Robert James McKechnie

Robert James McKechnie Dr. James
Robert has moved on to the next adventure. On Monday, January 14, 2013, he died peacefully in the arms of his loving wife after an extended battle with COPD and complications thereof.

Robert was born April 11, 1944 in Calvin, North Dakota, the only child of the now late Marion (nee Crawford) and Harold McKechnie.

At the age of ten, Robert was the youngest licensed taxidermist in North Dakota. He served our country in the Navy from 1962-1966. He was a teacher, carpenter, author, handyman, Chaplain, wonderful partner and friend extraordinaire, always ready to help family or friend. He received his Bachelors in Nursing, Masters in Education, and Doctorate in Zoology. For over 40 years he traveled with his non-profit Animal Encounters, Inc., the educational zoo, bringing wild animals to teach young and old the importance of caring for and acceptance of all of Gods creatures. He has touched thousands of lives with his special message of tolerance. It was at one of these programs that he met Sue Sykes. They were married in 1992 and Robert suddenly had 11 brothers and sisters, having been welcomed into the Sykes clan.

Robert enjoyed reading, learning, building, travel, bluegrass music and eating jelly beans. His favorite time was spent with family and especially in the company of Sue. He will be deeply missed by wife Sue of Fort Atkinson; children, Rob McKechnie and Amanda Ellis (Brian) all of San Diego, Michelle McKechnie of Riverside CA, Eliza Rouse of San Francisco, Becca Sanderlin (Lee) of Janesville, and Ben Rouse (Victoria Oleson) of Madison; grandchildren, Candace, Bobby, Riley, Creek, and Raelyn, all in Southern California, Alyssa Sanderlin (Abby) and Caitie Sanderlin of Janesville and great-grandsons Gavin of San Diego CA and Rowan Sanderlin of Janesville. He is further survived by his mother-in-law Mary Sykes of Whitewater, the extensive Sykes family and many special friends including the Jefferson Public Library Staff, his other family.

According to his wishes, his body was donated to the School of Medicine and Public Health, UW-Madison. There will be a celebration of life for this incredible man at a later date. Those wishing to express sympathy through a contribution may consider Rainbow Hospice, Jefferson Public Library, Humane Society of Jefferson County, or National Wildlife Federation. The best thing to honor his memory would be to tell those who matter to youI Love You. As he signed many of his books: "learn all you can and be kind to all critters".

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Santana and the staff at Dean/St. Marys Madison, the nurses and CNAs at Fort Health Care and the CNAs, RNs, and Social Workers at Rainbow Hospice, especially Tanya, Carol D., Pauline and Mindy~~you all truly are Angels on Earth. Thank You!

The Dunlap Memorial Home is assisting the family.

www.dunlapmemorialhome.com

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