Tributes

Robert Humphreys, age 84, passed on January 1, 2023 at Bryn Mawr Hospital, Pennsylvania. Robert was born May 7, 1938 in Eugene, Oregon to the late Colonel Russell Humphreys, US Army, and Roberta Bennett. He was the oldest child, surviving his late brother Michael Humphreys. Because of their father's Army assignments, the family lived in multiple cities but Robert graduated from Washington and Lee High School in 1954. His fondest memories from high school were from his time on the rowing team and included winning the Stotesbury High School Regatta (Boys 4x ) and the Mid Atlantic States Regatta (Boys 4x) in 1954. One poignant memory was losing his race in the Scholastic Schoolboy Regatta that year by six inches! As a high school senior, he was also voted Best Thespian beating out classmate Warren Beatty. Robert attended the University of Washington and continued rowing for the Huskies. He was a member of SAE and graduated in 1959. After graduating, Robert enlisted in the US Army . He became a pilot and served on the 205th Transportation Battalion in Echterdingen Germany. After two years, he entered law school at George Washington University and graduated in 1965. While in Washington DC, he met and married the late Natasha Lucenko. They had two children: Tanya, born 1964, and Greg, born 1975. Robert's law career encompassed work as a legislator, consultant , and arbitrator. His first job was as a legal representative with the Air Transport Association where he worked for 5 years and was able to enjoy the perks of extensive worldwide travel with Natasha including Paris, Rome, London, Beirut, Athens, and Moscow to name a few. Following that position, he began his work as a legal aide to West Virginia senator Jennings Randolph and served as special counsel to the Commission on Labor and Human Resources. In that capacity, he was the principal draftsman of multiple pieces of legislation including the Black Lung Benefit Act of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act Amendment of 1973, and the Randolph Shepherd Act of 1974. He is considered a champion of human rights for coal miners, the handicapped and the blind. He served on the board of directors for the National Center for a Barrier Free Environment and the Virginia Special Olympics. Robert loved spending time with his wife and family and traveling. He tirelessly supported his children's activities including swimming and hockey. His own hobbies included cooking , drawing, and painting. Robert and Natasha loved spending time in Hawaii where he was able to practice law in his later years. Robert retired abruptly to care for his wife after she suffered a severe stroke. They later relocated to Pennsylvania. Robert leaves behind his daughter Tanya Humphreys, son Greg Humphreys, and grandchildren Alek Lexa, Matthew Lexa, Isabel Humphreys and Leila Humphreys.

Tributes

Robert Humphreys

May 7, 1938 - January 1, 2023