This time 2016 has gone too far by taking away the creator of the indispensable red Solo cup. Robert Leo Hulseman died on Dec. 21, 2016, at the age of 84. Hulsemen began his career working at his father’s business, the Solo Cup Company when he was just 18 and later rose to become its president and CEO.
According to the obituary posted by his family, “Over the course of nearly 60 years, he worked in a variety of roles and oversaw the company’s growth into one of the largest foodservice packaging companies in the world, ultimately serving as President and CEO before his retirement. He was known as an innovator, a hands-on manufacturing expert, and an industry pioneer; many of the products he developed are ubiquitous today, including the Red Solo Cup and the Traveler Lid. As philanthropists, Bob and Sheila were committed to supporting a variety of organizations and causes committed to Catholic education, anti-poverty initiatives, and religious communities.”
The red Solo cup is famous not only in America but around the world. In Europe, there are American theme parties where the cup is featured by partygoers. The red Solo cup crosses racial boundaries and has become a necessity at barbecues, family reunions and house parties. Country Music star Toby Keith wrote the #1 song “Red Solo Cup” in tribute and includes the following lyrics:
Country music star Toby Keith wrote the #1 song “Red Solo Cup” in tribute. See an excerpt below:
Now a red solo cup is the best receptacle/ For barbecues tailgates fairs and festivals/And you sir do not have a pair of testicles/If you prefer drinking from glass
Red solo cup I fill you up
Let’s have a party let’s have a party
I love you red solo cup I lift you up
Proceed to party proceed to party
The song has been remixed many times into rap music and the cup has reached a legendary status among parties.
