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In Remembrance
Pat Herron, Executive Publisher

Bob Boucher 1947-2006

On February 13, 2006, my business partner and dear friend Bob Boucher, 59, passed away after battling a serious illness for the past few months. Bob was a wonderful role model for all who knew him. His business savvy, knowledge and experience impacted the lives of so many in both vision care and business publishing over many years.

A 1968 graduate of Bucknell University, Bob started his business publishing career at The Chilton Company in 1969. During the next 23 years, Bob worked for The U.S. Business Press, Gordon Publications and he served as President and CEO of Gralla Publications in New York. In 1992, Bob was recruited by the equity firm Brentwood and Associates to form Cardinal Business Media as President and CEO. Over the next five years, Cardinal grew to be a dominant player in business publishing, serving numerous specialty areas including the optical and vision care markets.

I had the privilege of acquiring the vision care titles and a number of technology publications with Bob in 1997, when Boucher Communications, Inc. was formed. The business grew steadily, and by 2005 we were the publishers of five leading eyecare-related publications, Ophthalmology Management, Optometric Management, Eyecare Business, Contact Lens Spectrum and our newest publication, Retinal Physician, which we launched in 2004. In September 2005, we sold our company to Wolters Kluwer, a leading provider of healthcare communications around the world.

Along with his tireless work in the office, Bob was an active member of several boards, as well as the American Business Media.

As I look back over our years together in business, I realize how fortunate I was to know such a great man. Speaking for our employees, colleagues and many industry friends, Bob will be missed by everyone he touched in his life.

Bob is survived by his wife, Mary Lou, his sons Michael and Brian, his parents Robert N. Boucher Sr. and Charlotte K. Boucher, five grandchildren and his brother David M. Boucher. The family is requesting donations in Bob's memory be made to the American Brain Tumor Association (800-886-2282 or hope.abta.org).

Pat Herron, Executive Publisher