The death of Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital’s facilities director Robert Knoblauch from cancer on December 8 sent waves of sadness throughout Henry Mayo. Known as Bob, Knoblauch passed away at the hospital he loved and worked at for more than 30 years.
“Bob fought the courageous and difficult fight against cancer the last few months, but chose not to share the details of that fight with his closest friends and colleagues. Instead, Bob kept that battle personal while he contributed to our hospital, even though he was not always able to be here physically,” said Roger Seaver, president and CEO.
Born October 17, 1946, Knoblauch began working at Henry Mayo in 1978, just three years after the hospital was opened. He was promoted throughout his tenure, most recently as facilities director close to ten years ago.
“Bob was more than a dedicated colleague. He was my easygoing friend, whose spirit lives on in every building on this campus, and in the memories of all who worked with him. I am so grateful that I knew him,” said John Schleif, vice president and COO.
Engineering supervisor Richard Londergan worked with Knoblauch for many years and remembers him as an incredibly knowledgeable, efficient boss.
“Bob was very good at his job. He was friendly, he knew everyone and where everything was,” Londergan said. “On the personal side, he liked to garden, especially growing peppers and tomatoes, and going to Hawaii for an annual vacation. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it this year.”
Knoblauch oversaw the extraordinary expansion of Henry Mayo over the decades. Recently, he was particularly instrumental in the emergency room expansion and was excited to work on the hospital’s much anticipated building of a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
That’s why, in lieu of flowers, the family of Bob Knoblauch have requested donations be made in his memory to Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Health Foundation in support of the NICU.
“We are honored to have this memorial in his name. Bob loved the babies and the NICU design and project that he put his heart and soul into. He will surely be missed,” said Sally T. McGann, RN, MSN, director of women’s services.
While Knoblauch’s work was usually behind the scenes, it played an important role in many aspects of the hospital, according to Larry Kidd, vice president patient care services.
“Bob always made my calls to him about facility needs in patient care areas a priority. He understood the importance of how his department could really make a difference in a patient’s experience at the hospital, whether it was keeping the environment safe and comfortable or preparing for the needed inspection to get a new service operational,” Kidd said.
A crowd of Henry Mayo staff, family, friends, and business associates paid their last respects at a memorial service was held at Mission Hills Catholic Mortuary on December 16.
“We have all lost a great man, a true gentleman, and always a Henry Mayo champion. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s wife and family during this time of grieving,” Seaver said.
To make a donation in Bob Knoblauch’s honor, contact the Foundation office at 200-1200 or visit www.henrymayogiving.com .