Robert Betz Obituary

Just learned of Bob's passing.

I was 22 when I was hired to run the Illinois office of The Nature Conservancy in 1972. Almost instantly, Bob became my mentor. Gensburg, Fermi, Belmont, any number of prairies, I trusted Bob's vision. We walked prairies, traveled backroads, and talked. 35 years later, I've worked on projects to preserve hundreds of thousands of acres, and Bob has always been as big an inspiration as any. I still give talks about "the power of one" - Bob's Prairie Preservation Society.
His legacy is for the ages. I was previleged to be an understudy.

Dan Pike

My condalances to the Betz family and to this earth for the loss of a wonderful human being. I knew Dr. Betz when I was a student at NEIU. He is still one of my continuous inspirations throughout life. I learned whatever you do, do it with passion (whether teaching biochemistry, burning a prairie, guiding a bird watching trip; anything!). As stated by many, his enthusiasm for what he was doing at any moment was contageous, and therefore "we learned." I am not alone. Dr. Betz left the same legacy with everyone his life touched. Thanks Rober Betz!

It was sad to here of the passing of Dr. Betz. I remember Dr. Bet's visit to our exhibit at the Field Museum. We talked about Plants he new about in Thatcher Woods. He saw in us that his enthusiasm had cought on and commented with a big smile that "you got the bug" - and we still have after nearly 15 years.

I will always remember the "pep talk" that Dr. Betts gave in my town about 30 years ago when Save The Prairie Society was just getting organized on our long quest to save Wolf Road Prairie. He said that if we would just keep at it evetnually our project would "snowball" and it sure did!

Dr. Betz's work with the Gensburg-Markham Prairie reminds us all that although we have come so far we still have a long way to go. May his visions, spirit and memories live on -in us and in our actions. My sympathy extends for friends and family of this great advocate.

Dear Family of Dr. Betz,
If anyone could say, at the end of their life on earth, that they truly left this world a far better place - I think it must have been Dr. Betz.

I am only one of many hundreds of volunteers whose life was greatly affected by his love of native prairie and the desire to protect it.

With deep sympathy,
Lana Gits

I did not know Professor Betz, but when I read the memoriam announcement here at NEIU (I am a math instructor) I was so very impressed with what he had done, that I wanted to add my appreciation to those who were fortunate enough to know and or study under him. People like him contribute greatly to the quality of the future in our lives. You must be sorely grieved at his passing.

Sorry to hear he left us. I had him as a teacher in the 60s. He was great.

To the Betz Family:
Growing up with Larm, I remember Prof. B so well and what a positive, gentle, and strong presence he was. He will be missed by the world. Sympathies to you all.

Farewell, to a talented and energetic colleague! We served together for many years at Northeastern, and together with Herbert Lamp we covered the broad spectrum of environmental biology courses serving generations of students. Bob Betz was a charismatic presence in the classroom and an undisputed expert in prairie ecology. He was also a biochemist, a linguist, and a researcher. He retired from teaching at Northeastern at the same time as I did after many years of service to the University. It was a privledge to have known him.

To the Betz Family,

Dr. Betz was truly a legend in his own time and many prairies are monuments to his success. Dr. Betz was my ecology professor in college back in the late 60's. He came to visit me a few years ago while I was painting a prairie mural in Fermi's seed processing building and we talked fondly of prairies and how he had such an effect on my interests back in my college days. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to thank him for his inspiration and knowledge.
My sincerest condolences,

To the Betz Family-

I am sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Betz. His pioneering work at the Fermilab and his kindness to me over the few years I knew him have changed me forever. I am grateful to have the 'prairie fever'. He will be dearly missed.

Dear Betz Family:
Dr. Betz was an inspiration and visionary who guided so many of us, literally and figuratively, down the path of ecological restoration. His presentations made us laugh, think, and take action. He will be missed.

Laurene von Klan, President, Chicago Academy of Sciences and Notebaert Nature Museum

The Betz Family,

Dr. Betz was truly an inspiration and a wonderful teacher. He was one of my early college mentors. I'll never forget him nor his reminding me that Ph.D.'s were the first doctors. My deepest sympathies are with you.

To the Betz Family. I had a few opportunities to work with Bob a few years back and he was a great inspiration to me as well to many other young prairie ethusiasts. He surely will be missed.

Dear Betz Family,

Bob always made me feel so special when I worked with him at Fermilab. We served on the ELM committee together. He knew so much, I just hope we have paid enough attention to continue his work. He was so special. He will be missed by us all.

To the Betz family,
It saddens me to hear that a great man and mentor to thousands has passed away. Dr. Betz's was an Illinois Prairie original and I am proud to have known him.

To the family of Bob Betz- I will never forget the day that Dr. Betz gave the docents at Fermilab a prairie plant training. His love for this ecosystem was so evident. The gift he gave of initiating the prairie restoration at Fermilab has given and will continue to give thousands of school children and lovers of nature a legacy that few of us are able to achieve in our lifetimes. You must all feel very proud of him. Peace to you.

Our sypathies. We were extemely fortunate to have worked with Bob. His life's work will live on at Fermilab.

Dear Eleanor and Family:
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathies. Bob was a man to be admired and I always enjoyed hearing and learning from his wonderful stories.

We wish your pain eases and you remember well all the love, kindness, and vision for the future that Bob shared with you every day. What a wonderful life he had and shared with you!

Deepest sympathy