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Robert Klages Obituary
Virginia Beach - Robert Klages, 53, went to be with the Lord on November 17, 2012. He was predeceased by his father, Frank Klages and his brother David Klages. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Lisa and children Larry and Caroline. Also left to mourn his loss are his mother, Carolyn Stuckey, his stepfather Al Stuckey, his stepmother Nina Klages, brothers George, Ed, and Paul Klages; sisters, Nancy Criscoe, Barbara Sheppard, Terri Foust, Vicki Ford, Elizabeth Reuth, and Mary Klages, and numerous nieces and nephews. Robert was a loving husband, father and friend. He was an avid NASCAR fan and especially loved Dale Earnhardt and Kevin Harvick. He enjoyed watching Redskins games. He was also a bird nerd and loved to go to Kiptopeke to help in the hawk banding program. He was CC3 a "Cuckoo Commando" and dearly loved the time he spent in West Jefferson, NC. He was always willing to lend a helping hand with a smile on his face. All in all he was big hearted and will be missed dearly. He will always be in our hearts. Now he's jamming up in heaven with his brother David. The memorial service will be on Wednesday November 21st at 3pm at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 1801 Baltic Avenue, Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to CVWO, PO Box 1225, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451; please note on the check that the donation is for the hawk banding program in Roberts honor. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.altmeyer.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Klages
Sponsored by Ken Langslow.
John Haislip
April 15, 2016
Wow
I just learned about this .I knew Rob and David way back when . OMG .Rob was a great guy and talented musician and video man .I am so sorry to hear this but God does have plans for us all that we don't really understand .Well I never thought I'd be writing this so soon but I will miss you and your brother as well as Margaret and the entire family . Miss you and take care my brother
Lewis McGehee
December 11, 2012
I will miss him and straight-on harmonies!!
December 9, 2012
He was KidGos to all of us on the hawkcam at the Cornell Nest Cam. I waited every day for His end of the day poetry as the cam closed. He was a talented poet and always shared any info he had on when asked questions.
May you find peace. Janice (jaesueray)
donna sullivan
December 8, 2012
kidgos, will be so missed,he touched so many lives,his wit, humor and wisdom, taught us all so much, from a cornell hawk fan, thank you robert, to his family, may you find comfort,in this very hard time,the world has lost a wonderful soul, sully
donna sullivan
December 8, 2012
kidgos, what a honor to have been,able to share a small part of your life, ty from a hawk fan, for all you did, god bless your family and help them heal,you always made the room smile,sully.
Scott Massie
December 8, 2012
Gonna miss KidGos a lot. My prayers go out to Robert's Folks and Friends. Zhai'helleva Ashke Robert. Wind to thy wings beloved Robert. SEM270
Greg (carrionmywaywardson)
December 8, 2012
I was one of the thousands of hawkoholics on the Cornell nest cam that was entertained by Robert's knowledge, sense of humor and of course, those poems. My condolences to his family and I hope he is jamming with his brother on that big stage in the sky now.
Joyce Farley
December 8, 2012
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Russ (hawkemann)
December 7, 2012
Sincerest condolences to Robert's family and friends upon his passing. Robert touched many lives, especially in the world of birding. His gentle good humor and wisdom will not be forgotten, and we are diminished in many ways by his loss.
December 7, 2012
I'm so sad to learn of our "KidGos" passing. As a "Hawkaholic," I enjoyed reading everything he wrote about the Red Tails we were watching on the HawkCam. He was a great moderator. And I loved reading his beautiful, creative poems at the closing each night. Even though I didn't know him, I will miss him.
Carole aka Windy
Ollie D Brown
December 7, 2012
You added a bright spot with your comments and poems!! Thank you so much for your dedication to the birds. God bless your family. Sincerely, Ollie
December 7, 2012
I just now learned about Robert (KidGos to me) I loved everything about him. He was a special human being. I will miss him.
Birdsrmypassion (DBLynn)
Naomi Esmon (nleokc)
December 7, 2012
Mostly a lurker, but I too looked forward to KidGos's comments and poems. So sad to lose a great resource on hawks and great person, too. He will be missed by all in the Cornell Hawk community. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends who knew him well.
December 6, 2012
While we never met, Robert was a mainstay on our hawk cam chat and had the most perfect poems for each closing session. He will be missed by all of us while he soars in heaven with the hawks and father and brother.
