Beta Theta Pi - Michigan State University

THE THE DRAGON'S WAGON DRAGON'S WAGON G A M M A P S I C H A P T E R O F B E T A T H E T A P I Fall 2021 R obert Louis Cantrell '62, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 5, 2021, in Mason, Michigan. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, on Valentine's Day in 1940. Bob graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in financial administration. A proud Spartan, Bob served as president of the class of 1962 and president of Gamma Psi; he was active with both the university and the fraternity his entire adult life. After completing ROTC as a Distinguished Military Graduate at MSU, Bob served two years in the military as a lieutenant. He then embarked on a 41-year career with IBM and Siemens. In retirement, Bob moved on to new adventures. Frequently asking the question "Why not?" he served as executive producer on the movie Freaky Deaky, based on the book by Elmor Leonard. He also appeared as an extra in the movie Gods and Generals, in deference to his family's American Civil War heritage, and became a documentarian for MSU, recording many historical interviews with coaches, team members, and other people associated with the famous 1966 MSU vs. Notre Dame "game of the century." Bob was a Ford 1929 Model A aficionado and loved to drive his two Model As, frequently surprising his family with the sound of his antique car horn. One of the highlights was In Memory of Bob Cantrell '62 May You Rest in Peace driving MSU head basketball coach Tom Izzo in his convertible roadster during a Homecoming parade. Bob was also known for wearing clothing with the Michigan Agricultural College (MAC) logo, which he incorporated into a unique wardrobe. Above all, Bob loved his family. He cherished summers at his cottage in Bear Lake and ended every day with a salute to the setting sun. He enjoyed history, especially the American Civil War, and celebrated his American Revolutionary War ancestry and his Scottish ancestry. His favorite Broadway shows were Camelot, Pippin, and Man of La Mancha, and he frequently quoted his favorite movie, Excalibur, saying, "Hope is all I got." Bob was instrumental in the multiyear task of refounding Beta Theta Pi at Michigan State. His presence and personality were an excellent first impression to pledges, glue to the actives, and an anchor for the alumni. His charisma and presence will be missed by both Beta Theta Pi and Michigan State University. A few good words regarding Brother Bob: "The passing of Bob is a massive loss to our chapter. Bob was the perfect example of what it meant to be a Beta for life, and I don't think anyone has been more dedicated to this chapter than him. The truth is we would not be here without him. Rest in peace, Brother Cantrell." —Jack Bulson '90 "We'll all miss him in so many ways." —John Dobben '58 "Bob was MR. BETA! Everything he did was based on our core Beta principles. Gamma Psi Chapter would not be at MSU if not for him and a few others! Bob will be missed, but his legacy will live on beyond our years. My deepest sympathies go to his family. A truly great man; may he rest in peace." —Tom Chouinard '91 "A great man who truly embodied our principles, every single day. Rest in peace, Brother Cantrell." —Jimmy Tocco '20 "Bob was the glue between the alumni, and between the alumni and the active chapter. His contribution to our chapter is everlasting. He represented the three meanings of the stars. God bless Bob!" —Burton Gerber '55

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