Robert Charles Weih, Jr. | Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home | Monticello, AR Funeral Home & Cremation

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Bryant Ralston Missoula, MT August 7, 2012

"I was saddened at this year's Esri User Conference to hear of Bob's passing by one of the student assistants when I inquired about whether Bob was in San Diego and if I could re-connect with him face-to-face. His cheerful presence at any event will sorely be missed.

I've never forget the positive influence he had on me and my career in GIS and I wasn't even officially one of his students.
I first met Bob when I worked for ESRI-St. Louis in 1995 after I finished graduate school at K-State. I was the first member of the ESRI St. Louis office to actually make the trip south to beautiful Monticello for an on-site visit. I'll never forget how excited Bob was for my trip and how impressed I was of Bob's lab, operation, and plans to incorporate GIS in the coursework. He was so friendly, gracious, and welcoming on that first trip. I'll never forget it. I was really impressed not only by the facilities and program Bob has put together but also by Bob himself. He was so enthusiastic, knowledgable, and gracious to me as a fellow GIS professional. I was honored to call him a client and a friend and knew that if Bob was involved in something it would turn out good. He will be missed and I wanted to let his family know what a great man he was and that he lives on in the spirit of many GIS professionals, including me."

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Qiaomei Fu Burke, VA July 15, 2012

"I was one of the first-year graduate students of Dr Weih. To me Dr Weih was not only my supervisor and mentor, but also my family member in U.S. with no blood relationship. I always tell my friends and relatives that how lucky I was to be Dr Weih's student.
On August 1998, I received an email from UAM said I was accepted as a graduate student of Dr Weih, and got assistantship, which helped me to get visa to U.S. That was the first time in my life to take airplane, and it was all the way from China to U.S. I had no idea what my new life here was going to be, I did not know anybody in there, and even the communication in English was becoming a problem to me. Today, after 14 years, I can still clearly remembered that when I first came to U.S., when my flight arrived at Little Rock airport, Marilyn took Jeremy with her came to welcome me. I was so suprised and felt so touching. Back then Jeremy was only 3 years old. Not only that, Dr Weih had arranged everything for me, from class registration to where I stay, what things I might need, and etc. Because of his thoughtful arrangement, I actually did not need to worry about much, which made the biggest change in my life turned to so easy and smooth. In addition, his warm smile, gentle voice, and his loving and caring made me feel like I was at home and did not need to worry about anything. I remembered the first Thanksgiving in U.S. Dr Weih invited me to his home. I had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with Dr Weih's family. I learned to make cookies with Melissa, Robbie, and Jeremy. Marilyn made lots of delicious food. Dr Weih challenged Melissa to spell out my name... For the two years at Monticello, Arkansas, learning the knowledge and getting my MS degree was not the biggest achievement to me, it was the good environment and nice people, especially Dr Weih and his family's loving and caring helped me to get over the most tough time in my life, and get me to know the whole new world.

When I first heared about Dr Weih's illness from my friend Jeff Earl, I was so shocked and extremely sad. I wanted to visit him. Unfortunately due to my personal health issue at the time, I could not make my trip. But I was able to talk to Dr Weih once on the phone several month after his first surgery. During the whole conversation, he was so calm and positive with no fear at all. He talked to me a lot about what's new in school and GIS program, and asked me about my family... There is no doubt Dr Weih was the best fighter for the cancer.

Like Marilyn said in her email to me Dr Weih is now really with us in spirit. His smile will always in my mind, and he will always be in my heart.
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Richard MacGregor Reston, VA July 11, 2012

"Very sad news indeed. Bob certainly had lots of friends back in Winsted, CT where he and I were both Eagle Scouts. Along with a couple other Winsted buddies, Bob and I spent an unforgettable summer of 1977 traveling all over the western US, successfully climbing the Grand Teton, and also climbing in the Colorado Rockies and at Yosemite. Then we dropped him off at Northern Arizona U. in Flagstaff, and the rest is history. Like Bob, I too went on to pursue a career in the geospatial sciences and GIS, but never at his level. Reading through the guestbook, it is so interesting, but not surprising, at all the lives Bob touched in such a positive way. Dr. Weih, the world is a far, far better place as a result of you having been here!"

