The Cord Blood Bank of Arkansas recently lost a dear friend when Robert “Bob” Goza passed away on June 02, 2016. Bob had many friends from all walks of life and truly touched the lives of those he knew. A couple of those friends have shared some words about what it was like to know Bob.
“Remembering Bob Goza”
I knew Bob for many years as our hospital architect before we started the Cord Blood Bank of Arkansas. No conversation with Bob ever finished without an update on his children or their travels, and I always left feeling happy that there was someone like Bob in the world. His positive attitude brightened my day, and his can-do attitude made my work easier. When we started the cord blood bank, I finally met his children and saw that they had inherited all his good qualities and made them their own. I admire them more than I can say, and my life is better for knowing them all. They have both been strong supporters of the cord blood bank, as Bob was in so many ways I cannot count them, and I thank them for their support of us as we strive to help others.
– Michele Fox, MD
“Bob Goza”
Bob Goza loved his children! If you knew Bob, you knew his children. Life was complete the day he became a dad and the rest of his life was devoted to being sure they experienced the best. Bob taught them, and in doing so he taught us the importance of loving parents, wonderful travels, a great education, an appreciation of art and music, and a profession you love.
He loved a “good church service” complete with the appropriate hymns and message. He played the piano and organ and sang in the church choir. He worked hard to make a “dish” just as his mother had prepared it from her recipe in her handwriting. Bob loved a potluck! We shared dinner each Thursday evening and many times Bob would hurry home from work to make something to bring.
Bob was a grammarian! Discussions about the correct use of a particular word could go on for hours! Bob loved the UK and an invitation for High Tea at Bob’s house was a special occasion complete with Devon Clotted Cream that he ordered from England. He made his own scones and marmalade.
But most of all, Bob loved to “visit” and he could talk for hours. He valued his friendships and took great care in nurturing those people.
I long for one more visit!
– Donna Norvell Smith
Click here to view Bob’s obituary.