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Robert McKEMIE Obituary
Robert
"Bob" L. McKemie
CANTRALL - Robert "Bob" L. McKemie, age 62, of Cantrall, passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at home with his family at his side.
Bob was born on June 9, 1949 in Springfield, the son of the late Dr. Thomas and Marguerite McKemie of Girard. Bob graduated from Illinois College in Jacksonville in 1971 and married Waneta Barnett on January 19, 1980 in Cantrall.
Other than his family, friends and faithful friend-Rocky, Bob's greatest loves were music and nature. Throughout the last two decades of his life, Bob worked as a professional nature photographer and entrepreneur, displaying his artwork at shows across the country. Bob traveled the world, capturing photographic images of nature and wildlife in an effort to help others see the beauty of the natural world. During his travels, he made many lifelong friends. His multiple trips to Antarctica and the penguins that he photographed while there, were among his favorite. His photo credits include a prize in 1998 BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, for which he was honored during a visit to London that same year. Most recently he was the co-owner of BARNONE, a downtown Springfield bar with his son Jason.
Bob is survived by his wife of 32 years, Waneta; two children, Jason and Stephanie, both of Springfield; one brother, Thomas (wife Marine) McKemie and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 PM Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. with Chaplain John Nelson officiating.
In lieu of flowers, those that wish may direct memorial contributions in his memory to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702 www.apl-shelter.org or the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach, P.O. Box 1665, Springfield, IL 62705 www.mission-outreach.org
Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert McKEMIE
King penguins from our Antarctica trip
Larry Flinner
August 7, 2012
I traveled with Bob on a couple of Cheesemans trips to Antarctica, You could not have met a nicer and more helpful person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in peace! Larry Flinner
Dixie Stewart-Gage
February 21, 2012
I grew up in Girard, so I knew Bob, Tom, Margarite, and Doc. Bob's early life would rival Beaver Cleaver's--how blessed his was. In viewing his memory video, it seems his later life was equally blessed. He left a positive imprint on his family and community--what better eulogy could one have? My deepest sympathy to family.
Mike Edwards
February 20, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss. I am not sure but I probably met Bob pledging Gamma Nu in '75. In the years that followed I looked forward to the IC homecomings and Nuer Spring Weekends to catch up and listen to the stories. My wife, Barb and I will miss him. Smiley Gamma Nu '78
Howard Stephens
February 19, 2012
My wife and I worked with Bob years ago at the New Hampshire Insurance building downtown. It seems like we always lose track of each other. I saw Bob a few times at the art shows but never kept in touch like I wish we had. We had so many good times and laughs with the old gang. I'm going to miss him, he was one of a kind for sure. I'm not sure if you will remember us Waneta, Kathy and I, but we are very sorry to hear of your loss.
Maribeth Long
February 18, 2012
Waneta, I am thinking of you and your family and am sorry for your loss. I still have and treasure a card you gave me with Bob's photo of cardinal's in a snowy tree.
Melaney Hughes
February 18, 2012
Waneta I was so saddened to hear of your loss. You and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers.
February 18, 2012
I knew Bob from doing business with him at Illinois Times. Even when things were touch & go, Bob always had a smile & a laugh for me. I was awestruck by his talent & the beauty he captured. When my grandson died, this always gave me great comfort." Perhaps they are not stars, but openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through to let us know that they are happy." May Bob's star always shine for you.
Tia Schoen
Illinois Times
Chris Mehuys
February 18, 2012
Kathy and I got to know Bob in his role as bartender at Bar None and we always enjoyed chatting with him there on quiet afternoons. My father was also a photographer and instilled that passion in me, so Bob was like a kindred spirit. We have viewed his amazing photos online and they are quite a legacy. He will be missed. - Chris Mehuys
ken Podeschi
February 18, 2012
So sorry to hear about Bob. I remember all the fun times at Nuer Spring Weekend when I attended IC. We also enjoyed seeing Bob at Barnone. You have our deepest sympathy. Tennessee Gamma Nu'78
Melissa Kribs
February 18, 2012
Bob, Al Young and I grew up in the same neighborhood and were fast friends from the age of 5 or 6. Bob - or "Kemie" as he was to me - was a good friend to all he knew, lit up the room with his smile and his laugh and will be greatly missed. I know that we are all so sorry that he and Neta and their children had to have the past year be part of their lives, and the only comfort is that we know he is now healed, with his parents and some of his beloved dogs and hopefully taking photos in heaven.
Doug Fendon
February 18, 2012
So sorry for your lost. I first met Bob when I attended Illinois College where he had just graduated. He was a Nuer alum when I pledged Gamma Nu and that is how I became friends with him. Lots of great memories! It is always a sad day when one of our brothers passes away
Liz Eskew-Hensey
February 18, 2012
Neta, Jason and Stephanie- My heart goes out to you.
Thanks for the memories, Bob.
