Robert Godbe Warnock

1925 - 2015

Robert Godbe Warnock
"Dr. Bob"
We have lost one of the greatest members of the greatest generation. Dr. Robert Godbe Warnock passed away September 7, 2015 at 90 years of age. To capture the depth and breadth of Bob's life in mere words is a daunting task. For example, you don't know too many people who have the intestinal parasite of a ground squirrel named after them. But Bob did.
Bob was born to Robert Oliver Warnock and Margaret Godbe on March 28, 1925 in Salt Lake City. Growing up during the Great Depression, Bob was educated in the Salt Lake school system and was a graduate of East High. At the outbreak of World War II Bob was drafted into the United States Army, and the chair of the draft board who signed his draft card was his mother. During the war Bob served as a medic in the Pacific Theater in the Bismarck Archipelago, and New Guinea, participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, was already on the beach and watched Douglas MacArthur's "return" to the Philipines, and was in the Occupation Army of Japan. For Bob's service he was awarded, among other citations, two Bronze Stars, and the Purple Heart.
Upon his return to Utah, Bob married the love of his life, Joan Lingenfelter. During the years that ensued, the Warnock home was the focal point for their family, friends, and extended family, known for hospitality, generosity, laughter and love. In addition to housing their own children, Bob and Joan often sheltered, fed and cared for many others, family or not, who needed a place to stay.
A true Utah Man, Bob received his bachelor's (1949), master's (1951), and doctorate (1962) from the University of Utah. After taking his PhD, Bob embarked on a 30-year career as a biology teacher at Westminster College. At Westminster Dr. Bob was one of the toughest, best and most beloved teachers that Westminster ever had. The influence Bob had on generations of students both in the classroom and outside the classroom is immeasurable. Ecology classes taught on cross-country skis, biology trips to Catalina Island, Jamaica, Africa, and many other places opened the eyes and hearts of his students to the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Intramural basketball leagues, and Friday "seminars" at the Sugar Bowl invited students and colleagues into his heart. Upon retirement in 1990, Dr. Warnock was named Professor Emeritus by Westminster College.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joan, and is survived by their three children, Michael (Linda) Warnock, Linda (Bruce) Koch, Laney (Chris) Long, nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren, and a legacy of generosity, service, laughter and love that can't be quantified.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 12, 2015 at the Alumni House on the campus of Westminster College, 1840 South 1300 East, Salt Lake City at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Dr. Barry Quinn/Dr. Robert Warnock Science Scholarship at Westminster College. In addition, the family would like to thank the staff of the Highland Care Center for the love and kindness given to Bob; one of the greatest members of the greatest generation.
Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.