Brothers, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of brothers Robert Leighton, Jr. ‘69 and Robert “Bob” Davidson Jr. '69 into the Mystic Circle. We want to express our deepest sympathies to their family, friends, and loved ones. Please read on below.

Robert Rowley Leighton, Jr. ‘69

Rob passed away after a long illness on March 24, 2024. He grew up in Sewickley Pennsylvania and attended The Sewickley Academy and South Kent School before attending Kenyon College. At Kenyon, he was known by the nickname “Rabbit,” wrestled for the Lords and was a “hail fellow well met” with everyone who knew him. After graduation, Rob was an Officer in the U.S. Navy and served in Vietnam aboard the USS Henderson. Upon returning from active duty, he earned an M.B.A from The University of Pittsburgh, married Kathy Eustis and returned to Sewickley where they raised their children and where he lived until his passing.

Rob began his career working at Steelite, a small family-owned business, where he became President and retired after 40 years in 2015. Active in the community, he was a member of Sewickley Presbyterian Church for 62 years and a member of the Allegheny Country Club. Rob supported many local charities and served on the Quaker Valley School Board.

Rob’s obituary noted that he was an avid skier, paddle and tennis player, an occasional golfer and an avid runner/walker on the streets of Sewickley. “He was known to add the skip to his walk and was a force of nature on the dance floor” and was observed to “love the company of friends, his many dogs, and a good glass of wine.” He is survived by his wife, six children and stepchildren, and seven grandchildren.

Robert L. “Bob” Davidson Jr. ‘69

Bob Davidson passed away on November 20, 2023. He was in the Class of 1969 at Kenyon. “Bo was a maverick – unique in many good ways and well-liked by everyone in West Wing. He was good natured, never had a cross word with anyone and always up for a good time,” recalled Art Stroyd who was in his Pledge Class. After graduation from Kenyon, he served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force during the Viet Nam War and later earned an MBA from the University of Dayton. He worked as a stockbroker and became a Senior VP at Westminster Financial in financial consulting.

Bob’s obituary noted that he was an avid golfer and enjoyed the occasional fishing trip.

“Bob never missed breakfast (especially at Bob Evan’s). He made meaningful connections through Rotary Club. “Ever the optimist, Bob was a Cleveland Browns fan and would root for them every chance he got.” The Alumni Bulletin obituary noted that anticipating his 50th year after graduation, Bob said he wanted to return to Gambier and “go to Dorothy’s for a beer.” He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren. Bob was proud when they graduated from his alma mater, Oakwood High School, making them the fourth generation in his family to do so.

Bob was survived by his three children, Sarah Martin, Robert L. “Trey” Davidson III, Catherine Franklin, and nine grandchildren.