Robert Loddengaard

Mr. Robert (Bob) Loddengaard (83) died on November 30, 2009 after a five month battle with cancer. He started his career by working as an engineer at Bell Aircraft in Niagara Falls, NY, then moved to Republic Aviation and later to Grumman Aircraft on Long Island. In 1968, wanting a career change, he worked in Afghanistan for two years as administrative officer of the U.S. Engineering Team at Kabul University. When he returned to the U.S., he went to school at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Public Health and earned a degree in public health administration and taught at UNC in that department and later was appointed as deputy to Chairman Sagar Jain. He retired in 1988 as a clinical professor. He then volunteered at the Rape Crisis Center for a few years, and then as a guardian ad litem for 19 years. He was a strong advocate for children. During his illness, many people came to visit, but a poem about him written by LeAnn Nease Brown describes him well. "A pebble dropped into a pond Its ripples linger on and on The energy of its release Survive although the pebble cease Bob’s generous gifts of time and care Released a ripple everywhere The impact of the things he’s done Ripple, ripple on and on". His favorite hobby was woodworking and he made many pieces of furniture that will be treasured by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Peggy; and his four children David (Judy), James (Judi), Thomas (Rachel), Nancy (David); and his five grandchildren. Special thanks to the pastor and members of the Amity United Methodist Church, to all the friends and neighbors, and to the UNC Hospice staff who supported and visited us during this difficult time! Memorial contributions may be made to The Friends of GAL, c/o Alice Pelland, 4202 Carriage Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278. A memorial to his life is planned to be held on Saturday, January 16, 2010 at Amity United Methodist Church, 825 N. Estes Drive, Chapel Hill at 4:00 p.m.