Susan Gray (kittyhawk1)
December 6, 2012
Can't imagine our hawks without KidGos, so my deepest sympathy to his family, who I'm sure will miss him more. What a special time he gave us all this past spring and summer. Andrea(meowmom)
Freddi Carlip
December 6, 2012
We knew him as KidGos, our Hawk Cam Mod. His warmth, caring, and humor were something I looked forweard to every day. And his closings at night...Kid Closings, sweet poetry, from the heart about our hawks and our hawk community. Kid shared personal moments too and he touched my heart. I will so miss him. I will carry Kid with me in my heart and memories. Rest in peace KidGos. We will think of you everytime we see a soaring hawk, knowing you are with us. My deepest sympathy to the family.--Mom Nature
Cathena Ferrero
December 6, 2012
My deepest condolences to Robert's family and friends. We learned to love KidGos on the Cornell RT Hawks chat, with his humor, poems and insights. KidGos - you are soaring now and forever in our hearts!
Diana Drucker
December 6, 2012
Kidgos educated, entertained & charmed the Cornell hawk crowd. He touched our hearts with his wit and sensitivity. Although I never met him and I deeply saddened by his untimely departure. He was a very special person and will be missed by his hawk fans.
Kathy Winger
December 6, 2012
Some people make the world a better place by their presence. Rob was one of those people. As a participant in the Cornell Hawk Cam Chat, I was never lucky enough to meet him face-to-face, yet I felt I knew some of the important things about him: his humor, his joy and zest for life, his love for his family and friends. I will never forget those wonderful months when my days were not complete until KidGos had officially brought them to a close. I will miss him.
My tears flow for you; how it must hurt to lose him. My prayer is that the Lord will carry you through the next year of “firsts” without him, especially this Christmas season. May you find peace in the certain knowledge that Rob is filled with love, peace and joy and that you'll undoubtedly find him jammin' with David when you see him again.
Lois (Wildlifelover) Masso
December 6, 2012
I knew Robert by 'KidGos' on the red tailed hawk group. I always looked forward to his brilliant poems at the end of the day's activities. He touched so many lives both in this group and, I'm sure, any others he shared his love of birding with.
Rest in peace, dear KidGos, until we all meet again in that big bird heaven in the sky.
Grambabs
December 6, 2012
Heartfelt condolences from me to the family of Kid. He added so much to the Hawkaholic family in Cornell. He will be missed!
Donna Osburn
December 6, 2012
Just learned of Robert's (KidGos) passing. He was well-loved by the hawkaholics on the Cornell Lab's RTH cam site. I'll miss the love and passion for the birds that he shared with us all and a love for life that was evident in all he did. I'm Runrig31. Goodnight, David. Goodnight, Kid.
Cari Maiorino
December 6, 2012
Robert, better know to us hawkaholics as KidGos, touched our lives as we learned about RTH in the Cornell chat room. My prayers to his fammily and friends. May you find comfort in the knowledge he touched so many lives.
Josee Moore
December 5, 2012
I am so saddened to hear the news of Robert's (Kid Gos) passing. I only knew him through the Cornell Hawks program but always enjoyed his wit and knowledge of the hawks he so loved. My condolences to Lisa and his family...
Linda Kogutkiewicz
December 5, 2012
I personally did not know him but i loved his closings on the cornel hawks cam, he will be greatly missed by all. Sweet hawk dreams KidGo.
Jane Keutzer
December 5, 2012
So sorry to hear of Robert's (KidGos) death. KidGos brought a wealth of knowledge, humor,and talent to the chatroom at Cornell Lab of Ornithology's redtail hawk cam. We all looked forward to his closing remarks each night. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family at this difficult time.
Deborah Root-Pfrommer
December 5, 2012
I only now learned of Rob's passing. I knew him from the Cornell red tail hawk cam/chat. He was a source of inspiration, knowledge and wonderful humor. His passing leaves a large void in the lives of all who knew him. My prayers are with his family and friends . May he rest in peace.
Nancy "Queechy" Ordman
December 5, 2012
I'm one of many Cornell hawkaholics who knew Robert by his "hawk name" of KidGos. As a volunteer chat moderator, he brought so much knowledge and just sheer fun into our chat! He's touched many, many lives. Heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends.
