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Welcome to the memorial page for

Dr. Rob Gillespie Clarkson

September 1, 1943 ~ August 28, 2016 (age 72) 72 Years Old
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A candle was lit by Miguel Villacastin. Labware SPAIN Sales Manager on September 23, 2016 5:43 AM
Message from Helena Engelbrecht
September 23, 2016 4:36 AM

I knew Rob when he lived and worked in Johannesburg, South Africa, and as a member of the community. He had an outstanding capacity for happiness, and the ability to spread the feeling to others.
I once went to one of his lectures on physics at Wits University and was impressed by his wonderful mind and how well he explained complicated ideas. This was an interesting contrast to how he decided whether he liked something or not. He had a simple if somewhat eccentric system - if he hadn't tried it, he didn't like it. After some encouragement from the group he tried coffee (No) and strawberries (Yes).
My daughter, Maya, and I attended his and Peta's wedding. I still have a picture in my mind of his face when he looked at her and said, "This is the happiest day of my life." We lost touch after they moved to the US, but I have no doubt that this feeling would have lasted for all his life.
I was really sorry to hear, a few days ago, of his sudden passing. He will be deeply missed, but he will leave behind many happy memories of his kindness and generosity of spirit to comfort Peta and his family, and everyone who knew him.
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A candle was lit by Jason Lorber on September 5, 2016 8:52 PM
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A candle was lit by Miguel & Maria on September 3, 2016 6:09 AM
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A candle was lit by Miguel & Maria on September 3, 2016 5:44 AM
Message from Aileen Fink
September 2, 2016 3:12 PM

Dear Peta,

My sincerest sympathies on the passing of your husband. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Aileen Fink
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A candle was lit by Robert and Valerie Nespolo on September 2, 2016 2:17 PM
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A candle was lit by the Trojan Family on September 2, 2016 9:53 AM
Message from A colleague
September 2, 2016 9:50 AM

I worked with Rob and had the pleasure of sharing a group lunch with him several times a week. Rob loved to talk about his family, especially his kids Michaela, Rachel and Matthew and their adventures and achievements. Rob also took great pride in telling us about the trips he would plan to celebrate life's milestones with Peta, I think she kept him young at heart. He was truly a wonderful human being, super intelligent and always willing to share his knowledge. I will miss the smiles and laughter he brought to our daily lives at work. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

Susan Taylor
Message from The Weldons
September 2, 2016 9:20 AM

Dear Peta & Michaela -

We were so very sad to hear of Rob's passing. He was such a nice man and Will, especially, always loved chatting with him. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jenni, Will & Alie
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A candle was lit by Douglas and Diane Judge and family on September 2, 2016 8:52 AM
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A candle was lit by Ed and Amanda Krasovec on September 2, 2016 6:22 AM
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A candle was lit by John Perry on September 2, 2016 6:05 AM
Message from John Perry (LabWare Europe)
September 2, 2016 5:58 AM

Rob is going to be missed by so many people, in so many ways.
My heartfelt condolences to Peta and the rest of the Clarkson family.
Message from Subhrajyoti Choudhury
September 1, 2016 11:26 AM

I am an ex-employee of Rob and had the pleasure to work with Dr Clarkson for about 7 years. I have always been amazed by the sheer enthusiasm displayed by Rob both while at work and also off it. At work he was a true disciplinarian, perfectionist and a treasure trove of wisdom. His ability to analyze and breakdown a complex issue was just incredible. He has always been someone you could look to for deep analysis of a complex problem. Off work he was a nice, jovial and fitness freak person.

I pray to the Almighty that his soul rests in peace and also express my deepest condolences for his immediate family and also the extended Labware family.
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A candle was lit by Anil Abraham on September 1, 2016 10:07 AM
Message from joyce Ministero
September 1, 2016 8:27 AM

I am an employee at Kid Shellers restaurant. I have had the pleasure of taking care of Rob and his colleagues for some years now. I have always found Rob to be a very kind ,cordial and sweet man. His presence and his hat will surely be missed by myself and others. Please accept my heartfelt condolences,truly sorry for the loss of such a nice man.
Joyce
Message from Bruce Clayton LabWare Australia
September 1, 2016 7:20 AM

