Robert Mather

Robert J. “Bob” Mather, a past ATA president and leader for more than 35 years, died July 15 in Waukesha, Wis., at age 93. He was active in ATA and Milwaukee area philately until his death. 

Bob was ATA treasurer from 2001-2003, and president 2004-2008. He became show manager and bourse chair for the National Topical Stamp Show, a position at which he excelled until 2015. He often traveled to show sites, arranging hotels and events, so that everything worked well at the shows. 

Through the years, Bob received many awards. He was named ATA Distinguished Topical Philatelist in 2003. He was elected to the Wisconsin Federation of Stamp Clubs Hall Of Fame in 1993, and received the Greater Milwaukee Area Philatelists Distinguished Philatelist award in 2000. 

There are many examples of Bob taking on a big job and doing it well. In 1976 he joined the Waukesha Stamp Club and the Milwaukee Philatelic Society. He jumped right in to many activities, something that would become his modus operandi. He served as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of stamp groups in the Milwaukee area. From 2014 until his death he was the treasurer of the Milwaukee Philatelic Society. Under his oversight, the club  achieved non-profit status and sound finances. 

Until his death he served as treasurer and bourse chair for the Milwaukee WSP show, Milcopex. Over many years he had a strong rapport with dealers, which enabled him to fill dealer booths. He was up late after the show taking care of the finances and preparing the show reports.

Bob was also a stabilizing presence for ATA chapter 5, a local club that was started by ATA founder Jerry Husak. The group went dormant, and Bob revived it in 1989. He served as the group’s journal editor since 1999, and was well-known for the colorful cachets he designed and sent to members, as well as for club and philatelic information and a few jokes in each issue. Chapter 5 has more than 100 members across the country, many of whom wish to support an early ATA club and received Bob’s special cachets.

Along the way, Bob became an exhibitor. His exhibit on donkeys received many gold awards, and was often chosen as most popular. 

"The ATA and topical stamp collecting were fortunate to have Bob Mather's dedication for so many years. He educated me about ATA as an organization, how to successfully do stamp shows, and helped us become successful stamp dealers. I have kept every one of his wonderful newsletters written for ATA Chapter #5. He will be missed,” said past president Dale Smith.