Robert Kennedy Obituary

Robert G. Kennedy "Bob" died February 25, 2018, in Doha, Qatar. He had served as department head and was currently a faculty member for the Department of English Program at Qatar University. He had served as faculty at the Institute of Public Administration in Dammam, Saudi Arabia; faculty and department head in the Department of Language and Literature at the University of Papua New Guinea and faculty at the Center of Excellence for Applied Research and Training in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Bob was born on May 26, 1958 to Mary Clare Bacon Kennedy and James H. Kennedy in Frankfort, KS. He began his teaching career at the age of 19 at Kansas State University where he volunteered to tutor international students. He earned undergraduate degrees at Kansas State University and two masters degrees at The University of Kansas. He lived abroad for 35 years but considered Lawrence his home and returned yearly to visit his extended family.

He is survived by four siblings, Patricia Kennedy Solbach (John), Lawrence, KS; Frank Kennedy, Rossville, KS; Peggy Kennedy Dinsmore (Mike), Columbia, MO, and Kate Kennedy Sperfslage (Steve), Seneca, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James T. Kennedy, and niece, Mary Kate Sperfslage. He is survived by nephews and nieces, Kevin Kennedy (Rachael), Overland Park, KS; Kayla Kennedy Schreiber (Darren), Topeka, KS; Maggie Dinsmore , Columbia, MO; Maureen Dinsmore Kelly (Andrew), Columbia, MO; Jay Solbach, Topeka, KS; Bart Solbach, Lawrence, KS, and Matt Sperfslage, Seneca, KS.

When not teaching he traveled the world. He was highly respected and loved by his large university family, his family in the United States and students and friends around the globe. A formal celebration of life took place at Qatar University; a private family memorial will take place at a later date.

Lawrence Chapel Oaks Cremation & Funeral Services is handling arrangements. See www.chapeloaksne.com for online condolences.