|
It is with a heavy heart that we share that Rob passed away, December 7th, 2022. Rob had numerouse health issues and passed in the comfort of his home. He passed just five days shy of his 70th birthday. He was a people person and touched many lives. He will be missed.
From: Patrick Sands
Rob van Zandt was a phenomenal birder and person. I met him after he had an accident that affected his legs. We met on the Patagonia Xmas bird count years ago. When the person who told me I would be paired with someone who was "having trouble getting around" he never explained who it was. Turns out it was Rob who at one time held the Northern hemisphere Xmas count day record as compiler of the San Blas Christmas count. I am very sad to hear this news. He was a great person and always great to be out in the field with.
|
David B. Brooks
Robby was a close friend at Jane Long and Bellaire. We perfected our skateboarding skills on his driveway that sloped down to Braeburn. He once asked me what my bird count was. He was met with a blank stare. I was at his house once when his father made him practice his violin; it brought Robby to tears. He didn't like his violin. Robby remarked more than once the poignancy of his father dying on Christmas Day.