To Peta and family

I will always remember sharing a great breakfast of beignets in New Orleans with Rob and other assorted LabWare people at the NA CEC I attended a few years ago. Rob was a friendly and down to earth bloke and a great guy to work with - very professional and thorough. There are no words to cover this loss but please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
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A candle was lit by Kirsten & Klaus on September 1, 2016 6:36 AM
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A candle was lit by Michael Bellino on August 31, 2016 3:44 PM
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A candle was lit by La Michoacana Homemade Ice Cream on August 31, 2016 1:52 PM
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A candle was lit by Lisa Toy Petrin on August 31, 2016 1:12 PM
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A candle was lit by Curt & Boni Knight on August 31, 2016 12:39 PM
Expression of Sympathy

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A RAYS  OF SUMMER SUNSHINE was ordered on August 31, 2016

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A candle was lit by Holly Kershner on August 31, 2016 7:49 AM
Message from Holly Kershner
August 31, 2016 7:48 AM

Dear Peta and family,

I'm devastated to hear of Rob' s passing and can't imagine the profound loss you're experiencing, I will always remember spending time with Rob and kids when we were staying in that hotel in Johannesburg for a couple of weeks. Rob came and picked us up and we went to tea and water parks and your home for meals and laundry. We really learned about your country in a way we would not have without Rob.
I am sorry I cannot be there on Friday to tell you this in person but I will be on an airplane .... But my love, thoughts, memories and prayers will be with you

Holly
Message from Mandy and Ed Krasovec
August 31, 2016 7:01 AM

Dear Peta,
Our hearts go out to you and your family. Peace be with you.
Best,
Mandy and Ed Krasovec
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A candle was lit by Åsa and Mark Gonzalez on August 31, 2016 4:22 AM
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A candle was lit by Åsa and Mark Gonzalez on August 31, 2016 4:00 AM
Message from Beatty & Misaac Davids (South Africa)
August 31, 2016 1:21 AM

Dearest Peta and family, Please accept our heartfelt condolences with the passing of Robert. He is fondly remembered by us. We will say prayers for the progress of his soul in the Abha Kingdom. Warmest love.
Message from Los Angeles
August 30, 2016 7:31 PM

Rob was one of the most optimistic and happiest person I've ever known. You will always miss him, but I hope you remember the joy of his life and keep his spirit alive within you always.
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A candle was lit by April Daly on August 30, 2016 3:55 PM
Message from Shahrzad & Brett Hone
August 30, 2016 2:14 PM

Dear Peta
We are so sorry to learn of Robert's passing. He will be fondly remembered by so many South Africans for his dedicated service in this country.

You and family are in our thoughts and prayers. We will offer prayers for the progress of his gentle soul.

With love
Shahrzad and Brett
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A candle was lit by Bruce and Maureen Weirman on August 30, 2016 1:39 PM
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A candle was lit by Richard Kingsley on August 30, 2016 1:01 PM
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A candle was lit by Gerwin Jansen, labware benelux on August 30, 2016 12:36 PM
Message from Vic Gillespie
August 30, 2016 12:23 PM

I am Rob's sole surviving uncle, although that is an insufficient description of our familial relationship. Being only two years apart in age, we grew up together and he became the functional equivalent of a brother. In fact he obtained his Ph.D in Physics and I my Juris Doctor from The University of Texas at the same time while living together that final semester. He inherited his parents' value system and was taken from us far too soon. Very tough to take!
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A candle was lit by The Raiford Family on August 30, 2016 12:21 PM
Message from Clive Baron
August 30, 2016 11:59 AM

Dear Peta,
It was with great sadness that I learned about Rob's passing. He was a wonderful man, a true gentleman, with a great disposition. I feel truly privileged to have known and worked with him.
As you, Mathew, Rachael and Michaela grieve, my sincere condolences go out to you. Wishing you all the very best.

Love,
Clive
Message from Anne Karwath
August 30, 2016 11:37 AM

Dear Michaela, Peta and the Clarkson Family,

We are all so sorry for your loss of a wonderful husband, father and friend. Rob was a kind person and will be missed dearly by so many.

Wishing you each peace and healing as you all mourn the loss of your loving husband and father.

