Contributions to the tribute of Robert Edward Behling

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Al Quagliotti posted a condolence

Friday, September 29, 2023

Dr. Behling became my undergraduate advisor in geology at WVU at a time when I questioned my choice of professional careers. Although I loved geology, I realized that I would not be happy in a career in petroleum geology. Dr. Behling, along with Dr. Henry Rauch, introduced my to the field of environmental geology, and guided my graduate work to include geotechnical engineering to hydrogeology, geochemistry and "typical" environmental courses. This advice led me to a very satisfying career using my geology base. For this I will be forever grateful to him! Dr. Behling was always upbeat, supportive, and a pleasure to be around. To this day, more than 50 years later, when I hear someone say "Greetings", I am reminded of him. I have been blessed to know and learn from this outstanding teacher and gentleman! Mary, you and your family are in my, and my wife Jackie's prayers. We hope you are comforted by the knowledge that Bob touched, and enriched the lives of legions of young West Virginia students.

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Diane Furman posted a condolence

Friday, July 28, 2023

Every summer for more than a decade, Dr. Bob in his bright red suspenders led the Marion County K-12 teachers on a geology adventure. We spent glorious summer days studying land formations and collecting rocks in the northern, eastern, middle, and western United States as well as Canada. We walked a glacier, dug dinosaur bones, explored caves, and toured numerous geological sites. I am not sure how our geology trips began but Dr. Bob always had another great field trip in mind. In fact, he often began planning the next year’s trip as we were returning home. On one particularly memorable trip, the Marion County teachers planned a surprise for Dr. Bob. Upon entering the bus, he found 40 teachers all wearing red suspenders. I suspect that was the day Dr. Bob knew the Marion County teachers not only respected him – but loved him as well. Dr. Bob taught through storytelling. He was so adept at weaving history and science. He could make the most difficult geology topics meaningful to the teachers. Even better, Dr. Bob made sure that the teachers were able to translate their newfound knowledge to students. During the school year, he visited classrooms and proudly watched as teachers engaged students in awesome activities based on the content from the summer geology trip. There are not enough words of admiration to express how Dr. Bob impacted the teachers of my county and of West Virginia. He was passionate about science and teaching; he was patient with the novice teacher; and he challenged veteran teachers to be their best. Dr. Bob was a constant model for all of us who were fortunate enough to come to know him as a teacher, colleague, mentor, and friend. I have read that individuals who have gone before will guide you when it is your time to enter Heaven. If so, I hope Dr. Bob greets me with that huge smile and says once more, “It’s a great day for a field trip.” Sending blessings and comfort to Dr. Bob’s family. Diane Furman

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Traci Knabenshue posted a condolence

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

Dr. Behling was my Geology professor my freshman year, and I happened to have class on September 11, 2001. He made the right call and did not cancel it. He knew we needed to be together and process together. He said the right things that day when there was no right thing to say. We discussed what was happening and how we felt. I will never forget it. My condolences to your family.

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Deb Hemler uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

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How do I begin to honor the man who saw something in 1992 in that novice science teacher from rural Preston County on his “Rivers of WV” field trip, ultimately changing the trajectory of her entire life? I certainly would not be a professor and certainly would not be leading any Earth Science initiatives in West Virginia without him. He made one fateful phone call to Patricia Obenauf which set me on this path. Dr. Bob began as a teacher, added the role of mentor during my graduate program, then colleague in the RockCamp days, and somewhere along these 21 years, a friend. He led field trips for multiple iterations of RockCamp I and II, followed by III, IV, V, several Falls & Fossils Trips, 20 years of WVSTA field trips and one Keynote on his research in Antarctica, NAGT-ES field trips, four seasons of Geology Telecourses (when distance education involved satellite downlinks), six ESS Passport Field trips, and trips with Marion County teachers to Canadian Rockies, the Bay of Fundy, the Cascades, the Smoky Mountains, Connecticut Valley, Snake River flood basalts, Arizona, Colorado/New Mexico, Outer Banks, and Tour of Great Lakes, (to name a few). If you do the math he likely impacted over 1,000 K-12 teachers in his career. His wide breadth of knowledge, easy-going nature, warm sense of humor, and ability to tell a story engaged teachers across WV. You left a Dr Bob trip loving geology, loving the man, and wanting to be a better Earth & Space Science Teacher. He was known for his red suspenders, white shirt, and khaki pants, a quick wit, warm laugh, and the uncanny ability to know a good ice cream/custard place near any field stop. It was always a “great day for a field trip”, rain was always “just clearing showers”, rocks were a puzzle asking “which way is up”, and Alexander’s Rag Time band was always fair game. What is “conspicuous by it’s absence?” he would always ask. Dr. Bob, this time it’s you. Your legacy, however, is not. I will miss you!

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Karen Parlett posted a condolence

Tuesday, July 25, 2023

I was privileged to be a student of Dr. Bob's through "Rock Camp". He inspired me to be a better teacher by his example. He taught me so much about geology and teaching. He was always so enthusiastic and positive and made discovering the world a wonderful journey. He will be missed so very much.

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Gary Hilgar lit a candle

Sunday, July 23, 2023

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Jason Sturms planted a tree in memory of Robert Behling

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Dr. Bob was instrumental to my early career and helping set me on the correct path while at WVU. He was an amazing man and will be missed. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

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The family of Robert Edward Behling uploaded a photo

Saturday, July 22, 2023

A Memorial Tree was planted for Robert Behling

Saturday, July 22, 2023

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Hastings Funeral Home Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree

Robert Edward Behling

1941 - 2023

153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505 | Phone: (304) 292-8664 | Email: hastingsfuneralhome@gmail.com