Bob was born to the late Avedis Zildjian and Alice (Sally) Francis Zildjian (nee Goodale), July 14, 1923, in Boston, MA. He graduated from Dartmouth College class of 1945, and married Margaret Williamina (Willi) McTavish in 1951. They had three children, Wilson, Sally and Andy.
Bob worked for his father at the Avedis Zildjian Company until his father’s death in 1979. Passionate about cymbal making his entire life, Bob was an unstoppable force at the company, working in accounting, advertising, artist relations, production, research and development and sales. With Willi at his side, he travelled the world over many times, making fast friends and important allies in business.
Bob also enlisted in the US Army and served as an infantryman during World War II. Coming home from the battlefield, he took time off to heal and joined a neighbour’s hunting party on a trip to New Brunswick. It was there he first set eyes on Meductic, where he would eventually make history by building his beloved SABIAN cymbal factory.
Through sheer dedication, perseverance and hard work, Bob would build two cymbal empires in his lifetime, a remarkable achievement.
Bob is survived by his wife Willi and three children: Wilson, Sally and Andy. He also is survived by eight grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Salvation Army.
A viewing will be held at Scott Funeral Home in Woodstock, New Brunswick on April 5th from 2-4pm and 7- 9pm. Funeral service will be held at the St. James United Church of Canada, in Woodstock, New Brunswick on April 6th at 4pm.
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