Robert Wichman

WICHMAN, Robert H. died Friday, August 4, 2006,following a long illness. He was born Sept. 5, 1931, in Grosse Pointe, Mich. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Elsbeth Wichman. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Claire Johnson Wichman, and was a loving father to his family; Michael R. Wichman and wife, Kendall Shepard Wichman; Clark R. Wichman and wife, Marina Perez Wichman; Matt R. Wichman and his wife, Julie Longshore Wichman of Naples, Fla.; and daughter, Merideth C. Wichman Cann and husband Eric R. Cann, of Newport Beach, Calif. He had seven grandchildren, Kendall, Reid, Luke, Clark, Max and Julia Wichman and Kellary Cann. He had one sister, Barbara Wichman Smith and husband Richard W. Smith of Grosse Pointe, Mich. He attended Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich., Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, Ill. and University of Indiana. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years during the Korean conflict. Following college, he worked as a field representative for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and later as division director for the American Cancer Society, Southeastern Division of Michigan. He moved to New York City as a field vice president on the staff of the national office of the American Cancer Society. In 1968, he moved to Tampa, as the executive vice president of the Florida division of the American Cancer Society. Bob had a zest for public health services and led a crusade for the cure of cancer for 30 years with the American Cancer Society. He was invited to the White House for the commemorative stamp presentation for Dr. Papanicolau, Miami University, for his contribution to health care, the "pap" smear. Bob was also instrumental in generating funds for the National Comprehensive Cancer Center of Miami, Fla., and providing innovations for early detection of cancer and launching clinical trial control programs in mammography. In 1987, he worked with the University of Florida in developing the first American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Winn Dixie Hope Lodge, Gainesville, Fla. He developed fund-raising techniques by creating many special events in Florida that lead to funding research grants. Bob will be remembered for the joy that his family gave him, and his participation in civic affairs. He was a former member of the downtown Rotary Club, Palma Ceia Country Club and the Centre Club. He was affiliated for many years with the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, Davis Islands Community Church and Hyde Park Presbyterian Church where he served in youth ministries, as a deacon and elder of the session. Interment took place in a private service Monday, Aug. 7, 2006, at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Fla. A memorial service will be conducted2 p.m. Friday, August 11th at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 San Jose Ave. Friends are invited to visit with the family following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Florida Division of the American Cancer Society, 3709 W. Jetton Ave., Tampa, FL 33629.