Robert J. Harris, 75, retired managing director of the Industrial Fasteners Institute, died January 22, 2022.  In 1995, he became the sixth IFI managing director and by the time he retired in 2017 he was longest to serve in the role.

Prior to the IFI, he had been a ship’s captain, corporate VP for a Cleveland aerospace manufacturer and in charge of an industrial division involving vibration monitoring and predictive maintenance.

He took over the IFI when the industry was divided during the legislative process of the U.S. Fastener Quality Act.  

The IFI said “his first task was to stabilize IFI’s financial situation, which he did by directly overseeing industry trade shows in Cleveland and Chicago for six years, adding much needed financial strength to IFI’s reserves.  Then, with Institute leadership, he reorganized IFI’s divisions and oversaw the onboarding of nationally recognized experts in government affairs, technical standards, research, and training.”  

The IFI honored him with its Soaring Eagle Meritorious Service Award in 2018.

Current managing director Dan Walker said “Rob Harris was a friend, ardent supporter, mentor, and always willing sounding board for ideas.  Rob showed me the ropes when I was the ‘new kid on the block’ after he retired in 2017, and I will be forever grateful for the time we spent together discussing plans for the future of IFI.”  

Survivors include his spouse, Patricia Harris; son Nathan (Ashley) Harris; daughter Julie (Kyle); and three granddaughters.

Messages to the family may be set via email: HarrPatRob@gmail.com or 103 Anglers Dr., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022.

The family suggests memorial donations to the Geauga Humane Society Animal Shelter, 15463 Chillicothe Rd, Novelty, OH 44072 or the Pat Meade Memorial Scholarship Fund at Compton College, 1111 E. Artesia Blvd., Compton, CA 90221, Attention: Reuben James.

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