Barb and Chuck Edelblute
February 17, 2012
We first met Bob on a photo journey in Africa. Bob, a professional photographer, took the time to help this mediocre photographer step up a notch. When we had a fundraiser, it was Bob and Neta who gave us great support, encouragement and help. We will always remember Bob's generous spirit, huge smile and personality that filled the room. We are sending our sympathy and love to the family he loved so much. R.I.P. dear friend.
Mary Ann Pollitt
February 17, 2012
What a talent Bob had with photography. I took a photography class with Bob and a friend of his up at Starved Rock. I only wish my photos were one fourth as good as his. He was such a friendly guy and I am fortunate to have known him. (I also knew his mother as I taught in Girard when she was in Nilwood). Wishing the love of friends to give the family comfort and the love of God to give you peace.
Lise Valbert
February 17, 2012
Neta, Jason and Stephanie,
Gosh, so many memories have been running through my mind: The family get togethers at Grama Pearl's. Bob tormenting me and Tom coming to my rescue. One of Girard's first environmentalist (back when that was not cool). His love of life and family. His love of the outdoors and photography. Beagles and dogs of all kind. He never knew a stranger and would welcome everyone with that big smile and a great story. I will treasure those memories and many more. Bless you all!
Love,
Lise
Pam Iutzwig-Bollinger
February 17, 2012
I am very sorry to learn of Bob's passing. I recently ran into Bob in downtown Springfield outside of BarNone. We had a nice chit-chat! I had not seen him for many years. We used to work together at Ohio Casualty Insurance Company. Bob always had an awesome laugh and sense of humor. I feel honored to have known him and I remember how cool I thought it was that he became a photographer and followed his dream. Again, I am very sorry for your loss. Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
February 17, 2012
Waneta--I am so sorry to hear about Bob. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sending a hug to you and wishing you strength. Cindy Wilham
A great reunion of the brothers at Gamma Nu
Jerry Baird
February 17, 2012
Bob,
Your IC and Gamma Nu friends will sorely miss you. I have thought of you and your family through these times of sorrow. Your vocation was highly regarded not only by your friends but by the world. We will miss you. A Gamma Nu Brother!!
Kathy Mahaffey
February 17, 2012
Waneta, Jason and Stephanie:
My sincere sympathies to you all. Bob was first a husband and a Dad, as well as a most gifted photographer. He will be sorely missed by this world. God bless you at this time of sorrow.
Laurie Jessen
February 17, 2012
Waneta, So sorry to hear about Bob. I enjoyed his photography & the stories you told me. I am thinking of you & the kids. Take care, you are in my prayers.
Dawn Muller
February 17, 2012
I will mostly remember Bob for his love of nature and wildlife. He was the guy to call if you needed to find a new home for that large snake that had made itself at home in your garden. I was also very touched when he came to the rescue of an injured owl I had discovered at our home. May you rest in peace Bob.
February 17, 2012
Waneta & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you - what a wonderful life together you have shared. Love you, Di & Robert Baker
February 17, 2012
Bob, or Eiverson, as you were known at IC,
You were the the brother of all who wore the red sweatshirts of Gamma Nu. Though we drifted apart thru the years, you will always be my brother.
Jeff Tangman, Gamma Nu
James & Emilia Young
February 17, 2012
Bob was always around during my early years in Girard. Bob was with my brother Al most of every day. Bob's laugh was infectious still part of my greatest childhood memories to this day. GOD BLESS!!!
Alex Sokovich
February 17, 2012
My best friend from the old Girard days that lasted these many years. I will miss him a lot! I love you Bob!
Greg Hurst
February 17, 2012
Dear Jason,
We are very sorry to hear the news of your fathers passing.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We never had the pleasure to meet him but it sounds like he led a most interesting life. Peace be with you and your family.
The staff at White Oaks West Animal Hospital
Al Young
February 17, 2012
Our thoughts & prayers are with Neta, Jason, Stephanie & Tom. Bob & I grew up together & we had many good times. I have a heavy heart & am very sad we can't be present Saturday.
February 17, 2012
Waneta, Jason & Stephanie,
My heart goes out to you all. Although I didn't know Bob as well as Peter did, I heard a lot about him. Waneta, I remember you helping paint those many years ago after my boys' dad died. I hope there is some way I can help you in return.
Susan Hahn Simonds
Skip Turnbull
February 16, 2012
Bob, Your talents and you will be greatly missed.
Judy Ersery
February 16, 2012
Bob and I started first grade together and were always good friends. I can hear his laughter when I close my eyes. Always a hug when we'd run into each other at art festivals or anywhere. He will be sorely missed. A great man. I'm so very sorry he (and you) had to go through all of this. We've never met, but I send you my love and and prayers. Judy (Garbin) Ersery
Jill Treadway
February 16, 2012
You will be missed, but remembered always Uncle Bob.
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