God Bless,
Anne Karwath and Family
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A candle was lit by Aaike Oosterkamp on August 30, 2016 11:13 AM
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A candle was lit by Lara Jaradat on August 30, 2016 10:41 AM
Message from Zandy Gillespie Benefield
August 30, 2016 10:27 AM

Dear Peta & family, What a great human being Rob was! Our thoughts are with you during this time, as always! Love, Zandy & Tom
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A candle was lit by BROUDY ASSOCIATES STAFF MEMBERS on August 30, 2016 10:26 AM
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A candle was lit by Brittany W. on August 30, 2016 10:23 AM
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A candle was lit by DONNA POTTS on August 30, 2016 10:22 AM
Message from Vicente Bertolin (Spain)
August 30, 2016 10:21 AM

Every time I had a problem I knew who had the right answer. Rob helped me so many times... We will miss you in LabWare. My deepest condolences to the family.
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A candle was lit by TONYA ROBINSON WITH LOVE on August 30, 2016 10:18 AM
Message from Tressie Koehs
August 30, 2016 9:46 AM

My sincere condolences to the entire family on the loss of such a fine man. I had the pleasure of meeting Rob for the first time last summer at the Clarkson family reunion in Colorado which I attended with Victor Gillespie, Rob's uncle. It was a honor to spend time with him and the entire family. My heart aches for all of you.
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A candle was lit by Fernanda Paredes on August 30, 2016 9:43 AM
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A candle was lit by Kathy Brody on August 30, 2016 9:18 AM
Message from A German LabWare colleague
August 30, 2016 9:02 AM

Our deepest condolence and heart-felt sympathy to Peta and the whole family.
Alexander Peuker and Ursula Kleinschroth
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A candle was lit by Rajib Sarkar, Labware India. on August 30, 2016 8:50 AM
Message from Whitney Hoffman
August 30, 2016 8:46 AM

Rob was always such a happy and joyous person-I was always happy to see him when we were walking through the neighborhood. He was kindness itself. This has come as such a shock to all of us in the neighborhood, and we hope we can be a source of help and support, if only to help reflect a small part of the joy he brought to everyone he touched.
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A candle was lit by Guido & Sabine on August 30, 2016 8:36 AM
Message from LabWare Indian
August 30, 2016 8:31 AM

I worked with him for last 7 - 8 years. He was an excellent and humble human being. Definitely I along with my other colleagues will miss him a lot. Rest in peace Rob. May almighty give strength to his family to overcome this great loss.

-- Avik Chatterjee
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A candle was lit by Avik Chatterjee on August 30, 2016 8:27 AM
Message from Susan Bell
August 30, 2016 8:07 AM

Thinking of you and your family
Message from Beth Krieger
August 30, 2016 8:02 AM

My very deepest sympathy and condolences to Dr. Clarkson's.family and to Peta. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Message from David Ferrell
August 30, 2016 7:59 AM

Truly an amazing, wonderful man. He will be missed by so many. My sincerest condolences and wishes that the Clarkson family's pain will eventually subside and only great memories of this remarkable man remain in their hearts forever.
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A candle was lit by David and Deborah Ferrell on August 30, 2016 7:52 AM
Message from Labware India, Kolkata
August 30, 2016 2:00 AM

I am Vish from Labware, Kolkata. I had the previledge to work with Rob for the last 11 years in LabWare. Rob is one of the most charismatic, knowledgeable , affectionate, humble person I have come across in my life. His passing away is a personal loss. The greatest thing which amazed me about him was he never lost his composure and his precision in work . There many thoughts in my mind which are hard to put in words.

Farewell Rob. Its was amazing working with you and knowing you. Thanks for everything. You will remain special to many of us. May God bless you eternal peace.

My heart felt condolence to Clarkson family and all the near and dear ones.

Vishwanath
Message from Nozipho Khumalo (South Africa)
August 30, 2016 1:24 AM

I am an employee of LabWare South Africa and I first met Rob in April 2016 at the NA LabWare Conference in Colorado. My memory of him is his friendly and kind demeanor. On one evening, we went out for dinner as a group and he sat next to me. As I was the only vegetarian, he was so worried if the food I had ordered was ok. He even took a bite from my plate just to make sure, just like my granny would do when I was younger. When I saw the email subject title I hoped that it was not him. My condolences to the family for such a great loss.
Message from A colleague and friend.
August 30, 2016 12:48 AM

Dear Peta.
I am so very sorry for your terrible loss. I am speechless. My heart goes out to you and your children Matthew, Rachel and Michaela. You always spoke so lovingly of your husband Robert. I am happy you have known such a great love in your life. May the wonderful memories you have bring you some comfort. Sending you and your family much love. Hugs.
Rosaria Balzamo
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