In Memoriam: G. Robert “Bob” Nugent

G. Robert “Bob” Nugent passed away October 31, 2016 at his longtime home in Morgantown, West Virginia. He was born on February 6, 1921 in Yonkers, New York. The son of the late Alberta and George F. Nugent, he served in the Maritime Service, during World War II. He attended Kenyon College, graduating Cum Laude. In 1958, Bob met and married the love of his life, Virginia Hayes. Bob attended The University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, where he had the privilege of working with 2 renowned physicians Dr. Albert Sabin and Dr. Joseph Evans. Dr. Evans and other faculty members at Cincinnati were instrumental in convincing Bob to pursue a career in Neurosurgery. He was accepted into residency at Duke University where he trained from 1953 to 1958 under the tutelage of 2 mentors, Dr. Barnes Woodhall and Dr. Guy Odom. Following completion of training, Bob returned to Cincinnati to be the Chief of Neurosurgery at the Cincinnati Veterans Association. In 1961, a close friend and the first Chairman of the new Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Barney Bloor, successfully recruited Bob to come to West Virginia University (WVU) where he stayed until his death in October. Bob remained clinically active until age 92, at which point he “slowed down” and limited his involvement to resident education. His 50-plus-year career at WVU had innumerable highlights. Bob served as Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery from 1970 to 1985; he was the team physician for Mountaineer Football for 43 years; he was the founding Chairman of the Board of Directors of the WVU Medical Corporation and the founding President of the West Virginia Neurosurgical Society. He also received numerous accolades from WVU and the state, including the highest honor afforded by the university in 1994 when he was named to the Order of Vandalia. Dr. Nugent had a thriving practice, and was considered a skillful and compassionate clinician. He was known internationally for his ability to treat trigeminal neuralgia. More than 2000 patients travelled from around the US and the world to seek treatment from him. Bob inspired many young students to pursue neurosurgery. He has trained multiple generations of neurosurgeons, who affectionately called him “The Boss.” His legacy lives on in those whom he trained. His extraordinary career was only possible for the love of Virginia, to whom he was married for 62 years. Travelers, renaissance explorers, and elegant dancers, Bob and Virginia were loved by many. Dr. Bob Nugent is survived by his children, Dana Nugent and husband, Joe Henry, of Davis, Robert Nugent, of Morgantown, Leslie and Hank Hartz, of Richmond, Virginia, Barnes Nugent, of Morgantown, and Courtney and Joy Nugent, of Morgantown. His grandchildren include Anya Aylesworth, Whitney, Ian, and Elliott Hartz, and Grant Nugent. Disclosure The author has no personal, financial, or institutional interest in any of the drugs, materials, or devices described in this article.

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