Former Board of Governors member Robert Rider died June 4. He was 83.

Rider served on the board from 1995-2005, was Vice Chairman from 1999-2001 and Chairman from 2001-2003.

PMG Pat Donahoe praised Rider’s contributions. “Bob was among its most important leaders during some of the most extraordinary moments in the Postal Service’s 237-year history,” said Donahoe. “He and his fellow board members were at the forefront of the Postal Service’s responses to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the anthrax attacks that closely followed.”

In 2003 as Board Chairman, Rider addressed the President’s Commission on the Postal Service and showed his belief in the USPS mission to keep America connected. “Delivery of mail is an important and vital government service, regardless of where one lives or what one’s station in life might be,” he stated.

Rider had served as CEO of O.A. Newton & Sons Company, where he began work in 1956. He also served as a director of the Delaware State Fair, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce and numerous other business, educational and civic interests.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Rider, and five children. A memorial Web page and online guestbook are available.

source: USPS News Link