Robert Donald Bridges, Jr.

Robert Donald Bridges, Jr. passed away February 25, 2025 as a result of a medical incident suffered while skiing.

Don, an outgoing and generous man, was beloved by all who met him, as evidenced by the dozens of lifelong friendships he maintained. He genuinely loved the people in his life. One of his mantras was, "If you think about a person, call the person." And he did, often holding lengthy telephone conversations to stay connected with friends and family.

Don was an inveterate traveler, logging trips to more than 20 countries. During his high school years at Baton Rouge's Broadmoor High, he met the love of his life and future wife, Alexandra. She shared his love of adventure travel; two of their final trips were to the Arctic Circle in Finland and to the Austrian Military Officers' Ball in Vienna where they waltzed for hours.

Don was a Believer and a true servant of the Lord. He prayed several times each day, thanking God "for the blessings and for the defeats." He was an Eagle Scout and a 15-year member of the Albuquerque Dance Club.

He was also a natural-born mechanical engineer. One of only a handful of Baja Bengals, those intrepid LSU engineering students who since 1977 have been commissioned to design and build an off-road vehicle that will survive the severe punishment of rough terrain and water in the nationwide SAE Mini Baja Competition. Today, a photo of his team, with Don at the wheel, is featured in the Engineering School trophy case.

Don was an avid cyclist (designing his own carbon bike, of course) who each year placed in the top spots of the Tour de Acoma, Day of the Tread, and other cycling events around the state.

A Tiger to the end, he was honored by his industry at the AEM annual conference where his colleagues around the world selected Don as the ambassador for LSU Giving Day, March 19: "In honor of LSU alumnus Don Bridges, we invite you to contribute to the LSU Engineering Excellence Fund. Your donations will help carry forward the positive impact Don made throughout his life."

In addition to his wife, Alex, he leaves three children, Robert Donald (III), Katelin Ann, and William Daniel, a brother, Philip David, and mother, Jo Ann.

A private memorial service will be held later this month.