Robert Alan Schackner

Robert Alan Schackner was born on July 23, 1946, in NYC. He grew up in Hewlett, New York. He ran Track for Hewlett High School and had a great sense of humor. He went on to the University to major in Psychology. He attended Bridgeport for his BA then to Temple University for his master’s degree. He attended John Hopkins for his PHD but decided not to finish.

Robert worked in the Behavioral Health field for much of his life. He worked with Tribal Communities in northern Arizona for a few years but eventually had to return to the big city to earn a living. He vowed to return to Northern Arizona at some point in his life.

He married Cathy Daly in the 80’s and they were married for about 6 years. Their marriage ended but they remained very good friends until the day of his passing.

Robert eventually went to work for the State of Arizona where he became the Director of the Child Fatality Review Board. This board investigates all child deaths in the state. After the investigation the Board comes together to find methods, actions, policies, and education to prevent future child deaths. Robert also became Chair of the Arizona SIDS Alliance, working with grieving parents to promote ongoing education on what can be done to reduce the risk of SIDS such as proper sleeping positions, clothing, items in crib, warning signs etc. Additionally, Robert served 2 terms on the State of Arizona Board of Behavioral Health.

The Board of Behavioral Health is where Robert and Dawn met. Dawn had been appointed to be a public member on the Board. Robert was a Professional member. Public members are appointed to give checks and balances to views of a majority professional board. There are usually 10 professional members and 2 public members who are appointed to give input as a representative of the public to the decision-making process.

Robert and Dawn became friends and after a couple of years began to date. They were married in 1999 and purchased a home together in Fountain Hills where they lived for the next 10years

In 2009 they moved to Flagstaff where they had purchased a convenience store and several acres of property. Shortly thereafter Robert was diagnosed with throat cancer which he battled for several years until being declared cancer free in 2017. Through cancer and a failing business during the recession, their love never faltered. They lost most everything, but they had each other. After finally selling the store, they began to start regaining some of what they had lost one step at a time.

Robert and Dawn lived on a 5-acre parcel in Doney Park where they cut their own wood and lived a very simple lifestyle with their 3 horses, 2 goats, 2 cats and a dog. Robert was happiest with his animals. Robert loved the outdoors. They planted huge gardens in the summer and were very happy together. He fed the birds, bought squirrel food and made sure the cows during free range had plenty of water. He loved his wife, and she adored him. He loved his bonus daughters and grandkids even though he rarely left home. He was always interested in what they were doing and wanted to know every detail of their accomplishments. He loved his sister Linda, his nephew Steve and niece Maria and great nephew Izaac. Robert passed away in the place he loved most, with his wife home and his animals nearby. He would say, “What a way to go!”