Obituary of Robert L. Bast

Robert Lower Bast, of Whitemarsh, PA, passed away quietly in his sleep on Saturday, July 9, 2016, at peace with his aspirations, his preparations, and the state of that which he left behind. His remarkable presence will be acutely absent for his family, his friends and all those who benefited from his probing mind, prodigious efforts, and generosity. Born on Oct 4, 1925 in Philadelphia, to A. Robert and Emma L. Bast, he was in his 91st year. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Beatrice Weeks Bast, his four children, Robert S. Bast, Kristine B. Frisbie, William L Bast and Beatrice B. Welch, together with their spouses, eleven grandchildren, and many family members who valued his company, his wit, and always willing contribution to making their lives more fun and more manageable. He was a graduate of Episcopal Academy, Yale University, and Harvard Law School. He served in the army air corps in WW2. He had a long legal career extending through to his last days, from Ballard Spar and Townsend Elliot and Munson through Reed Smith, where he served as managing partner of the Philadelphia office, to private practice in his later years. His active membership in the Pennsylvania Bar extended over 64 years. He served as a township supervisor in Whitemarsh Township. He was a major and integral contributor to the considerable effort made to move Germantown Academy to Fort Washington, and served on the board of the school for over five decades, until May of this year. His contributions to these and other institutions was continuous and dedicated throughout his life. Bob was not simply about business and work. Rather, he loved games, puzzles and competition. He certainly challenged all comers with his energy and spirited approach. His gardening expertise was legendary; family, friends, neighbors and many unsuspecting visitors were recipients of an endless supply of vegetables throughout the growing season. Family, near and extended, was Bob's top priority. Family reunions in Lancaster, New Hampshire, delighted in his sly, complex treasure hunts. His enthusiasm for golf, tennis, horseshoes and backgammon with children, grandchildren, in-laws, nieces, nephews and any and all visitors was well known. He was a wonderful dancer and enjoyed stepping out to Fred Astaire's music with a grandchild balanced on his shoes. He reinvented himself over time. His early married years saw him farming his land in Ambler while he was also starting his practice of law. In his later years, he transitioned from large firm law practice to individual practitioner, and embraced the internet and its communication and informational strengths. He lived his life on his own terms from start to finish. Bob believed that charity was an investment in the social fabric of our nation. He liked to support foundations and institutions with a focused mission and developed record of achievement in their chosen work. While giving generously to a variety of causes, he had a particular care for those that supported the wellbeing of communities and their people. In his own communities these included his church, educational facilities like Germantown Academy, and those of health including the B.D.Weeks Memorial Hospital and the Beyond Celiac Foundation. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who might be so moved, consider a contribution to a charity close to their own father's heart. A memorial service will be held Tuesday October 4 at 3pm at the Saint Thomas Church Whitemarsh- Camp Hill Rd. at Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington Pa.19034