Obituary of Robert Joseph Warrick

Robert J. Warrick, 81, of Forest, Virginia, passed away in his sleep July 21, 2017 at the Hospice House in Lynchburg, Virginia, where for two months he confronted and endured with grace the effects of congestive heart failure. Born in Dearborn, Michigan January 14, 1936, to Joseph Warrick and Margaret Doerr, Robert (Bob) graduated from high school in Homer, Michigan, and earned a B.S.E, M.S.E, and Ph.D in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Upon earning his doctorate, Bob worked for more than a decade as part of Ford Motor Corporation's Scientific Research staff, later joining Ford's Casting Division where he helped create a research and development program. After working for twenty-two years for Lynchburg Foundry (Intermet Corp.), he retired in 2001 as the Vice President of Materials Research and Development. Believing in the importance of advancing the ductile iron industry through research, collaboration, and the fostering of the talents of new engineers, Bob actively participated in the American Foundry Society, American Society for Testing and Materials, and Ductile Iron Society. He was a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers and the Foundry Educational Foundation, as well. He collaborated on several patents related to metallurgical processes used in the industry, and he earned numerous professional awards including the American Foundry Society's John H. Whiting Gold Medal for his contributions to the metallurgical industry and the art of casting. After retiring, his pleasure in working with other people, problem-solving, and making positive contributions led him to serve on the board and as the president of his community's homeowner's association. Devoted to his family, Bob is survived by his wife, Jean, to whom he was married for 59 years; their two daughters, Paula and Lydia, and their partner and husband, Terry and Dennis, respectively; his granddaughter, Sophia; his younger sister and her husband, Barbara and Roger; his nephews and niece, John, Joe, and Cathy and their spouses and children. A memorial service at First Presbyterian Church in Lynchburg is scheduled for Saturday, August 12, 2017, at 2:00 PM. Should friends and family desire, memorials may be made to the charity of their choosing.