Robert Brick Lancaster

Robert “Brick” Lancaster passed away on Saturday , July 25, 2015 at the Traverse Victorian Assisted Living in Traverse City, Michigan. He was born July 20, 1949 in Detroit, Michigan to Jack and Ruth Lancaster. Brick was a devoted alumnus to Lincoln Park High School and Central Michigan University.

In 2004, Brick married Becky Wheeler in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They resided in Atlanta, GA and Kewadin, MI until his retirement in 2012 with a diagnosis of Dementia, beginning full time residence in Kewadin.

Brick is survived by his wife Becky, son Marc Lancaster (Sarah and grandson Patrick) of Charlotte, NC, daughter Amy Lancaster of Commerce, GA. Also surviving are Audra Wheeler of Smyrna, GA, Jordan Wheeler (Railee Johnson-Wheeler) of Boston, MA, brother-in-law Bill Prentice of Kalamazoo, MI, the Hood and Lancaster cousins, dear friends and cherished colleagues from around the world. Last but not least, his furry pal, Baxter. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Ruth Lancaster, brother Dennis.

Brick spent his entire professional career in the field of Public Health. Beginning in positions with local public health departments in Mt. Pleasant and Grand Rapids, he then reached state level positions in Michigan, Arizona, elevating to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA as his final employer for 20 years.

In his 40 year devotion to the field of public health education, Brick served as visiting faculty with public health education programs to the University of New Mexico, Emory University, Atlanta, GA; and Central Michigan University. Career long participation on expert panels, advisory committees, workgroups and consultations locally, nationally and internationally provided him with wonderful travel opportunities. He was a contributor to books, chapters and co-authored 4 editions of “Community Health Education: Settings, Roles, and Skills”. Keynote speaker to more events than can be counted, with long listed professional affiliations and offices held lends to the understatement that his passion for impacting the nation’s health policies and practices were what he lived for. He spent his entire career mentoring and supporting students in the field to care and engage.

Above all the academic and professional accolades; most important to Brick was engaging with people, enjoying a lot of attention himself, with the true focus of giving attention to others. He will be remembered as a master at networking, never an unkind word, and a generous spirit for others.

A celebration of his life will be held in October of 2015 in Atlanta, GA.

Heartfelt gratitude from Brick and his family is extended to the staff at Traverse Victorian Assisted Living and Munson Hospice.