Too Soon ... Randy Robart

Randy Robart, our esteemed colleague and friend, also an active Artist, internationally renowned Art Educator, passed away at the age of 64, on June 7, 2021. Randy was battling pancreatic cancer.
​Randy is survived by his parents, Donald and Mary Robart; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald and Gale Robart, Thomas and Suzanne Robart; former spouse, Anna Davidson (Wade); son, John Robart, son and daughter-in-law, Ross and Caitlin Robart; and grandson, Donald Robart. Randy is survived also by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Randy was born in Orrville, Ohio on September, 27, 1957, to Donald and Mary Robart. He worked on the family farm growing up along with his brothers, and is a graduate of Chippewa High School. Randy attended the Wayne County Vocational School for industrial drafting and began working at Ingersoll Rand in their drafting department before moving to the marketing department. Randy had always been creative and after counsel from close friends and loved ones, he decided to go to college for art education. He graduated from the University of Akron with a bachelors in art education, and the later a masters degree in art education from Kent State University. Randy always had a knack for the creative, and truly valued guiding the youth. He began working at Rittman Exempted Village School District, where he remained as the Art Teacher for 34 years until his untimely passing. Randy's work over the years to guide his students on how to always be creative, and to challenge themselves to think critically, have been truly inspirational.
Randy also enjoyed travelling both nationwide and internationally, he enjoyed making new friends, spreading creativity and inspiring others, he enjoyed cooking, biking, hiking, gardening, and otherwise being outside. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.
Randy had a long and successful history with the Ohio Art Education Association (OAEA) and the National Art Education Association (NAEA) - may we all have the joy Randy had in service to art education and the profession:
NAEA:
2010 WR Delegate Omaha, NB                                           2012 NAEA Delegate New York, NY
2011 WR Delegate Columbus, OH                                     2013 NAEA Delegate Ft. Worth, TX
2012 WR Delegate Austin, TX                                              2014 NAEA Workshop Presenter (advocacy)
2013 WR Delegate Oklahoma City, OK                             2014 NAEA Delegate San Diego, CA
2014 WR Delegate Sante Fe, NM                                       2015 NAEA Delegate New Orleans, LA
2015 WR Delegate Sante Fe, NM
OAEA:
Honors:                                                                                 OAEA Offices held:
OAEA 2017 Ohio Art Educator of the Year                    State Conference Chair 2015
Advocate Award w/Honor 2016                                   Nominating Comm. Chair 2015 & 2016
Distinguished Fellow 2015                                                Prof. Standards Chair 2015 & 2016
Ohio Governor’s Show Advisory Board 2015               Past President 2015 & 2016
Secondary Division Award 2006                                    President 2013 & 2014
East Central O.A.T. Award 2003                                      President Elect 2012
Presenter, OAEA Conference – multiple years           1st VP 2010 & 2011
                                                                                             Elected Board Member 2009
                                                                                             East Central Regional Director 2009
                                                                                                  East Central Regional Director Elect 2008
                                                                                                  East Central P.R. Chair 2006 & 2007
                                                                                                  East Central P.R. Chair Elect 2005
                                                                                                 East Central Co-membership chair 2003 - 05                  
Source: https://www.the-daily-record.com/obituaries/pwoo0028661; and OAEA Distinguished Fellows official biography                              Photos provided by friends, family, and FB

---