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Robert Voogt
Virginia Beach - Dr. Robert D. Voogt (Bob) passed away peacefully in his home on February 13, 2018 from Primary Progressive Aphasia. Dr. Voogt was born on Christmas Day, 1949 in Grand Rapids, MI. He graduated from Calvin College and received his masters and PhD from the University of Michigan. Dr. Voogt began his career in life care planning for people with catastrophic injuries, providing expert testimony and traveling extensively through out the United States and the world. This work began his life long advocacy for people with traumatic brain injuries which was based on quality of life and dignity. He moved to New Orleans where his life care business flourished. Seeing the scarcity of long term care for people with traumatic brain injuries, he opened and operated Neurological Rehabilitation Living Centers (NRLC) in New Orleans and Covington, LA. These residential centers are home like settings with individualized care to focus on the person as a whole, build self esteem and provide meaningful life skills training. He was a pioneer in his philosophy towards the treatment of people with brain injuries. Dr Voogt served on the committee that wrote a new definition of brain injury for the Center for Disease Control to include blast injuries as seen by soldiers returning from war. He served as chairman of the Brain Injury Association of America as well as the International Brain Injury Association. He was the driving force behind the formation of the North American Brain Injury Society to address the needs of multidisciplinary brain injury professionals. His passion provided the basis of many scientific articles, text book chapters and research publications.
Bob fell in love with everything New Orleans: Mardi Gras, parades, festivals, food and culture. He was known for his crawfish boils, gumbo, étouffée and was affectionally called "Fry daddy". He graciously shared his culinary talents and love for wine and entertaining with his friends and family, making many memorable meals at the family's home in Duck, NC. It was only fitting that he passed away on Mardi Gras day.
Bob relocated to Virginia Beach with his family, opening a Virginia Beach location of NRLC and The Memory Center. He made Virginia Beach his new home, serving on various community boards and projects including the Department of Medical Assistance, St. Mary's Home, Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic, Neptune Festival and Cape Henry Collegiate. He was a member of Spring Branch Church and through his philanthropic efforts and mission work, built a school in Togo, Africa.
He is survived by his loving children, Gerrit Robert Voogt and Gabrielle Royall Voogt. He is also survived by brothers Gary (Shirley), Jim (Mary Jane), Don (Jean) and sister Mary (Jim) Korhorn. He was predeceased by his parents Wilma and Cornelius Voogt.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Marilyn Fall of Eldercare at Home and recognize Tracy Matthew for her dedication and special bond formed with Dr. Voogt.
As per his wishes, Dr. Voogt has donated his remains to Johns Hopkins University and Eastern Virginia Medical School. To honor Dr. Voogt's tremendous contribution to the field of brain injury, the North American Brain Injury Society is establishing the "Robert D. Voogt Founders Award." This award will be given to a young professional in brain injury rehabilitation who shares Dr. Voogt's compassion and advocacy for people with TBI. If you would like to contribute please visit www.nabis.org or make a donation to the charity of your choice. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
View the online memorial for Robert Robert
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Hard to believe it has already been a year! Miss you every day!
Kristine Voogt
Family
February 18, 2019
Dear Robert, lieve Bob,
We are very sad to hear that you passed away almost a year ago.
We remember you as a wonderful person who was caring and sharing and enjoyed your life to the full.
We wish your family and friends much strength to continue life without you.
Your Dutch family,
Piet and Corrie de Winter
February 10, 2019
My wife Vikki and I met Bob in our furniture store in 1994 I believe and developed a relationship both as friends and through business. Bob entrusted us with furnishing the rehab center in Covington, then working on his house in Duck.
At the time, my son Sean and I had begun flying lessons together. Upon hearing this, Bob called one day and offered for us to join him for a day trip to Princeton, NJ on his jet. It was our first and, still to this day, our only experience flying in a personal jet at 45,000 feet. It possibly could be my only opportunity to do so but will always be the most memorable one.
I tried calling or texting him each Christmas Day to wish him a birthday and this past Christmas was no different, and he responded with thanks to the best of his ability.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Bryan Colwell
April 2, 2018
Missing you everyday Dad. I know you are at peace. Love you always!
Angela Bustillo
Daughter
March 21, 2018
Dr. Voogt was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He always was a great listener and would always help me out the best he could. I cherished his friendship and complete understanding. I know he is up above enjoying some really good company and conversation.
Joey Menditto
Friend
March 9, 2018
My brother Bob demonstrated compassion for others at a very young age. It was often said of him that his pockets were always empty, because as soon as he had $5 he gave it away.
Don Voogt
Brother
March 6, 2018
I still don't have the words. My Uncle was an amazing man. He saved me and gave me so many chances even after I let him down. He understood me better than anyone and love me unconditionally. I will forever be grateful.
Kristine Voogt
February 28, 2018
All 6 members of the Brown family consider themselves extremely lucky and blessed to have known Bobby. His generosity and thoughtfulness were unmatched. We thoroughly enjoyed his masterful culinary creations. We fondly remember fun-filled adventures both locally and afar. Bob's creative ideas and gracious efforts benefitted many individuals suffering with neurological deficits. Bob also had the uncanny ability to assemble eclectic individuals into purposeful groups for the betterment of mankind. I'm extremely grateful for everything he taught me. I miss our lengthy and diverse conversations. I look forward to the possibility of talking to him in the future. Doug
Doug Brown
Friend
February 27, 2018
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