Robert Dafoe

Robert Charles Dafoe, 36, of Chattanooga, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Robert was employed as an environmentalist at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department. He received a master's degree in Marine biology from Jacksonville State University in August 2010. His thesis work involved studying tardigrade (water bear) populations of Dauphin Island. Robert had many interests, one of which was exploring the countryside on his motorcycle. He was a proud member of the East Tennessee Bikers organization and he spent some of his happiest times taking long rides with fellow members. Robert was active in volunteering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and as an annual volunteer, he participated in NOAA fisheries survey work to study variations in ocean conditions and sea life. Robert's love and appreciation for the aquatic world will continue through his cremains becoming an eternal reef where fish, coral and other organisms can make their home. He is survived by his fiance, Sabrina Novak; his mother, Linda Dafoe; his father, Charles Dafoe and wife, Peggy; sister, Christie Mills Dafoe; and niece, Katriana Mills. A memorial service will take place at Camp Dixie (2421 Buffalo Lane, Soddy-Daisy, TN 37379) at 4 p.m. ESTon Saturday, Jan. 4. In lieu of flowers, Robert wished for friends and family to send a donation to the Jacksonville State University (JSU) Biology Department in hopes it could help assist students to develop the passion for biology as he did. Memorial gifts may be made to JSU online at http://tinyurl.com/kfszhxz or by mail to JSU Foundation, 700 Pelham Road N, Jacksonville, AL 36265-1602. Please note for either method of donation that it is "In Memory of Robert Dafoe" and designated for the Biology Department so that it will be used for what Robert intended. Please share your thoughts and condolences online www.pikevillefuneralhome.com Pikeville Funeral Home entrusted with his arrangments.