Robert C. Klesges

1953 - 2024

Robert C. Klesges, a professor and clinical psychologist whose work made immense contributions to preventive medicine in areas of tobacco cessation, substance abuse, and obesity prevention, died on Tuesday July 2nd at age 71. His departure comes as a shock, and it is gravely felt by the entire family and countless others who loved him deeply in his wide community.

Bob was born May 26, 1953, in Glendale, California the son of Robert and Cornelia Klesges. Bob had a deep passion for learning and education. After completing his bachelor's in psychology at Pepperdine University, earning a master's and a doctorate in psychology at University of Wyoming, Bob completed his internship at the University of Southern California School of Medicine. Bob began his research career at North Dakota State University where he established some of the first worksite smoking cessation programs in the field along with novel family-based approaches to childhood obesity prevention. He held several academic positions throughout his career, most recently at University of Virginia as endowed Professor of Public Health Sciences, and Co-Director of the Center for Addiction and Prevention Research (CAPR).

Bob had a prolific research portfolio, with continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1983. He published over 300 scientific publications and was a seven-time contributor to the Surgeon General's Report on the Health Consequences of Smoking. Bob was a contributor to the Institute of Medicine report on Smoking and Tobacco Use in the Military and VA populations.

Bob was a wonderful man with a generous heart, always known for passionately supporting his communities with his time and resources. His giving was well known to many, including his church, The Church of the Holy Apostles, the school where his son attended, St. George's Independent School, and charity organizations such as the United Way. He lived through God to make those around him better, and his quirky humor and unhesitating generosity was truly special and will be greatly missed.

Bob's greatest joy in life was his family, specifically his sons Christopher and Joshua. You could always find Bob on the sideline at every sporting event for his boys, shouting encouragement and advice. His passion for his boys' sports led him to continue volunteering his time at sporting events for their high school, doing things such as announcing and scorekeeping. Additionally, he generously supported both in their own higher education endeavors. The big activities and vacations made him equally as happy as the simple joy of grabbing lunch or watching a movie with them. Bob took pride in knowing the not so well-known facts about particular movies and sharing that with his boys. Nothing gave Bob more joy than being with his sons.

Those who will miss Bob the most include his sons, Chris and Josh Klesges, his older sister Robin Klesges, his daughter-in-law Ashley Malik Klesges, his close friend Lisa Waller, and a host of other close friends, colleagues and family members.

In his own words, as a man of deep faith, he left a message intended to share with everyone. "Remember that this world is a temporary assignment. What we do here determines what we do in eternity. An event in our lives is a single grain of sand and means little in the handful of sand that represents our life. But the beach of sand is eternity. I have been called to do something else for the Lord. I firmly believe that. I'm not gone – just on an extended vacation and we will all meet again."

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on July 12th at 11am at the Church of the Holy Apostles. The celebration will be followed by a reception to share memories and stories. Anyone who wishes to celebrate Bob's life is welcome. He wished attendees to come dressed in 'normal Sunday dress'.

Church of Holy Apostles
1380 Wolf River Blvd
Collierville, TN 38017

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to make donations to United Way, an organization Bob felt strongly about.