Arcadia, Fla.-Robert "Hank" Symons, 77, a former cable-industry executive at TelePrompTer Corp., Warner Cable and New York Times Cable, died Aug. 13 at his home here after a brief illness.
An industry pioneer, his career spanned more than 30 years, beginning in 1960 in Liberal, Kan., his hometown. He became vice president of TelePrompTer and built that MSO up to 1 million-subscriber status. He was a charter member of the Cable Television Pioneers, class of 1972.
An active participant in cable-industry affairs, Symons was a director of the National Cable Television Association and the Kansas/Oklahoma Association.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served as a medic with General George Patton's Third Army in World War II, participating in the liberation of the Buchenwald and Dachau concentration camps. He also served in the infantry during the Korean War.
In addition to his involvement with the cable industry, Symons owned and operated citrus groves in Florida for almost 30 years.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patsy; two sons; a daughter; and six grandchildren. Burial with military honors was held in Liberal.
Memorial donations can be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, c/o Sahib Temple, 600 North Beneva Road, Sarasota, Fla., 34232. Donations can also be made to the National Cable Television Center in Denver.
