Robert Edward Behling, 81, of Morgantown, passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Mon Health Medical Center. He was born on Sept. 11, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisc., a son of the late Robert Theodore and LaVerne Behling.
Bob’s interest in geology at an early age was stimulated by several family trips out west. He received the first bachelor’s degree in geology awarded at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee; he also received a master’s degree from Miami University (Ohio) and a doctorate from The Ohio State University. He did field work in glacial geology in Vermont, on the Taku glacier in Alaska, and was proud of his work in five austral summer field seasons in Antarctica. His collaborative work in Antarctica included a traverse over the ice surface to the South Pole and his individual research included several seasons of field work in the dry Wright Valley. Mt. Behling in Antarctica is named after him.
He joined the Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University in 1971 and enjoyed teaching and engaging with students until his retirement in 2017 as a Professor Emeritus. He was instrumental in the development of the department’s undergraduate program in Environmental Geoscience. Fondly known as “Dr. Bob” to his students, he often joked that by the end of his career, he taught more students (thousands) overall at the university than the populations of some of the state’s smaller counties. He fully embodied his mantra — “It’s a great day for a field trip!” — and never missed an opportunity to turn any outdoors adventure into a lesson on geology. He served as assistant vice president for Academic Affairs, was on the Faculty Senate and was on the university’s Athletic Council.
Bob was proud and enthusiastic to mentor K-12 teachers in science and geology, and in ways to incorporate those themes into classroom lessons. He was happiest when organizing and leading field trips for his WVU students and the teachers to a myriad of great geologic sites across the country to expand their appreciation of the earth’s history.
In earlier days in Morgantown, he was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Morgantown and served on the Morgantown Board of Zoning Appeals. He was an enthusiastic supporter of West Virginia Public Television and volunteered as an on-air host during pledge drives. He loved helping coach his children’s local sports teams when they were young, also helping with Boy Scouts activities. He was also an enthusiastic home gardener.
Bob is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Mary Behling, a daughter Alison Behling Viturawong (Tar) currently residing in Jakarta, Indonesia, a son Andrew (Melissa) Behling of Safety Harbor, Fla., and a brother Richard Behling (Julianne) of Tulsa, Okla. He is also survived by cousin Carolyn Hasey of West Des Moines, Iowa, and brothers/sisters-in-law Patricia Bacon of Tonawanda, N.Y., Susan Csizmar of Wheatfield, N.Y., the Rev. Richard Csizmar of Albion, N.Y., Nicholas (Stephanie) Csizmar of North Tonawanda, N.Y., James (Dorisann) Csizmar of Lockport, N.Y., Diane (Thomas) Skomski of North Tonawanda, N.Y., and several nieces and nephews. He enjoyed many wonderful times with his extended family, who really knew how to celebrate any event.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several cousins and brothers-in-law John Csizmar and Daniel Csizmar, and his most enjoyable Labrador retriever pups Devon and Tucker.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to the nurses and doctors in the ICU unit at Mon Health Medical Center for their compassionate care of Bob during his illness.
Friends who wish to honor his memory will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, on Friday, July 28, from 5-7 p.m. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at the Erickson Alumni Center on Saturday, July 29, with friends received from 9 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Richard A. Csizmar presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia, 252 Brewer Road, Morgantown, WV 26508, or the West Virginia Botanic Garden, wvbg.org, or an organization of your choice.
