Name: Berry Highland West
Address: Knoxville, TN

Bob was one of my greatest mentors, and so I wanted to add a few words of respect and thanks to a dear friend and colleague. 
I met Bob in 1992 after caring for animals in Hurricane Andrew. I had given a presentation at the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention and was full of ideas on what veterinarians should do to make the world a better place, but, looking back, probably had with little to do with how to really make a difference. After the presentation Bob introduced himself and very politely suggested I might want to work with State emergency management agencies to accomplish my goals  that changed my life and career. Not only was Bob right, that that was the way to really make a difference, but for the next two decades he was always there to guide me.
At the time I met Bob, in addition to being a much respected veterinarian, Bob had also been a certified HAZMAT technician for about a decade, building on his expertise and specialty knowledge in toxicology. And even before that that he had been the Field Veterinarian for the Tennessee Valley Authority taking care of research animals. Much of the work he did there was never published, so, ever humble, few people knew that Bob was the world's leading authority animals exposed to radiation. And in the 1970's he wrote the first guide and made a short movie about caring for animals exposed to radiation. That guide has been updated several times since then, but is still the authoritative work on prevention and care of animals exposed to radiation today.
Bob was the kindest of people. All of his students, clients and colleagues I met all him loved him for his knowledge, gentleness and modesty. He was also a leader. Bob was one of the first veterinarians ever to work through official (emergency management) channels to help animals and their owners. For much of his career he volunteered with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. His credibility and devotion as a veterinarian has led to Tennessee having some of the most practical and enforceable practices for animals in disasters. Many of us who have pursued a career in emergency management learned and benefitted from his experience, commitment and perpetual encouragement, and I think it made him proud to see so many people under his tutelage doing so many things to improve the care of animals.
In the 1990's Bob served on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Veterinary Disaster Medicine, the first and longest standing professional organization dedicated to the care of animals in disasters. When the AAVDM received a small grant Bob led the Academy to sponsor the development of the FEMA's national credentialing system for Animal Emergency Responders, which today provides the framework across the nation to respond to the need of animals in disasters. 
Bob was also a devout and thorough academician. Together with others, Bob and I wrote the first series of peer reviewed articles explaining emergency management to veterinarians. This series of articles provided the framework for what is now an integrated part of every emergency manager's and every veterinarian's curriculum in the US. I also had the privilege of co-authoring three papers with Bob, one about every ten years, on the state of veterinary emergency management in the US. The first paper was about where we should go, the second reviewed progress, and in the most recent we were able to review over twenty years of experience and show just how much improvement there has been across the country since Bob had started working in this area. Without Bob we would never have accomplished so much.
Nearly 25 years after meeting him I realize that Bob was my shepherd whose tremendous insight, ability to convey workable solutions and dedication to help others made him larger than life. Without him I could have strayed afar, and now I see how all those years ago what a blessing it was to have gotten to know him, to have met his wonderful wife, Phoebe, and to have been led by him. 
I know Bob taught me so much more than I realized at the time, and because of that I still listen for his voice and wisdom to guide me.

Our deepest condolences to Phoebe and family. Bob was a true public servant and Christian gentleman. He always seemed to have time to reach out to those in need and take a few minutes to take interest in making others feel better. Bob also was willing to take on new activities if he thought they might be of service to others, such as becoming a "ham" radio operator (KJ4HWK) and a member of the METERS public service group in Knoxville. He will be missed by all of us who found him an exceptional friend. -- Larry & Barbara Osterman, Knoxville, TN and Amelia, Ohio

Phoebe, Mary Alice and Rob: I just learned in church today (Messiah Lutheran) of Dr. Linnabary's passing; the moment I heard his name, I went back in time over 35 years ago, when we all went to Franklin 1st UMC together. While I have not seen you all since about 1979, I still have very fond memories of you all, and I remember him so well. Please accept the McCall family's deepest sympathies and prayers to each of you all for peace and comfort, and the thoughts and prayers of others at Messiah Lutheran. With all best wishes.

Dearest Phoebe and Family..We were very saddened to learn of Bob's passing..Knowing he fought very hard to stay with you a while longer it just wasn't in the plan..We would be with you if possible..We are holding you all close to our hearts as you go thru this trying time..Our prayers are also with you all..

Dr. Linnabary was a thoughtful, kind, leader.  He inspired me reach for my potential as a large animal practitioner.  he knew his way around the Ames plantation and a DHIA sheet.  He will be missed.  He was an inspiration to many young women who wanted to pursue a large animal career.  He left a legacy that will live on.  With Love and Sympathy, Gayle McHugh (McElhaney) DVM

Dr Linnabary was a kind and wonderful man, with a great concern for animals impacted by disasters. He will be missed.

A dear loving man who will be missed by all who knew him. It was an honor to work with him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those left behind.

Remembering you and your family in prayer. With sincere sympathy, Laura B. Sharp, RDH (Dr. Evans office)

Dr. Linnabary was a compassionate man who cared deeply about his family and community. Thankful to have worked with him.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr. Linnabary was a wonderful, kind man who always had a smile on his face and voice.

Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Phoebe & Children. 
Turan and I send our deepest sympathies.

It is a rare experience in life to know such a loving, kind and considerate person as Bob We are all richer for our knowing Bob Linnabary  God Bless  Rod and Betty Whitt

God Bless and Thank YOU,Dr. Linnabary for your service..RIP..  And  Semper Fi.

Phobie and Family,
I am so so sorry for your loss.  Bob was a wonderful man, with a huge heart.  I so enjoyed working with the two of you.  He will be forever in my heart as you were one of the first in Knoxville who gave me a break in my career.  Bob will be sadly missed.  My deepest condolences for you and your family during this sad time, but remember the good time you had with this sweet man.  Both of you are very special to me.  Prayers for you and your family.

Our dear Phoebe & family, our prayers & thoughts are with you during this time.
With heartfelt love, Gayla, Dave & Bridget (SME, Knoxville)

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

When the Linnabarys lived in Franklin, we couldnt have had better neighbors. They were the first to let us know when our watergate had washed away and once he sewed  up one of our many dogs on our back porch, He will be missed. Lyn sullivan Pewitt

My heart is heavy learning of Robert's death.  The last time I saw him he was basking in the happy afterglow of Mary Alice's wedding, which was carried off so beautifully.  He enjoyed sharing the news that he had joined my hobby (ham radio), and we enjoyed catching up after many years.  When we said good night after a wonderful day, I fully assumed we'd pick our conversation up later.  Robert, rest in peace.  Thank you for always welcoming me and showing me great kindness.  You are missed.  Phoebe, Mary Alice and Rob, and families, you have my deepest condolences at this difficult time.  I am glad our lives intersected.

Family - On behalf of the 5th Division, I want to extend our condolences to you in the death of Robert.   We mourn with you and pray that God may fill that empty place with Himself. We will miss him at our reunions.  His podium cover is greatly cherished.  

Sincerely
Ron Van Beek
National Chaplain
5th Division

OBITUARY

Robert Dean Linnabary

October 10, 1934 – May 4, 2016

Berry Highland West

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