Robert M. Barlow ’51

Robert M. Barlow ’51, of Great Falls, Va.; June 12. During his time at Brown he was captain of the swim team and met his future wife. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy, then settled in Virginia. He worked as a distributor for Techbuilt, a prefabricated home panel manufacturer. In 1966, he partnered with John D. Van Wagoner to cofound the distribution company Division 7. Their partnership produced several construction-related businesses, including Prospect Management, Prospect Industries, Prospect Enterprises, Prospect Waterproofing, Geotech, and Insulated Building Systems. In addition, he was a founding shareholder of Patriot National Bank and Cardinal National Bank, both startup community banks. He helped to establish Great Falls Swim and Tennis Club, serving as its president, and provided financial and construction guidance to St. Thomas Church in McLean, Va. He and his wife enjoyed traveling together to all seven continents and produced vintage homemade wine labeled Shatto-Barlow. He is survived by his wife, Laura Shatto Barlow ’53; daughter Julia B. Vail Cronin ’81; a son-in-law; two sons and daughters-in-law, including son Duncan ’78; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.