Robert H. Cloaninger

CLOANINGER Robert H. Cloaninger passed away December 6, 2005 after his battle with emphysema. Bob was born May 13, 1930 in Asheville, NC and lived his 75 years his way. As a young man, Bob's adventurous spirit was stoked by working as a topographical surveyor for oil companies that took him from Mexico to Alaska. Some of his survey work in Alaska is still featured in the Smithsonian Institute. During his oil explorations, Bob became somewhat of an expert on lost mines and treasures. Despite the lack of a writing degree, he had several magazine articles printed. After a two year stint in the Marine Corps, he married his first wife Shirley in 1954 and returned to his native North Carolina to pursue his passion for writing and to start a family. His writing ability landed him several jobs for various newspapers in North Carolina before accepting the job as outdoor editor for the Jacksonville Journal in 1966. Bob loved to hunt and fish and writing about those hobbies was both a pleasureand a responsibility he cherished. During his career at the Journal, Bob was able to do some special interest articles on bass fishing and dove hunting in Central America. After several more trips south, in 1973 Bob and Shirley decided to start Trek International Safaris, a travel company that specialized in adventurous trips mostly in Central and South America. Soon thereafter his son Mike and daughter Cara became involved in the business and watched it grow into a worldwide venture taking thousands of clients every year. Bob had his passports stamped in over 50 different countries in his life and never met a stranger. His relationship with outfitters and customers over the years was everlasting. Bob's later life included the game of golf, a bourbon with his friends, and his penchant for the stock market. He also penned several books and produced his own video company. After Shirley's death in 1996, Bob married Janice Davis and lived out his retired life in Macclenny, FL. Bob was truly recognized worldwide e as a pioneer in the international hunting and fishing community and will forever be remembered as “Bwana Bob”. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Shirley and son Mike. He is survived by his daughter Cara, son-in-law Milton Hanburry; stepdaughter Courtney and eight grandchildren. A memorial service for Bob will be held on Saturday December 10th at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4140 University Blvd., S. A reception will be held thereafter at the Homestead Restaurant on Beach Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northeast Florida Community Hospice. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com