It is with great sadness that NASBP announces that NASBP Past President Robert A. Dee, 69, passed away on November 14 in Des Moines, IA. Dee served as NASBP President from 1985-1986.
Dee attended Bucknell University and upon graduation, he entered into the U.S. Army and served for three years. Then, he began working for Aetna Casualty and specialized in surety bonds. He was transferred to the Des Moines office in 1959. A year later, he started with what is now Holmes, Murphy & Associates and held the title of President and CEO of the company from 1978 until his retirement in 1993.
In addition to being active in the surety industry and NASBP throughout his career, Dee was also a dedicated member of and valued leader in his Des Moines community serving with the United Way of Central Iowa and the Des Moines Chamber of Commerce. He received many honors and accolades during his personal and professional career including being inducted into the Iowa Insurance Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Jim Swift, President and CEO of Holmes, Murphy, & Associates, spoke highly of Dee saying, “As a pillar of influence, his 33 years of leadership was essential to shaping the landscape of our company.” Swift described Dee as a Holmes Murphy pioneer.
Dee is survived by his wife, Sharon F. Dee, his son and three daughters and their spouses, and 14 grandchildren.
A funeral service was held Nov. 19 at St. Augustin Catholic Church in Des Moines, IA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to two organizations. They are the Mercy Hospital Foundation (Des Moines), and the EB Family Assistance Fund at The Children’s Hospital Foundation in Denver (13123 E. 16th Ave., #B045, Aurora, CO 80045), an organization that provides financial assistance to families of patients with a rare skin disease. To view an obituary and picture of Dee, visit the Des Moines Register by clicking here. An online guestbook is also provided to express condolences.
Thomas L. Vehar
NASBP recently learned of the sad news that Thomas L. Vehar, 62, passed away on December 12 in Powder Springs, GA. Vehar was an active supporter of the Association throughout his career.
Vehar attended Duquesne University and after graduating he dedicated his life to the insurance industry, specializing in bonds. During his career he worked as both a bond producer and an underwriter, promoting NASBP and the benefits of membership everywhere he worked. In fact, he was responsible for many of his employers joining and becoming active in NASBP. Some of Vehar’s employers included Allegiance Surety and Ullico.
Vehar is survived by his wife, Diane, his son and three daughters, and a sister.
Memorial services were scheduled in Georgia and Washington, DC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 180 W. Memorial Drive, Dallas, GA 30132. To view an obituary and access an online guest book to send condolences, visit the Butler County Eagle by clicking here.
