Robert “Bob” Denys Chamberlain Rokeby
Bob Rokeby died on September 17, 2023, following a long fight with cancer. He was born to Helen and Thomas Rokeby on March 21, 1949, in Guelph, Ontario. When Bob was in elementary school, he moved with his family to South Dakota, and the family settled in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Bob attended the University of Arkansas, where he met his wife of 53 years, Vicki Rokeby (Schmieding). Bob graduated from the University in 1971, and the couple relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska. Bob was a lifelong learner and almost always had a big or small project in the works. Even at the very end of his life, he was exploring ideas.
Bob, along with his wife, was instrumental in the preservation of the Havelock Business District, through business ownership and rehabilitating several buildings, as well as the Professors Row area of the East Campus neighborhood. Bob was also active in the Porsche Club of America Porsche Palooza and as a board member for the Schmieding Foundation.
Bob loved to drive. Long or short distances, it did not matter as long as he was behind the wheel. He was proud that in over 58 years of driving he never once received a traffic ticket.
He is survived by his wife Vicki (Schmieding) of Lincoln, Nebraska and Eureka Springs, Arkansas; children Jennifer Rokeby-Mayeux (Ben Mayeux), of Lincoln; Steven Rokeby (Gilles Hoppenbrouwers) of St. Brieuc, France; and Richeala Rokeby (Phillip Dulcich) of Lincoln; his most-excellent grandchildren Max and Lucy Mayeux; Brother Richard Rokeby (Anne); sister Penelope Rokeby; brother-in-law Larry Schmieding (Michelle); many nieces and nephews; and many, many friends.
Memorials can be made in Bob’s honor to the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, designated for the Driver’s Education Fund; any animal rescue organization; or a charity of the donors’ choosing.
No service information at this time.
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Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Condolences for Robert “Bob” Denys Chamberlain Rokeby
It is with great sadness to hear of Bob’s death. While distance seemed insurmountable over the passed many years this cousin has nothing but the fondest memories of times spent with our American Cousins. Tony and I ,along with Eden and Victoria, wish Bob’s dear family the gift of remembering better times with joy and gratitude for a life well lived.
My heart saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with Bob. I always learned a lot from him. Vicky, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Bob was a great friend and was such a generous person. We will miss his influence and friendship. He left a wonderful legacy.
Bob and I were very close friends since high school. I have very fond memories of Bob and I working on his uncle’s farm in Ontario during the summer of 1966. We had similar interests and were both avid model builders all of our lives. Bob was a gracious, friendly, talented artist and I was fortunate to be a friend for so many decades. Condolences to his wonderful family. He will never be forgotten.