Robert B Aikens

Robert Bruce "Bob" Aikens passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 2, 2016. He was a noted developer of regional enclosed shopping centers as well as numerous other properties located throughout the United States, a rugged outdoorsman, and a generous philanthropist. Born in Ft. Wayne, IN on June 27th, 1929, he was the son of Berton Allen Aikens, Jr. and Katherine Sanson Aikens. He attended Baldwin High School where he fell deeply in love with his wife of 65 years, Charlotte Ann Snyder. In 1951 he received his BA in economics from Brown University, and in 1954 he received his JD from the University of Michigan Law School. From 1959 to 1973 he was a Senior Partner in the law-firm of Wunsch, Aikens & Lundershausen, where he focused on real estate and tax law. In 1973, Bob struck out on his own as Chairman and 100% owner of Robert B. Aikens & Associates, LLC. Since that time, his company has developed, owned and managed, among other property types, nine enclosed regional shopping centers around the United States. He is survived by his wife, Ann Snyder Aikens; his children, Kimberly Ann Aikens; Robert Bruce Aikens Jr. (Linda); Lindsey Aikens Hefter (Peter); and Geoffrey Scott Aikens (Beth); his eleven grandchildren; and his brother, William Robb Aikens (Alice).