Robert Craig Eixenburger
Surrounded by loved ones, Robert Craig Eixenberger (Bob) passed away on January 17, 2017 from complications of Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was 60 years young. Bob was an exceptional father, husband, son, brother, friend, co- worker, and a fair golfer. He was born on April 12th, 1956 in Denver, Colorado to Bernard Dale Eixenberger and Vivian Tamisiea Eixenberger. He was part of a large and loving family including four brothers, one sister, numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He remained close to his family throughout his life.
Most of all, Bob loved his family and sel essly gave of himself. Lisa and Nick were the center of his universe, and he was most happy watching them have fun. Even though he was faced with a challenging disease, he fought with determination to live another day for his family. Bob was heartbroken with the loss of his infant son Andrew, but cherished the few short days he had with him. He was extremely proud of his son Nick and was looking forward to seeing him graduate this year from the U, and his goal to continue his education in the medical eld. Some of Bob's favorite times with Nick were watching him in the MUSS student section at Utah games, skiing, playing golf, vacations, oat trips, or simply helping his dad at the cabin.
His early years were spent in Denver, Colorado and Rapid City, South Dakota, prior to moving to Salt Lake City around age 10. During this time he developed a passion for music, art, golf, skiing, photography, and many other activities that he would continue to enjoy throughout his life.
He was an outstanding and creative student graduating with honors from Cyprus High School, where he played football and was in the band. As his education continued, he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Utah with a Bachelors in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration. He was also a member of the Tau Beta Pi Honor society.
No longer looking down at the textbooks, Bob met and married the love of his life, Lisa Bernhisel on October 24, 1987 at the Cathedral of the Madeline in Salt Lake City, Utah. Together, they had two sons, Andrew and Nicholas, and celebrated nearly 30 years of marriage together.
With Lisa as his rudder, Bob began a lifelong career working in the carbon- ber/aerospace industry. During this time, he continued to challenge himself to grow personally and professionally. This led him to many new opportunities, relocating to Delaware, Alabama, and California, with the excitement of occasional travel to Europe and Asia on business. Together, Bob and Lisa embraced each day as an opportunity to meet new friends, explore new surroundings, experience great food, and lose a few more golf balls.
Beginning as a Process Engineer with Hercules Incorporated, Bob quickly advanced in his career to hold several key leadership positions with the Hexcel Corporation including Director of Sales and Marketing (Newark Delaware), Plant Manager (Decatur, AL), Operations Manager (Bacchus, UT), Vice President and General Manager for GKN Aerospace (Montgomery, AL), Business Director for Cytec Engineered Materials (Anaheim, CA ). Ultimately, Bob returned to Utah where he worked as a Senior Program Manager for Commercial Aircraft with Orbital ATK until the time of his passing. When talking about work, he said his greatest moments were the numerous friendships he developed over his career.
However, Bob was best known for his inquisitive, creative and caring personality which transcended all aspects of his life. He always treated others with kindness and genuinely held an interest in the lives of others. He treated the janitor with the same respect as the CEO. He was loyal, true to his values and held himself to a high standard of ethics. He loved his dogs, dressing up for Halloween and cheering for the Utah Utes. Bob truly embraced and lived life.
Bob was also known for his analytical problem solving skills and attention to detail. This could make ordering ice cream a dif cult process, but also helped him to work on a project until nished to perfection, creating incredible art work, building a cabin, or learning to ski.
He enjoyed the company of his immediate and extended family, and continuously mentored his son, many nieces and nephews with words of encouragement and a challenge to explore life.
They say life is a test of one's character, and once again Bob, you nished top of the class. Until we meet again, we love you and will miss you.
Bob is survived by his wife Lisa Eixenberger; son Nicholas H. Eixenberger; brothers James (Norine) Eixenberger of Phoenix, AZ, Kenneth (Francene) Eixenberger of Boise, Idaho, David (Susan) Eixenberger, of Sandy, Utah; sister Jean (Dave) Knaus of Magna, Utah; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and cherished in-laws (Bernhisel family). Preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Vivian Eixenberger, his infant son Andrew Eixenberger, and infant brother Joseph Eixenberger.
The family would like to offer their thanks for all of the support from family and friends, in addition to the numerous doctors, nurses and care givers at the University of Utah Hospital, especially the exceptional Drs. Barry Stults, Sanjeev Raman, Mary Beth Scholand, Jan Bernhisel- Broadbent, Kurt Bernhisel and the outstanding nurses of the MICU.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 East 11800 South in Draper, Utah, where a visitation will begin an hour prior. Interment to follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Friends and family are encouraged to join in an open house to celebrate Bob's life later that evening starting at 6:00 pm at Lisa and Bob's home.
In lieu of owers, donations may be made to the University of Utah Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Fund, Department of Internal Medicine, 30 North 1900 East, Room #4C104, Salt Lake City, UT 84132.