Robert A Negaard

Born in Stillwater, MN Jan 6, 1923 Bob formed his lifelong passions; family, singing, & activities outdoors. During WWII, he earned 3 stars, was part of the Battle of the Bulge & worked logistics for General Patton’s troops, including rebuilding Remagen Bridge as part of the 1262 Army Corp of Engineers. Bob graduated Syracuse University-College of Forestry, BS in chemical engineering. This was where he met Shirlee B Bamforth. They were married July 30, 1949 in Vernon, CT. Bob was fortunate to be the VP for St Regis Paper Co. from 1946 until retirement in 1981 as Production Development & Technical Services Manager for the USA, in the Technical Services Division.

Bob was a 1993 Masters Single Sculling National Champion, 29 year US Rowing Referee Emeritus, creator of the “Wing-It” single that introduced the world to the “Wing-Rigger”. Thus he was inducted into the River & Rowing (England) & History of Rowing (USA) Museums. Highest honor the “The Distinguished Service Award” was given to Bob and family for volunteered time, talent & treasure to Jacksonville University Rowing Program. Later he and his family became the namesake of JU’s Negaard Rowing Center. He was also an Eagle Scout, as are his son, and 2 grandsons. Bob was a life member Boy Scouts of America. Singing, a lifelong passion, Bob was member of early school, Barbershop Quartet “Empire Staters”, and later church choirs, as a bass. He was honored for founding the Westchester Chapter by the SPEBSQA.

Bob joins Shirlee, his fine artist wife of 49 years, and sister Bonnie of Minneapolis, MN. He is survived by a daughter, Kristen, rowing coach & co-op youth leader in Noank, CT, her husband George and son, Brad J Negaard, President of GBN Construction, Inc. of Jacksonville, FL, his wife Annette & their sons Stefan & Erich and siblings Margaret Thon of MN, and Thomas Leimer of OH.

Memorial Services will be held in Arlington Congregational Church Sat. Dec 22, 2012 4-6pm Jacksonville, FL, and Noank Baptist Church Noank, CT Sat. May 25, 2013. Bob Negaard will be interred in Vernon, CT Stillwater & Kirkhoven, MN family plots. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to a new scholarship. Make checks payable to Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32211 Attn Advancement Dept, memo: “Robert A. Negaard Rowing Scholarship”.