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Chris Atwood Mechanicsburg, PA July 10, 2012

"My memories of Bob are mostly from our years in Connecticut in the late 60’s through the mid 70’s – during high school; early years in scouting (I bailed on scouts in early high school, but, if I recollect correctly, Bob went on to the rank of Eagle – no small achievement); camping; hiking; and sharing photography. We shared some good times and a love for the outdoors, usually as part of a group of friends. I was really jealous when I heard he had taken up shooting large format images in Arizona. Of all the people I’ve met and known, he was certainly one of the most imperturbable and good-natured. His family moved to Connecticut from Baltimore, and he had a pretty thick southern accent, which we native Yankee’s razzed him about for a year or so – there were certain words he just couldn’t pronounce in the King’s English – but he took it calmly, without apparent distress, and even laughed along with us about it. Years later, I was proud that he had earned his doctorate and happy he was working in a field he truly loved. I remember being glad for him when I heard he had gotten married, and again when he had kids, with whom he shared so many of his passions and joys. I saw him last in the fall of 1993, at a high school reunion – it was the only time I met Marilyn and two of his children. He and I corresponded briefly, a couple of times shortly after that visit, but failed to keep in touch since. Even after I was told about his struggle against cancer, I regretfully did not re-establish the contact we had had. Sorrowfully, I have now learned of his passing. Nevertheless, the memories I have of Bob make me smile upon reflection. For Bob’s wife Marilyn, his children, his parents, brother Scott, and all of the rest of his family and friends, I hope you all find many smiles in your memories of this gentle-man."

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Jeff Earl Beaumont, TX July 6, 2012

"Dr. Weih was my mentor, boss, and friend for almost 20 years. I would like to give a little perspective on what things were like both before and after he was hired by UAM. I came to UAM to work in the forestry department about 5 years before Dr. Weih arrived. We had office PC's initially, but around 1992 we got some funding and bought 5-6 Sun MicroSystems networkable machines. We had a couple of small labs that were combined to create a computer lab to house this new equipment. Trouble was, none of us were familiar with Unix. I seem to recall that we had a little help with some folks from Fayetteville (maybe Mike Garner) who came down and set up a machine or two, and installed a free GIS package called GRASS. About five to six of us even went to Fayetteville in the summer of 1993 to get some training in this new Geographic software. When we got back, there was a little more activity on the Unix machines, but not much serious analysis.

All that changed when Bob arrived in 1994. One of the first things he did was to hire a system administrator named Chris Bennett -- who was a very talented computer person. By Spring of 1995, Bob had the lab up and running and had installed Unix-based ArcInfo...a very powerful software at that time produced by ESRI. ESRI also introduced an "ArcInfo Light" PC-based version called ArcView and I did my first project on that GIS software: a study that used permanent inventory data from the US Forest Service and looked at forest growth and removals. With Bob's brief instructions, I remember creating 30 to 40 maps. I thought it was the most useful PC-based tool I had come across since the spreadsheet, and I was hooked. I soon incorporated GPS data into research studies, and used ArcView to produce maps for our slide presentations.

Bob also became a certified ESRI instructor and I took one of his first short courses using ArcView. Bob always gave the participants a great value: his fees were lower than other ESRI courses, plus he provided lunch! Needless to say, the folks in Arkansas were waking up to the uses and benefits of GIS...and his classes always filled up quickly. It wasn't long until Bob developed new coursework for the undergraduate forestry students. I knew of more than one former student that was very jealous of the undergrads and their access to GIS coursework. Of course, in 1998, UAM began offering graduate school, and Bob was offering more sophisticated classes for the advanced GIS students. His offerings included Advanced GIS 2, Remote Sensing, and GeoInfoMetrics ( a term that he coined). I took as many of those as time allowed and learned a tremendous amount. Bob also increased his ESRI-certified course offerings to include Introduction to ArcGIS I, Introduction to ArcGIS II, and Spatial Analyst. Bob was always willing to allow faculty and staff to take the course at a reduced amount if there was room in the class; sometimes that meant that we would serve as assistants if the class was full...but we still participated in the lectures and received the workbooks.

I was always amazed at Bob’s work ethic and enthusiasm for GIS. He would get to work no later than 7:00 am on weekdays so he could have some quiet time before students came by or before the phone would ring. On weekends, he almost always came in late Sunday morning after stopping by to support his favorite local fast-food restaurant: Taco Bell. Bob had seemingly hundreds of books on GIS and read them all. He was a tremendous GIS resource. He did not hide his excitement for new and interesting tools or research projects.

