumber camps in Oregon. After a few years, he returned to school and completed an MBA at the Thunderbird School of International Management, where he was joined by his wife of 40 years, Mary Satre.

Advertising began for him in Chicago and NYC, but given his international interests, an early offer of an advertising job in New Zealand was too enticing to pass up and the Antipodes became home for his family for the next 12 years as he represented clients such as Ford, Kraft, HP, and Procter & Gamble in New Zealand and Australia. Daughter Laura started Bob and Mary on their parenthood journey in Wellington, New Zealand, and she was soon joined by her two brothers, Daniel and Ryan, in Melbourne, Australia.

From there, Bob's career took the family to Hong Kong, England, Korea, and Japan (where he represented clients including Nissan, Adidas, and Häagen-Dazs) before the inevitable college years saw the family settling in Colorado Springs in 2006. Bob, an American by birth, spent several years as a young adult in New Jersey, but had long referred to Colorado as one of America's most unspoiled areas. However, after two years working in the communications department at Colorado College, he returned to work in Japan while the family kept the hearth warm in Colorado. Over his remaining years, he consulted for companies in Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Baghdad—and even Aberystwyth University in Wales.

In addition to work and international adventures, Bob's greatest joy came from spending time with his family. No matter where his job took him, his first priority was always his children. They had pets to love in every country, some of whom were accomplished world travelers themselves. He learned Turkish cooking from his sister, which became a focal point of family holiday meals. Nothing could compare to his hand-tossed aerial-flipped omelets. He had an artistic eye for the garden and truly loved getting his hands in the dirt.

Oftentimes in his career he would go on ahead to scope out a new area and establish a home base for the family. He has once more gone on ahead of the rest of us, peacefully taking his leave at home surrounded by Mary, Laura and her husband Alex Dünki, Daniel, and Ryan.

A Celebration of Life will be held virtually on January 22nd to enable Bob's family to connect with relatives, friends and colleagues as much as possible. Those wishing to make a gift in Bob's honor may do so to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, the Humane Society of the Pike's Peak Region, or another charity of their choice.