June 3, 1932 - December 31, 2022
Visitation
Tuesday, January 10th from 10-11 a.m. at Central College Presbyterian Church
Service
Tuesday, January 10th 11 a.m. at Central College Presbyterian Church
Burial
Riverside Cemetery (Private)
Robert Cochran Caley, 90, died December 31, 2022, at St. Anns Hospital in Westerville, Ohio. Bob was born June 3, 1932 in Princeton, New Jersey, to Dr. Earle Radcliff Caley and Grace Cochran Caley. Bob graduated from University School and attended The Ohio State University. An accomplished builder, pilot, sailor, and skier, Bob was a true Renaissance Man. His mind saw the possibilities of design, structure, and beauty, and he had the ability to connect them and bring them all to life. Actively working until the time of his death, Bob was the founder and CEO of Colony House, LLC; retired as Vice President of Dick Greer Builders; and was integral in creating the Columbus State Aviation Maintenance Program. A veteran of the United States Navy (Korean Conflict), Bob put his aviation skills to work on behalf of his country. He and his beloved wife Mary Lou traveled the world together. Exploring his ancestral heritage on the Isle of Man, sailing the Caribbean, escaping from a locked castle in England, skiing in the Alps, and revisiting Athens where he lived for a time as a child were among their many adventures. At home, his,love and respect for the wind figured in all his hobbies, whether soaring through the skies or sailing on the waters. He was a former Commodore of Hoover Sailing Club and was active in Central Ohio sailplane,and model aeronautics associations. Bob lived in Minerva Park, in the house he built and shared with Mary Lou for 69 years. In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his wife of 70 years Mary Lou Everett Caley, sister Grace Feist, nephew Ricky Waterloo, sister-in-law Betty Sue Suzie Everett Nestor, and brother-in-law Harold Nestor. He is survived by brother Dr. Paul Caley (Gail), nieces and nephews Mary Lee Nestor Zastudil, Nancy Nestor-Baker (Fred), Roger Feist, Chris Caley, and Cheryl Caley; great-nieces and great-nephews Amanda Friece Zastudil Nippert (John), Nancy Lee Friece Zastudil (Ian), Adam Baker (Kelle), Caley Nestor Baker (Robert), and Harold Baker (Ashley); great-great nieces and nephews Isaiah, Bo, Meredith, Levi, Fitz, Jackson, Samuel, Madelyn, and Lexie Lou; dear friends; and Sweetie the cat. For family and friends alike, he was a rock on which to stand, a safe harbor in times of trouble, and the wind that filled our sails. Friends may call at Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 S. Sunbury Road, Westerville, Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m. , Rev. David M. Redding, officiating. Private interment Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greer/Caley Scholarship Fund, Columbus State Foundation, 550 East Spring Street, Columbus, OH 43215, csccfoundation.org.
Condolences
Kathy Bachman - Jan 6, 2023
Bob was an integral part of our sailing community at Hoover Sailing Club. For decades, he generously shared his knowledge, skills and resources to improve our club for the benefit of others. He was the type of person who would build bridges...and did! Our condolences to his family for their loss. He will be missed, but fondly remembered.
Milt Moos - Jan 6, 2023
I knew Bob through our mutual membership in the Central Ohio Soaring Association. He was a great guy and craftsman who gave me helpful advice on the repair of my sailplane.
Steve Sun - Jan 5, 2023
Bob was a great man, a good friend with a gentle soul. He will be greatly missed.
Tony DiBlasi - Jan 5, 2023
Bob was a good friend and had a wealth of knowledge. He was always there to help in whatever way he could, as a long time Member of the Hoover Sailing Club. His friendly personality will be dearly missed. With Condolences to his Family. Tony and Judy DiBlasi
Mike and Karen Middleton - Jan 5, 2023
I have known Bob for forty years and lost touch for a number of years, but recently regained our friendship just a few months ago. We shared pictures, stories, home baked goods, and laughter these past few months. My wife and I had the privilege of hosting a Christmas party that he attended and in his words really enjoyed the warmth of friends and the fire. I was so happy to be reconnected with such a talented true friend. I will miss his company and know that he rests peacefully and is with his beloved wife.
John Church - Jan 4, 2023
Bob was an incredibly interesting and capable guy. I wish that I had known him better and worked with him more. Besides being talented at many things, he was incredibly down-to-earth and willing to help others. I'm glad he got to see the rebuild of the bridge at the sailing club that he originally designed and built in 1984. I will miss visiting with him and having him around.