02/06/1934 - 01/21/2009
A brief resume of his dedicated career with IBM and CICS: A heart felt resume by his loving eldest son:
During Bob's 40 year IBM career, he worked with CICS since its inception in 1968. Bob received numerous IBM awards for his work with CICS, including an IBM Outstanding Contribution award in 1970 for his development of early CICS eduction materials; an IBM Exceptional Achievement award in1983 for writing the CICS Macro Level Scan Program which assisted thousands of customer to migrate from macro level programming to the newer CICS Command Level interface; and in 1985, Bob was promoted to Senior Technical Staff Member, the first such promotion in the IBM marketing division. Since his retirement from IBM at the end of 1996, Bob has continued to be involved with CICS, presenting at IBM or IBM Business Partner sponsored CICS seminars, writing the very popular CICS Newsletter, presenting at the annual CICS Technical Conference, and consulting with many customers and Independent Software Vendors.
Bobby Michael Yelavich is a traveler. His life will be remembered as one remarkable journey. Full of zest, abundance in experience and rich in friendship and admiration.
Bob, of course, traveled in the literal sense of the word. He explored the Earth's natural wonders and experienced man-made marvels which are a privilege fews others on Earth will ever claim. Bob walked atop China's Great Wall, rafted Colorado's River rapids at the Grand Canyon, visited resident penguins of Antarctica and roamed the finest cities in North America, Europe, Asia, Tokyo, Beijing, St. Petersburg, Paris, and London. In addition Bob trekked coastlines of New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and sailed the seven seas. He truly saw America... and lived the American Dream.
Bob chronicled his travels, sharing adventures with us as though we were there with him on his very popular website. If citizenry is defined by where one wanders, then Bob Yelavich is a world-class citizen. Bob was ready to embark upon a National Geographic trip – an Around the World expedition, when the Captain of Life provided him an upgraded ticket for an Around the Universe trip.
So. Pass the news. Bob Yelavich has now… officially… retired from IBM. He won’t be attending any more computer conventions, or SHARE meetings. You won’t be getting any more newsletters or updates or CICS speeches or seminars (though, CICS T-Shirts, buttons and bumper stickers are still available 3 for $5! Just kidding...).
Bob has left the building. But wasn’t it great while he was here? He helped cultivate and tend to CICS, an idea my father readily accredited to Ben Riggins. Like an acorn, CICS grew into a mighty oak tree that continues to provide solutions which benefit the worlds business community.
“Kicks” is a great acronym, and I recognize how my father conducted his business affairs according to each of the letters: C-I-C-S
· C for Communication (Emails, feedback, endless speaking engagements)
· I for Inspiration (Bob always tried to bring out the best in people)
· C for Cooperation (He so valued your professional association and spoke well of you)
· And S for Sensibility (Always an advocate for practicality and good ideas, Bob sought what made sense for CICS. And what made sense for CICS made dollars for IBM. And that’s good!)
Bob planted, cultivated, nourished and helped grow CICS and people. His gravestone will remind us that: “A man who plants trees can’t be all that bad.”
As a dad, Bob helped raise 5 children with love and caring. He taught us, supported us, encouraged us, and was there for us in various ways. Best of all, for over 40 years of his life, my dad enjoyed a wonderful traveling companion. Her name was Shirley, I refer to her as "Mom". It’s been said (perhaps in times past) that IBM stands for “I’ve been moved”. Over the years, Mom and Dad did move, taking us from, Ohio, to New York, Michigan, Nevada, back to Michigan, Illinois, California, Texas and finally Bob retiring in Nevada. But now, ultimately resting back in Arlington, Texas. Side by side. Forever.
Shirley and Bob stayed together through thick and thin. They were each other’s Lover, Confidante, Friend, Sharing and caring for their parental duties to raise five kids.They journeyed through life’s peaks and valleys and together enjoyed the blessings which followed. Mom passed away 15 years ago, but Dad honored her memory with Christmas cards, written reminders, pictures on the wall and spoken memories of her as well.
Today as his Earthly body rests next to his beloved wife’s, everyday God restores our very being and provides heavenly graces. Perhaps then, since time is eternal, Dad has rejoined Mom in their youth, rrunning, skipping, jumping and laughing, On the playground… just inside Heaven’s Gate.
Bon Voyage Dad! I love you. May God continue to bless you and your travels. I look forward to seeing you again someday.
(Mark Yelavich, January 30, 2009)
(925) 455-5989
bmymemorial@yelavich.com
