Robert Bruce Mccrickard

Robert Bruce McCrickard, 54, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at his home in Wintergreen Resort, Virginia surrounded by his loving wife and family. Bob was born on February 18, 1962 in Raleigh, North Carolina to his devoted parents Aaron Othello McCrickard and Garnett Slayton McCrickard. As a young man, Bob engaged in outdoor activities, such as camping, skiing, and hiking the Appalachian Trail. Because of his great love for the outdoors, Bob became a passionate member of the Boy Scouts of America and earned its highest honor, by becoming an Eagle Scout at the early age of fourteen. Bob's passion also transferred to the classroom, where he was a gifted student who exhibited a remarkably inquisitive and analytical view of the world. He graduated from Sanderson High School in Raleigh in 1980, and immediately pursued a degree in Industrial Engineering, enrolling in one of the nation's top programs at North Carolina State University, graduating in 1985. Throughout his educational career Bob possessed keen entrepreneurial talents, starting several businesses and gaining first-hand knowledge of how to successfully run a small enterprise. He obtained a general contractor license after graduating as well. Bob also achieved an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2002. Bob began working at General Signal/SPX Aerotron Division in 1982 as a Manufacturing/Facility Engineer. In 1988, he moved to Exide Electronics/Powerware in the role of Unit Production Manager. In Bob's 21-year career at Exide Electronics/Powerware, which was acquired by Eaton in 2004, he quickly moved through various roles in manufacturing, engineering, sales and marketing. In his final role at Eaton, Bob relocated to Shanghai for three years where he managed the sales and marketing team for North Asia Power Quality Operations. In this role, Bob exercised high strategic and business acumen as well as an amazing ability to lead people and work with diverse cultures. He traveled extensively through the region, including China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea. Finally, Bob's last role was at Intermec Corporation, Senior Director, North American Services. Bob enjoyed life to the fullest. He traveled to over fifty countries, and appreciated the opportunity to explore the far reaches of the world. At the same time he loved sports, and enjoyed watching NASCAR and attending Saturday afternoon football games where he would root for his alma mater NC State WolfPack football team. Bob was also an avid golfer, who loved playing the local Wintergreen course, while on occasion trying his luck at some of the most challenging courses in the world, including Pebble Beach and Pinehurst. Throughout the course of his life, Bob maintained a consistently warm, affable, and kind demeanor, and he leaves a lasting legacy of generosity for generations to come. He felt strongly in the duty to give back to the community, and made generous charitable contributions to several organizations, including the United Way, the Boy Scouts of America, the WolfPack Club and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. In addition to his parents, Aaron and Garnett, Bob is survived by his wife and best friend, Dawn Soderberg McCrickard, and his two beautiful cats, Mr. Zhu and Tasana. He is also survived by his sister, Jane McCrickard Lambert and her husband, Brent of Cornelius, NC and four nephews: Austin, Brent, Connor and Barrett. Additionally, Bob is survived by his mother and father-in-law, John and Patricia Soderberg of Erie, PA; brother-in-law, Sean Soderberg of Erie, PA; sister-in law, Cheryl Soderberg Pollock and Todd Pollock and two nephews: Zachary and Nicholas of Wellington, Florida; and sister-in-law Tracy Soderberg and her husband Jeff Gold of Playa Del Rey, California. Bob leaves behind countless friends all over the globe who will remember him for his intelligence, adventurous spirit, generosity and kindness. The family would like to thank several doctors who provided extraordinary care for Bob in the last six years of his life. This includes Dr. Joseph Jemsek and Team of the Jemsek Clinic in Georgetown; Dr. Onders, Mary Jo Cermak and Cindy Kaplan at the Cleveland Clinic; Dr. Kuene of Chiang Mai, Thailand; and Dr. Ted Burns and Dr. Leslie Blackhall and their teams at the University of Virginia. These dedicated and caring individuals were amazing professionals who assisted Bob and the family. Also, we would like to especially thank Joan Ogata, who was Bob's professional and loving caregiver and close friend for over one year, as well as Victoria Owles, deceased, who also cared for Bob for one year. These two individuals made an amazing difference in Bob's life and the lives of his entire family. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at Hayes Barton Baptist Church on Saturday, October 8 at 11am, followed by refreshments and visitation. A private burial will be held on Monday, October 10 in Rocky Mount, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to alsa.org National Headquarters, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005, or a charity of one's choice. Arrangements under the direction of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, North Carolina. Local arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.