I know I speak for many graduate and undergraduate students who echo my thoughts: I would not be doing GIS work if not for Dr. Weih and all his efforts bringing that technology to Arkansas. I’m sure many universities in the state now offer some form of GIS courses, but Dr. Weih was the first to bring it to natural resources. He worked closely with the GIS software and hardware leaders ESRI, Erdas/Leica/Intergraph, and Trimble to bring the newest offerings to both his students and his research projects. We have lost a great man and I will miss him dearly.
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Bob Blackmon Troy, NY July 1, 2012

"Mary Beth and I were so sad to hear of Bob's death. Bob was the epitome of a professional. It was my great pleasure to be his dean during some of my years at UA-Monticello. More importantly, he was a good human being! Our thoughts and prayers are with Marilyn and the family."

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tony russo baltimore, MD June 29, 2012

"I am s sorry to hear about Bob we will be praying for him and you guys.
Please tell aunt Bertha and uncle Bob my mom passed away in February. This is the first time I was able to get an address I am sorry to take so long to get back. God bless you Tony"

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Diane Payne Monticello, AR June 27, 2012

"Marilyn, Melissa, Robbie and Jeremy-
I am devastated to learn of Bob's death. Ania and I were in Michigan when we heard this sad news. Both of us are so saddened and our hearts go out to your family. Bob always made us feel more happy, more proud. We loved listening to him talk about music, hiking, biking, and NAU.
We are so sad that we won't see him again. If you need anything, please call. We know how the sorrow you are experiencing.
Love,
Diane and Ania"

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Denise Manila, Philippines, AR June 25, 2012

"RIP Dr. Weih. We'll all miss you dearly, but we understand you're in a better place. Thank you for listening when we needed someone to hear us out; for your honesty when we needed to hear the truth; for the inspiration you gave us, the motivation when we wanted to give up, and the lessons that we learned from you inside the classroom and out."

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Jim/Belinda Jacksonville, FL June 22, 2012

"Bob was a wonderful colleague and friend. We are saddened by his loss, but buoyed by the knowledge of how many lives he touched."

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Mae Simpson Monticello, AR, AR June 22, 2012

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Marilyn, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, my prayers and thoughts are with you and the rest of your family.
May God blessings and love continue to comfort you during this time of sorrow.
Mae Simpson"

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Sophie, Audrey, Sydney, Perry, Bradley, Andy, and Jettrin Frederick, MD June 20, 2012

"Aunt Marilyn, Melissa, Robby, and Jeremy,

Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you. We are sorry for your loss. Uncle was a great man and will be missed. We love you all."

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Steve Dorn Orlando, FL June 20, 2012

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Weih family at this time. Bob was my childhood friend back in Winsted,Ct. Even though we had lost contact with each other over the years, I will always remember him as a true friend. He was a man who loved nature, always had a positive outlook and his unique laugh made you laugh too. We were a group of six. Greg, Bob, Tim, Chris, Art and myself. Hiking, fishing, water sking, rock climbing..all the things teenage boys did back then, Bob was a big part of it. We never had a disagreement and you will be missed Dr Weih. Rest well."

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Jeff Stembel Silver Spring, MD June 20, 2012

"We'll miss you, Uncle Bob."

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Kathy Hayes Hawley Lakeville, CT June 20, 2012

"Marilyn and family

So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. Barbara has kept me informed these past 2 years on Bob's illness. I will always remember my trip out to Phoenix for your wedding and my experience with Grandma Abbott and our luggage being lost. Paul and I always have a good laugh remembering. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Kathy and Jack Hawley"

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Rachel Kluender AR June 20, 2012

"Marilyn, Melissa, Robby, and Jeremy,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. I know how much Bob has meant to the university, his students, and the state, and I can only imagine how much he meant to all of you.
My thoughts are with you and the rest of your family."

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Kelsi, Charles, Ari and Abby Nibbana Columbia, MD June 20, 2012

"Aunt Marilyn, Melissa, Robbie and Jeremy,

I'm so sorry we can't be there with you. We love you guys so much and we will miss Uncle Bob greatly. He was such a wonderful, happy man and a great uncle! Please know we are thinking of all of you and send our love."

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Paul Freeman Monticello, AR June 20, 2012

"Bob was a true Visionary, I had the pleasant experience of being able to work through many of those visions with him for the past 19 years. Family and friends were always top priorities for him. My sympathy and prayers of comfort go out to the Weih family.
The Freeman Family"

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Karen Ballard Roland, AR June 20, 2012

"Marilyn & family,
I was blessed to have participated in the LeadAR program with Bob. He was one of the "thought leaders" in the class from the very beginning. More importantly, he was a friend to everyone in the class, a stand-up guy. He was a "family man" who cherished his wife and children, and spoke of them often with such love and affection.

