Robert S. Mccargar

Robert S. McCargar, who was born November 8, 1922 in Chicago, IL and was a long-time resident of Ann Arbor, MI, died at Aase Haugen Home in Decorah, IA on August 30, 2009. Preceding him in death were his brother, Donald (Levittown, PA, 1961), his mother, Hattie (Largo, FL, 1962), his father, Harold (Largo, FL, 1964), and his wife, Sophia T. McCargar (Ann Arbor, MI, 1999). He is survived by his three sons and their wives, Steve McCargar and Heidi Swets of Decorah, IA, Dave and Julie McCargar of Nashville, TN, and Jim and Sherry McCargar of Dexter, MI, and six grandchildren. He graduated from Glenbard High School (Glen Ellyn, IL) in 1940 where he was the managing editor of the school newspaper, winner of the Senior Honor Medal, member of the National Honor Society and the fullback on the football team. From 1942-1945, he served in the US Army. In 1946 he graduated magna cum laude from Colgate University (Hamilton, NY) where he was an Austen Colgate Scholar, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and a member of the Colgate Thirteen choral society. In 1952, he received an MA in Sociology from the University of Michigan. He lived in Michigan for many years, where he was engaged in teaching and research at the college level. Before retiring in 1987, he was in charge of strategic planning and development for Comprehensive Health Services of Detroit, a health maintenance organization. A memorial service for Aase Haugen Homes staff and residents was held on Monday, August 31. A community memorial service will be scheduled in Decorah at a later date. The family plans a private graveside ceremony on September 1, 2009 at the Arbor Crest Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, MI where he will be buried next to his beloved wife, Sophia. A teacher, poet, researcher, and social commentator/activist, Robert touched the lives of many people and will be remembered for his compassion, wisdom, and commitment to social justice. He enjoyed singing, music of all kinds, a good limerick, and spirited conversation about just about anything. In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions to the Ecology Center of Ann Arbor, 117 North Division Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, or the Native American Rights Fund, 1506 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80302.