Mr. Robert Bernier “Bob” Reger, 87, a resident of Belington, and more recently of the Mountain Living Community in Belington, departed this life Thursday morning Sept. 26, 2024, in the care facility. Death was following a period of declining health.
He was born July 15, 1937, at Belington, a son of the late Albert and Olive Bernier Reger. He left Belington after high school graduation in 1955 for military service and to further his education and pursue work experience.
On Oct. 24, 1969, he was united in marriage to the former Marian Jean (Baldwin) who preceded him in death on Oct. 11, 2023.
He leaves three sons: Robert S. Reger, formerly of Morgantown and now of Belington, Bradley J. Reger and wife Missy, of Elkins, William A. Reger and wife Tammy, of Buckhannon, and one daughter Lori A. DeBastiani, of Belington, a sister Barbara and husband David Francisco, of Charleston.
Bob is also survived by grandchildren, namely Thomas Reger and Brittany Austin of Morgantown, Adam and Sarah Young also of Morgantown, Brian and Mark Whitaker of Nashville, Tenn., Ani and Lexi of Elkins, and Emma of Buckhannon.
In addition, there are numerous nieces and nephews and great-grandchildren who survive him.
By a few years, Bob survived his older and only brother, John A. Reger. John’s widow Trudy Reger resides in the family home at Belington. Preceding him in death in addition to his wife, parents and brother, are one son; Robert T. Reger, two daughters; Allison Whitaker and Wendy Jo Reger Spahr.
Bob earned a bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State College and completed a master’s and doctorate program at WVU. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, held a private pilot license and was a former director of Freedom Bank in Belington.
Bob’s work experience varied with both the private and public sectors. For example, he was employed by Republic Steel, Atlantic Richfield, the University of Western Ontario and WVU. His public sector employment included the FBI, Census Bureau and the Appalachian Laboratories (later NIOSH). He became the head of the epidemiology and biostatistics branch of NIOSH in Morgantown and held a dual appointment as associate professor at WVU. He became the director of the Occupational Health Center in London, Ontario, and was an associate professor in the statistics department at the University of Western Ontario. Bob also worked as a visiting colleague at the Institute of Occupational Medicine in Edinburgh, Scotland, a research subsidiary of the National Coal Board of Britain.
In addition to consulting, he was the author and co-author of numerous technical journal articles and book chapters on respiratory health and related topics. On a pro bono basis, Bob worked for the physician’s assistant program at Alderson Broaddus College in Philippi. Due to failing health, Bob finally retired (for the third time) a several years ago. Because of his health issues and the loss of his aviation medical certification, Bob had to forgo his flying activities and concentrate on more down to earth issues regarding the remodeling of antique vehicles.
Bob’s work carried him to most states in the U.S. and to foreign countries such as Canada, France, Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Poland, Australia and Switzerland. In many instances, Bob’s wife Marian assisted him as a helper/partner in U.S. and foreign activities, especially in Poland and Western Australia.
At last count, he had been a resident of seven U.S. states and had also taken up permanent residence in Puerto Rico, Scotland and Canada.
Bob was a protestant by faith, he was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church, was a member of the Belington Masonic Lodge #125 AF&AM and loved his entire family and outdoor activity in general. He felt that although often mysterious, life was a wonderful trip that he greatly enjoyed.
Friends will be received at the Talbott Funeral Home, 56 N. Brandenburg, Belington, on Monday Sept. 30, 2024, from 4-7 p.m., at which time there will be a funeral service conducted from the funeral home chapel with Harland Amandus officiating. Bob’s request for cremation will then be honored. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741. Condolences may be made to the family at talbottfuneralhome.com. The Talbott Funeral Home in Belington is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Robert Bernier “Bob” Reger.