Bob was respectful of everyone, and likewise earned everyone's respect. He had such a great mind, but never "put on airs" or lost sight of the most important things - his family.

My prayers are with the family today as you honor Bob's life and many contributions to his friends, his profession, and this state. He will be greatly missed.

Karen"

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Michael Hollis Monticello, AR June 19, 2012

"I had alot of fun times camping and hiking with you and your boy's on the Boy Scout camping trips. Bob you will be missed! My thoughts and prayer's are with your family."

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Morgan Hopper Monticello, AR June 19, 2012

"Hey Jeremy, I'm so sorry about your loss. I know this is a really really hard time for you and your family. Just know I'll pray for you and I'm always here if you need a friend. Sorry I couldn't be here in person because I am on a mission trip in Oklahoma. I know your dad is super proud of who you are---Morgan"

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Jim Besley Wooster, AR June 19, 2012

"I graduated from the School of Forest Resources a little before Bob's time, but I met him through our state GIS family after moving back to Arkansas in 2000 to work with the Fish and Wildlife Service. I remember being at the ESRI convention in San Diego many years ago and running into Bob. He was a friendly face in a sea of faces for this fellow so far from home. I looked for that face at all the gatherings so that I didn't feel so lost in the crowd. I was glad to know him, and I will miss his kindness. May the God of All Comfort Be With You All during this time of grieving."

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Bruce Dabbs Sherwood, AR June 19, 2012

"Dear Marilyn,Melissa, Robby and Jeremy,

I am sad to learn of Bob's passing, but realize that the struggle with his illness is now over for both him and all the family. He was a tough fighter for the things he believed in!

My memories of Bob began when we met at our first LeadAR seminar. The next 2 years of that program brought us together frequently. Each occasion was enjoyable, and I appreciated Bob's friendship and humor. His thoughts were always insightful, helpful and wise, and he spoke as a man with firm foundations of God, family, and nation. I will miss him, and always remember how he touched my life and the lives of others.

God bless you all...my prayers are with you.
Bruce, LeadAR Class 11.
LeadAR Alumni Association President.
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Brian Lockhart Lake Village, AR June 19, 2012

"Dear Marilyn, Melissa, Robby, and Jeremy - It is with a heavy heart that I heard of Bob's passing. I have had many great and humorous moments with Bob over the years, beginning when we had offices next to each other at UAM. Of many great characteristics that Bob had, the ones I will always treasure are his giving of his time and his humility. On our many travels together, especially to Taco Bell for lunch, he bragged often on his family. I wish you the best during these sad times, but I also smile as I stare out the window thinking of the great times I had with Bob."

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Mary Whiting Monticello, AR June 19, 2012

"My sincere sympathy goes to the entire Weih family. I had the opportunity to work with Bob on several occasions. His interest and concern for others was constant. I know that he touched many lives, and was always respected. His memory will continue to inspire others professionally and personally.
I hope the genuine concern so many of us share witll help you find some comfort.
Mary Whiting

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Kevin and LaDena Eads, Chad and Hunter Springdale, AR June 19, 2012

"It was a pleasure to know Dr. Weih and his family. He was a wonderful professor and taught us much about living for your family and taking every opportunity to influence the life of students/ children that you come in contact with. He will be missed by the UAM family and the families he has touched through his work. Our prayers are with his family. Sincerely Kevin, LaDena, Chad and Hunter Eads"

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PAT SAVAGE Monticello, AR June 19, 2012

"So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."

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Steve and Kim Pigott Monticello, AR June 18, 2012

"Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Psalm 9:9"

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Paul & Betty Smith Monticello, AR June 18, 2012

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

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Tim Brown Newburgh, NY June 18, 2012

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marilyn and family. Bob and I attended high school together in Winsted, CT graduating in 1973. We were close friends and I have always valued our friendship through out the years eventhough we havent seen each other in quite some time. I was thankful to share a nice phone conversation with Bob recently and enjoyed reminiscing. Bob was a special person and friend and will be greatly missed.

Tim and Donna Brown"

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Larry Ku Forestville, CA June 18, 2012

"On behalf of the Tim Ku family, we are deeply saddened by this too-early loss. The former student messages speak for themselves. We were tremendously pleased to read all the accomplishments and travel you were able to do as a family the past two years!
Deepest sympathy,
Tim and Vicki Ku, Plano, Texas"

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joan adair monticello, AR June 18, 2012

"so sorry for your loss god bless you all. may he rest in peace. joan adair."