Jan Laundra
December 5, 2012
Soar high with our beloved hawks Kid.. you will forever be in our hearts <3
Linda E. Hudson
December 5, 2012
I am devastaed to learn of the passing of "KidGos". I never met him in person, but grew close to him while viewing the RTH Cam in Ithica, N.Y. He was a very kind, wise, and caring gentleman.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. May God grant each of you peace and serenity in the coming days. "KidGos" will forever live in my heart, the heart of "Munchie".
Clare
December 5, 2012
I only knew Rob remotely, as a fellow moderator on the Cornell University Red-tailed hawk live cam and chat this year. Even with real name unknown (Most of us knew him only as "KidGos") he was cared for and held closely in the hearts of many who spent time with him, even virtually. He ended each night's chat with an impromptu poem, and those became loved and valued, just as he did. My deep sympathy to "Nerdbirder" and the children.
December 5, 2012
I just learned of Robert's passing this evening and I am deeply saddened. I never had the chance to meet him in person but will never forget his expertise and wit as a moderator on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Red-tail hawk cam. He provided all of us who watched the beauty of nature unfold some of the most memorable closings in the evenings. I am so sorry for your loss and just wanted to let you know he touched so many individuals like myself and he will be missed by many.
Chris DeBottis
Marcellus, NY
BARRY RUCK
December 5, 2012
I worked with Rob this last spring as a moderator on the Cornell Hawk Cam. He was there for me when I needed him. He was Charming Witty Intelligent and Sympathetic. He will be greatly missed.
RIP
Montague Gammon III
November 26, 2012
I am stunned - and my heart goes out to everyone who held the ever-genial, full of life Robert dear. I spoke to him, after many years of not crossing paths, just a few weeks ago, and I remember conversations he and I had when he was a young teen. I am so sorry.
Brian Taber
November 23, 2012
The service was so uplifting and it was great to see Robert's wide circle of family and friends. Robert and I shared a love of hawks and Kiptopeke won't be quite the same without seeing him there. He was a CVWO Board member for 15 years, Treasurer, audio-visual wizard, editor, hawk trapper and much more, but most of all, friend. His energy and positive spirit will be greatly missed.
Joan Rieth
November 22, 2012
I was deeply saddened to hear of Robert's transition out of this earth bound life. Although I hadn't spoken to him in many years, he was always in my heart. Rob,David, Nina and Frank were my extended family so many years ago, beginning in 1978, when I came to Virginia Beach as a 22yr. old newlywed from San Diego, CA. Over the next 8 years we spent many days & nights together....putting together puzzles, walking Wolfgang (my boxer)watching Carl Sagan and Nova....eating homemade bread, and just generally hanging out. Robert was my best friend during those times, and the 2nd one I told when I learned I was expecting....(of course my husband was the first to know, then Robert, then Nina.)He made adjusting to East Coast life so much easier, and I will always hold him in my heart. Of course he was a bird nerd then too! Robert, you have better work to do now, in the great extension beyond our physical bodies, I will look for you there, whenever I arrive, rock on sweetie.
Ruth Beck
November 21, 2012
May you have the strength you need for today and the hope you need for tomorrow.
Toughts and Prayers are with you at this diffiult time. Robert made the world a better place. I will miss him at Kiptopeake and the CVWO meetings.
Ruth Beck
CVWO Board Member and Birding Friend
November 21, 2012
Dear Lisa: Jim and I were so sad to hear about Robert. He was such an awesome man. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. Sincerely, Sandy Lyles
Steve Cardano
November 21, 2012
It sadddens me deeply to learn of Roberts passing. He was a friend and fellow hawk trapper. His dedication the the raptor banding program at Kiptopeke will be missed. My hearfelt sympathies go out to his family.
November 20, 2012
Lisa and family.....I am stunned beyond belief to read this obituary tonight....while I only met you Lisa one or two times, Rob and Dave played a many a pig roast at our home in Suffolk. They were amazing together.
Dave and Rob's death will be etched in my heart forever...You and yours are in my family's prayers now and always...words cannot describe how sorry we are for your loss.
Just a few days ago, my son was on a date in my car and asked about Dave's cd (he wanted his girlfriend to listen to it)...it was scratched a bit so the next day I tried to call Rob to see if I could get a new one but my call was kicked out by an incoming one....SO IRONIC....I was just thinking about him. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!!!
