William (Robin) Hastings, 69, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on Wednesday, November 28, 2023.
The son of William (Bill) Hastings and Elizabeth Ann Claycomb Hastings, he was born on July 15, 1954. Robin graduated from Keith School and Indiana Area Senior High School in 1972. He attended the University of Florida on a golf scholarship, majoring in economics and political science.
Later, Robin joined his mother, who was treasurer of Patrons’ Mutual Insurance Company and Greenwood Cemetery, as an insurance underwriter and agent. He was also the accountant for Greenwood Cemetery.
Robin had three passions in life— golf, music, and animals. He excelled in both golf and music. He was fortunate to learn the game of golf from Lew Worsham, the U.S Open Champion, and club pro at Oakmont Country Club. He participated in and won many golf tournaments during his life, starting as early as 1971. Robin played over 600 different golf courses both here in the states and in Europe. He especially enjoyed playing Pebble Beach and the Old Course at St. Andrews. He wrote a book about the courses that he played and was privileged to have excerpts published in Sports Illustrated. Through his golfing, Robin met and befriended many people, one being, Fred Brand, who had been President of Augusta National Golf Club. Robin attended one of the final days of the Master’s Golf Tournament, as Fred’s guest, in April 1998. Robin often visited Fred in Pittsburgh, where they would lunch at the Duquesne Club or play golf at one of the clubs where Fred was a member. Fred supported many of Robin’s endeavors in golf and came to Indiana to be part of the events, Including the Indiana County Junior Golf Championship, and the Indiana County Senior Open, which Robin started and operated for many years.
Robin’s second love was music. He had a vast collection of vinyls and CD’s ranging from jazz to oldies, to new music. He was a walking encyclopedia of music, in that he could tell you the title, music group and year of any recording. Robin also enjoyed playing the many different guitars in his collection. He played with various bands over the years and played some solo performances. He wrote and recorded two CD’s, one with Elmer Willet, who managed many groups, one being the Vogues and the other with a music producer in London. Through his music, Robin became friends with Frankie Lane, and Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones.
Robin’s third love was animals. He was a generous supporter of many animal organizations, especially the ones for homeless dogs and cats. Over the years, Robin shared his home with several Jack Russell terriers, Christie, Chipper, Skippy, Cooper, and his current girls, Shobi and Sasha.
Robin is survived by his wife, Susan Brant Hastings, who he married on October 5, 1981, a stepson Stephen Solo (Kim), Ligonier, a step-granddaughter Scarlett and her significant other Matthew Dechicchis, Latrobe, and a step-great granddaughter, Adelheid (Addie) Sarnovsky. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. Gregory Brant, (Nancy), Ok. and his maternal aunt Lois Claycomb, FL along with several cousins and families.
Robin was a member of the Indiana Country Club. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church, where he served as a junior warden at one point earlier in his life.
Family and friends will be received at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, Indiana, from 2 to 7 PM on Monday, December 4, 2023. Additional visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, A funeral service will immediately follow with Fr. William Geiger officiating. Entombment in Oakland Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Four Footed Friends, 220 Beck Road, Indiana, PA, 15701 https.//fourfootedfriends.org.
To send an online condolence to the family, please visit www.bowserminich.com.
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