Bob Moesch, the founder of Modular Communications Systems, died on Oct. 27, 2013. He was 86 years old. Moesch battled several illnesses (diabetes, lung cancer and pneumonia) in the last years of his life. He is survived by siblings Donald Moesch and Edna Black.

Moesch enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 15-years-old after lying about his age. He served during World War II and the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1953 as a CM2/Quartermaster.

He began his business career at Convair, an aircraft defense contractor. In the 1950s, Moesch attended San Diego State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting and master’s degree in economics; he later served the school as a professor of accounting. Moesch then went back to Convair as an accountant and senior estimator, before leaving in 1963 to start several companies, finally launching ModUcom in 1978.

In addition to his business accomplishments, Moesch faithfully served as a volunteer member for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association for more than 30 years, serving as a “white suiter,” upholding the principles required of its members: integrity, reliability, dependability and dedication. Moesch also exhibited these qualities throughout his APCO career.

“I have lost a dear friend and mentor. I reflect on what made him a great man. Bob always spoke with a candor and wit that made us appreciate his wise words. He had strong principles that he acted upon without wavering,” Peter Hong, ModUcom’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “His life was a fulfillment of his dreams and aspirations. He loved his country, his God, his friends and his family, and his employees—and thus, his life was rich in happiness. He will be greatly missed.”

Moesch was a very active commercial member of APCO for more than 30 years. He was a familiar face on the exhibit floor, often seen laughing and joking with conference attendees and fellow vendors, making everyone’s day much brighter. He always had a kind word and was generous beyond belief. Moesch and his wife, Doris (also deceased), were fixtures at all APCO functions; it wasn’t an APCO Conference without seeing them.

It’s obvious from Hong’s comments that he shared the same love and respect we all felt.

The APCO Silent Key is a special tribute and honor to those APCO Members who have passed away. It doesn’t matter what class of membership the deceased held or how long they were a member—all members count and deserve this honor. Please contact APCO International or Lin Ford (linsapco@aol.com) if you hear of a member’s passing.