Robert M Loomis

Robert (Bob) Morgan Loomis, 91, of Westborough, passed away peacefully Monday, July 28, 2014, after a long illness.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lucille Martha (North) Loomis.  Bob is also survived by his children Donald of San Jose, CA, William of Gastonia, NC, Jeannie and husband Ron Smith of Westborough, MA, Jim and wife Hsing-Mei of Birmingham, AL, Garry of Lansing, MI and David of Okemos, MI, as well as 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many caring nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his brother John of Fresno, CA and sister Jean Ormson of Appleton, WI.

Born in Mauston, WI, Bob was the son of the late Orland Steen Loomis and Florence Marie (Ely) Loomis.  Bob served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Southwestern Pacific theater, Australia. He was a Petty Officer, carpenter’s mate, 2nd class with a repair unit, when selected for the Navy V-12 officer training program. He continued his service by attending college in the states, and completed the program.  Bob remained in the inactive Naval Reserve for about 10 more years before receiving his honorable discharge as a LTJG.

Bob met his future wife Lucille while at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He received his B.S. in Forestry that same year.  They were married in Prineville, Oregon, where Bob had begun working for the U.S. Forest Service in timber management. His work involved preparation and administration of sales in the virgin stands of Ponderosa pine. There were occasions when both Lucille and Bob were able to spend the work week at Forest Service facilities in the mountains. This was the beginning of many memorable times together in the out-of-doors.

Bob had a lifetime interest and concern for the wise use and management of natural resources, especially forested lands, and his work matched this interest. He was employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the Forest Service for 33 years. During the first nine years he worked as a forester in ranger districts of national forests:  in timber management in Central Oregon, as assistant ranger in Upper Michigan, and as an assistant ranger in southern Missouri.

After nine years, Bob transferred to the experimental branch of the Forest Service as a research forester. His research covered various aspects of forest fires, including fire danger rating, forest fuels, and fire effects - particularly the effects on plant communities. He authored a number of research publications. While working in Columbia, Missouri, Bob earned his M.S. in Forestry at the University of Missouri.

Having sons who were active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, Bob helped with many projects, and served in various positions. He was a Cub Master, Assistant Scoutmaster, and District Camping Chairman. He was also a 50–year member of the Society of American Foresters and a member of the Forestry Honorary Fraternity, Xi Sigma Pi.

Bob and Lucille moved to Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina, in 1989 where they very much enjoyed the maritime forest and living close to the Atlantic Ocean.  In 2012 they moved to Westborough, Massachusetts and enjoyed the people and community.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Salmon Hospice for the care and comfort Bob received in his final days.

There are no calling hours.  A Memorial service will be held Saturday, August 23, at 11:00 AM, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 183 West Main St., Westborough MA 01581.  Burial will be held in Mauston, WI, at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to the Memorial Fund of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

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