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Kelley Sayyar Monticello AR, AR June 18, 2012

"Dear Marilyn, Melissa, Robby and Jeremy,
We were very saddened with the news of Bob's passing. Our hearts are breaking for your loss. We have been honored to know him. May God give you comfort and strength. Our prayers are with you.
Kelley and Hassan"

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Aaron Dick Portland, OR June 18, 2012

"My thoughts and prayers with the Weih family. Bob will be dearly missed. I spent two years working under Bob as a graduate research assistant and I can honestly say that I would never be where I am today if I had not learned so much from Dr. Weih. He has touched the lives of many students and I believe that his knowledge and legacy is carried forward in the GIS and Remote Sensing communities by those who learned from him. Good bye Dr. Weih."

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Steve Prisley Blacksburg, VA June 18, 2012

"Bob was a friend and an office mate during graduate school, and a widely-respected professional. Even now, decades after his dissertation, I use his work as an example in my graduate GIS classes. But it was his smile, his laugh, his readiness to help others, his easygoing manner that endeared him to all who knew him well. To his family and close friends, my deep sympathy. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered."

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Paul Doruska Plover, WI June 18, 2012

"To the Weih family, you are in my (and Erica's) thoughts and prayers. Bob was an outstanding mentor to me both when I first started graduate school at Virginia Tech then again when I started as a faculty member at Arkansas-Monticello - a dear colleague and friend who will be greatly missed..."

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Lori Hermitage, AR June 18, 2012

"Marilyn, so sorry to hear of your loss sending prayers of comfort for you and your family. Lori Cooley"

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Andrea Chambers Monticello, AR June 18, 2012

"So sorry for your loss, our prayers are for you and your family."

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Liz Hartsig Nashville, TN June 18, 2012

"Marilyn, Melissa, Robbie and Jeremy,
I will never forget Bob's laugh...and his kindness. He gave it quite a fight - we wouldn't expect anything less from Bob. Feel my arms and prayers around all of you.
Liz (and Phil)"

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Joe Bob Penor Lake Ridge, VA June 18, 2012

"To the Weih family, I grieve with you but I am very happy to have been associated with Bob over the years. I have missed him since leaving Arkansas, but he was in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.

Bob... you got the best seat in the house now... enjoy!"

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Joe Waldrum Little Rock, AR June 18, 2012

"Dear Marilyn,Melissa, Robby and Jeremy,

It was very sad to hear about Bob. He put up such a good fight with that disease. We just knew he was going to win.

Bob was a wonderful friend, and I'm sure he was a great husband and father. He did so much good, helped so many people and changed so many lives. The world is a much better place because he was here.

I knew him as a participant in the LeadAR program. He was a very inquisitive man. His questions during the program helped others learn things they never would have learned otherwise. He had a great sense of humor and made many friends in Arkansas and all over the United States. We will miss him.

You have our deepest sympathy. You are in our prayers.May God be with you all and give you peace.

Joe
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Monty Williams Paragould, AR June 18, 2012

"I will never forget the time we had in LeadAr. I was always fascinated with all the maps you developed through your work. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Monty Williams LeadAR Class 11"

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Randy Green Bryant, AR June 18, 2012

"Dr. Weih was one of my favorite teachers. I knew he had been sick for some time and I'm sure he is in a better place now. My heart goes out to his lovely family.

I took 4 GIS classes about 12 years ago from him at UAM before starting Grad school at UCA. He was a fabulous person and a great GIS professional. I had always hoped he would be one of my son's professors. All professors should strive to be as kind and such a great teacher as Bob Weih. He will be greatly missed.

Sorry for you loss,
Randy Green

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Daryl Lawrence Claremore, OK June 18, 2012

"I am sorry for your loss. Dr. weih was a patient teacher, who helped me in my career. I considered him a friend and collegue. I will miss him dearly."

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Chris Kleinhofs Little Rock, AR June 18, 2012

"The SIS program at UAM was the best 3 years of my adult life. Dr. Weih was a great inspiration to all of us that were lucky enough to complete his program."

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Judy Kunkle Monticello, AR June 17, 2012

"Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. I believe that God honored Mr. Weih by inviting him home to Heaven on Father's Day. He was one of the greatest fathers that I ever had the prvilege of being aquainted with."

Robert CharlesWeih, Jr.

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