Willie, Margaret, Tyler & Courtney Etheridge, Boykins, VA
Sabrina Zimring
November 20, 2012
Our Rubin family will not be the same without Robert. We miss your smiling face, sarcastic humor and big hugs already. Robert's passion and energy for his career, his family and our military was impressive. Even in the hardest of times he always held his head high. Robert was the first person I worked with when I moved here... he taught me the ropes at RCG and was always someone I could count on. Thank you Robert for your kindness and friendship. I will cherish our good times and remember that cheerful smile you sent me on my way with after our video shoot last Wednesday. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with the entire Klages family.
Mike Thompson
November 20, 2012
Paul and I use to hang around AVS in our late teens and I was worried about disappointing Robert sometimes of because he was an older brother I never had. After Frank died I spent a lot more time with him and we became friends. I miss listening to Dave and Robert playing. I miss Robert's mannerisms and voice. I moved away from Virginia Beach in 2004. The only thing I miss about the beach is the Klages family. In 2003 Robert was not only in my wedding, but he also recorded it. I would stop by from time to time when I was in town to say hello. Each time there were brotherly conversations. I will miss those dearly. He was not perfect, but he was a genuine man. That genuineness played a role in me becoming a man and I thank him for that.
Steve Felch
November 20, 2012
my sincere condolences for this loss....all of ours loss.
Robert spent hours in my hawk blind at Cape May,as he did at Kiptopeke. He was truly passionate about raptors and now he flys with them....peace, my friend
Rick Kaiser
November 20, 2012
Robert was a friend to me and all SEALs. He went out of his way to help the families of the fallen. He will be missed.
Jamie Cameron
November 20, 2012
I was driving down the road yesterday evening and I saw a young Cooper's hawk perched in the treeline. I thought of Robert. I have a feeling I will be finding plenty of reasons to think of him in the coming days. Lisa ~ please know how much you and Robert meant to me during my time on the Eastern Shore. You took me in as family and never let go. Robert is in the hearts of so many of us. He will never be forgotten.
Julia and Kenny Dieter
November 20, 2012
Our deepest condolences to Lisa, Caroline, and Larry on the loss of a loving husband and father. Robert held a special place in our hearts, and we will miss him dearly. We are so thankful for the wonderful memories we had with Robert and for the gifts he left us with.
Robert holding a big rockfish, January of 2012
November 20, 2012
Shannon Clark
November 20, 2012
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Lisa and the entire family. Robert was such a wonderful person with such a great spirit. He could always put a smile on your face even in the toughest times. He will be greatly missed.
Rebecca Desjardins
November 20, 2012
Sad Loss... I met Robert back in 2004 when he recorded VWC's graduation ceremonies. Through the years and changing business ventures, he continued to be a great business friend and professional resource. I always appreciated his dedication to his work, honesty, sarcastic humor and willingness to help whenever possible. I'm glad to have known him. He will be missed.
Chuck Kirkwood
November 20, 2012
Robert thank you for all the memories, thank you for lending a hand to anyone in need, thank you for being a friend. Loving regards to Lisa, Larry, Caroline and family. Say hello to Dave.
November 20, 2012
Lisa:
Accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your husband. Robert was a fabulous addition & friend in my life. Please know rockfishing this season will not be the same aboard my boat without him.
Stuart
Joel Rubin
November 20, 2012
I cannot tell you how much I will miss Robert's humor, skill and friendship. Swapping lines from Blazing Saddles with him, traveling on video shoots, anguishing through editing sessions..we did it all for 21 years. To say I was stunned both professionally and personally by his death is an understatement. He was the center of his family and now they must pick up the pieces and move on. He set a good example for them to follow.
Tommy Pearson
November 20, 2012
Lisa and Family....We are thinking of you during this difficult time....Robert and I had many conversations about the simple things in life....He will be missed...Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family....Tommy Pearson
Jessica Bensten
November 20, 2012
Making jokes and giving huge hugs - that was you, Robert. We miss you already. Our prayers and love go to your whole family.
Laurie Graham
November 20, 2012
Always smiling, always laughing, always giving.....that was my wonderful friend Robert. Missing you my sweet friend!
Bill Williams
November 20, 2012
It was a pleasure to have known and worked with Robert. His passion for migrating birds of prey and his willingness to give of himself at Kiptopeke were exceptional. His positive presence will be greatly missed.
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