Telescope Casual rep Bob Urlwin passes away

Casual Living Staff -- Casual Living, 11/8/2012 4:34:29 PM

Bob UrlwinGRANVILLE, N.Y. -- Bob Urlwin, who served as a sales representative for Telescope Casual for 48 years, died Oct. 13 at age 74, the company announced today.

Born Oct. 29, 1937, Urlwin was a "true friend, coworker and Telescope family member," the company said.

Urlwin graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1961. He began his career with Telescope at age 23 on Sept. 12, 1961, joining his father, George, as a sales representative for several states in New England. In October 1966 Urlwin went out on his own, moved to Sparta, N.J., and assumed the territory of New Jersey, Delaware and eastern Pennsylvania. In addition to his duties as a sales representative from 1961 to 2007, he also served as sales manager from 1987 to 1992.

His father, George, served as a Telescope sales representative from 1947 to 1973 (26 years), and his brother, Bill, served as a Telescope sales representative from 1972 to 2003 (31 years).

Urlwin first retired on Nov. 1, 2007, with 47 years of service to Telescope. His son- in-law, Phil Fowler, joined him in May 2005, and after Urlwin's retirement, was appointed to follow in his footsteps and carry on the family tradition. Fowler is now in his seventh year of service with Telescope.

In December 2010, Urlwin volunteered to come out of retirement and represent Telescope for one more year as Fowler was mobilized to serve the country in Iraq for one year. Urlwin retired for a second time in December 2011 with 48 years of service.

Telescope is now 109 years old, and the Urlwin family, combined, has provided 105 years of dedicated service.
Urlwin (also known as Robert, Dad, Rabs, Grampy and Bulldog) is survived by his wife Carol, sister Dot, son Jeff, daughters Lynn, Kristen and Lynne, 12 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and in-laws. He was predeceased by his brothers, Bill and George.

"Bob was an extraordinary person who had tremendous passion for living life to its fullest, this was evident in his work as an exclusive Telescope sales representative and his 48 years of service," said Henry Vanderminden IV, Telescope Casual president. "He was much more than a passionate sales person; it was his constant suggestions for new products, new programs and his interest in the direction of the company that made him so extraordinary. He was even known to design and build his own prototypes at his home and present them for consideration.

"He was influential in many of the beach and folding designs over the years and was recently a catalyst in getting Telescope into the MGP marine grade polymer recycled plastic business. Telescope and the Vanderminden family are so truly blessed to have had Bob's influence and friendship for over 48 years. He was a good friend to many and will be truly missed."