DR. Robert E. Fuerst, who influenced many teachers to become school counselors, died of pulmonary failure on Jan. 13 in Oldsmar, Florida. He was 87.
A former 22-year resident of Guam, he was a University of Guam professor emeritus of counselor education.
He leaves his wife of 38 years, Dr. Elaine Fuerst, UOG professor emeritus of Psychology, and daughters Vickie Wagner of Florida and Valerie Fuerst of California. He is additionally survived by his stepchildren Barbara Zacharias of Guam, Nancy Mullee of Florida, Walter Falardeau III of North Carolina, and several grandchildren.
A decorated pilot during World War II, Fuerst retired from the U.S. Air Force with the rank of major. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for flying multiple missions dropping paratroopers into Europe, and participating in the Berlin Airlift.
Fuerst was born on Feb. 27, 1919 in Rochester, New York after his parents migrated to America from Germany. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University, studied meteorology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and received a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling and then a doctorate from the University of Florida in 1965. At the University of Guam, he directed the Master’s in Counseling Program, taught counseling courses in the College of Education, and served as both a counselor and dean of students.
An active writer of fiction, his novel, The Hurricane-Typhoon Story, was published in 1956. After arriving on Guam in 1969, he contributed humorous fiction for many years to Islander, a supplement to The Sunday Pacific News. His fiction spilled over into a lifelong hobby of sending humorous post cards stamped from all over the world.
During his retirement, he enrolled with his wife in two Elderhostel programs annually and continued as an active writer, in addition to frequent traveling.
Fuerst was known internationally as a stamp collector, and an authority on Chinese revenues. His unique stamp collection was sold by Christie’s Auction House. On Guam, he had enjoyed tennis, beach combing, and his German shepherd, Gypsy. With his wife, he played duplicate bridge weekly.
With his wife, he had circled the world twice, and visited more than 100 countries.
Following cremation, a memorial service will be held at Unity Church of Palm Harbor, Florida. Final arrangements are pending. Elaine Fuerst resides at 894 Lucas Lane, Oldsmar, Florida, 34677. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Fuerst’s favorite cause, the Wilderness Society, protecting America’s wilderness since 1935.
A sunset memorial tribute to Fuerst will be held at the couple’s former residence at 130 Chalan Ayuyu, Camp Witek, Yona, at a date to be announced. Memorial service will be held at the Unity Church of Palm Harbor, Florida on Feb. 10 at 1 p.m.
For information, contact Dr. Dianne Strong at 789-4500.