Robert Ellison Waite, 64, of Kimball, Nebraska, passed away on March 9, 2026, of natural causes. Born on February 7, 1962, in Palo Alto, California to Richard Bulness Waite and Carol Ellison Waite, Robert lived a life defined by quiet kindness, curiosity, and a deep reverence and compassion for the natural world.
A graduate of East High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, Rob built an impactful career spanning 35 years with Clean Harbors Inc., initially at eventual subsidiaries and the Grassy Mountain facility in Utah where Rob played a key role in developing stabilization methods for metals in solid waste. His accomplishments and knowledge in waste management processes and technology led to assuming the role of QA/QC Manager at the main lab facility in Kimball, NE, in 2005. Under his expert leadership, the Kimball Laboratory achieved NELAC (National Environmental Laboratory Certification) certifications across an exceptionally broad scope of analyses. In addition, drawing on his extensive skills in programming and database management, Rob developed Clean Harbors’ first internally built Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), a trusted system relied upon and utilized by state and federal regulators that greatly streamlined the site’s processes and increased profitability. In 2025, Rob took on the role of Corporate Laboratory Manager where he oversaw QA/QC operations at all Clean Harbors laboratories spanning all fifty states in the US, as well as Canada and Puerto Rico. Colleagues knew him as a valuable subject matter expert, someone who believed deeply in teamwork and consistently inspired those around him to grow and excel.
Rob was a veteran of National Guard Special Forces where he achieved the rank of sergeant. He loved spending time outdoors, taking joy in hikes deep into the nearby Snowy Mountain Range and the wonders of Estes Park. He liked to characterize such places as his preferred “art museums and concerts.” He frequented the Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff where he established a rapport with individual residents such as the black bear, hippo, and others. A loyal friend and family member, he often participated in group vacations to places like St. Croix, the Pacific Northwest coast, southern Utah, and other places. His interests were wide ranging, often leading him to hobbies like deep sea scuba diving, skydiving, kayaking, pottery, reading science fiction, history and cosmology, and other activities. He had a soft spot for stray cats, often accepting them into his home to become his Other Family members to whom he showed unfailing devotion and care.
Robert was predeceased by his father, Richard Waite, in November 2013. In addition to his beloved cats, Robert is survived by mother, Carol Ellison Waite; sister, Joan Waite Parsley and her husband, David; niece, Guenever Parsley; nephew, Adam Parsley; and grand-niece, Lily Parsley and his wife Denise. The family will be holding a private celebration of life ceremony at a later time. Those wishing to honor Rob’s memory are encouraged to make donations in his name to the Riverside Discovery Center in Scottsbluff, NE.
