Robert James Work

Robert J. Work died unexpectedly Saturday, September 3. This intense, vibrant, extraordinary man was fit in every way, but somehow managed to wear out his heart, which quit with no warning. He is survived by his wife, Nora Minor, of Tampa, and their daughter, Catherine Work, who serves in the Peace Corps in Cameroon. He is also survived by his mother, Marie Work, and two sisters, Mary Rasp (Jim) and Ann Borger (Barrie), all of Indiana. He was predeceased by his father, James Work, brother James, and sister Ruth. Bob was a restless, off-and-on, frustrated (and no doubt frustrating) student who took several years to get through college. And then he was in a big hurry to do big things; and he did. As an architect and Class A General Contractor, he built cities in the desert in Saudi Arabia early in his career, and then again in Qatar in his later years. In between he built NHL and NBA arenas and NFL stadiums; built schools and hospitals and high-rises; and spent six exciting years directing the design and construction of NASCAR racetracks. His work took him around the world, his last stop being Seoul, South Korea. He often referred to his wife as his ballast; for her, he was the engine that propelled the two of them, and then their daughter, forward through an amazing adventurous life. He never gave up on anything, or anyone. He was still best friends with his buddies from grade school, and maintained friendships over time, no matter what the distance in geography or circumstance. He was an elegant man who dressed impeccably; first order of business when the family moved to a new city was to locate a proper tailor. He grew up on the river in Elkhart, Indiana, and was happiest on the water. He enjoyed long sailing trips, and kayaked nearly every day. He was a devil’s advocate. A provocateur. He was ethical, loyal, and faithful; his life motto was “endeavor to persevere.” He was an organ donor, and his family takes comfort knowing that his gift of corneas means someone will be seeing the world through his eyes. Bob was a careful, methodical planner, and yet an exuberant, passionate, powerful personality. He was often difficult to live with. He will be even harder to live without. An open house to say farewell is planned for Saturday, September 10, 1-3 pm, at 902 S. Dakota Avenue. If any care to make a gesture of remembrance, a gift to Friends of Acadia would be appreciated.