In Memoriam: Robert Baugniet, An Industry Veteran

Robert Baugniet, a familiar and well-regarded aviation media relations and communications veteran, died in Toronto on Jan. 12. He was 78. He is survived by daughters Jessica and Belinda, four grandchildren, siblings Michel and Phillip and several nieces and nephews.

The director of corporate communications at Gulfstream Aerospace from 2001 until retiring in 2009, Baugniet previously served in that same capacity at Rolls-Royce North America (1997-2001) and Rolls-Royce Industries Canada (1994-1997). He began his communications career in the mid-1960s upon joining Berger & Associates, a major Canadian public relations firm, ultimately rising to become president and CEO from 1987 to 1994.

He was an active member of the communications committees in the Aerospace Industries Associations of Canada and the U.S., and with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Washington, D.C. He was also a member of the National Press Clubs in Ottawa and Washington.

In parallel with his civilian career, Baugniet was an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy. Over decades, he served in a variety of increasingly important capacities both ashore and at sea, finally being promoted to the rank of commodore and put in command of that country’s naval reserve forces.

Born in London on Nov. 20, 1944, Baugniet moved to Canada when he was 12 and was fluent in French and English. He became a U.S. citizen in 2005.

Commodore Baugniet’s ashes were to be transported by naval vessel to the approaches off Halifax Harbor, Nova Scotia, and there committed to the deep.