Robert John Detjen

Robert John Bob Detjen, age 61, passed away September 1 after an unexpected and brief illness. Bob was born in Hackensack, New Jersey in 1951. He graduated from Wood-Ridge High School and then went on to receive a B.A in Psychology from Montclaire State College in 1973. He continued his education and received his M.S.W. in Administration from Rutgers University in 1974. While working in Texas he also earned an M.B.A. in Finance and Real Estate from the University of Texas in 1987.

Bob was a man with many interests and talents and his working career exemplified his professionalism and dedication to help secure affordable housing for the needy throughout the United States, especially in the South and Midwest. He began his professional career by working for Middlesex County Legal Services in New Jersey. It was here that he began to hone his administrative and legal services skills. After two years, he moved on to East Texas Legal Services as the Deputy Executive Director for Administration, and was responsible for the entire east region of Texas. After three years in this capacity, he came to Atlanta as a Contract Consultant for the Legal Services Corporation, where he provided technical consulting services in all areas of administration and business operations to federally-funded, local legal services corporations throughout the southeast region. While here he was offered, and accepted, the Budget Officer position with the Dallas Housing Authority. Eight years later, in 1989, he returned to Atlanta where he served in several positions with Fannie Mae. At this stage in his career he became nationally recognized for his skills in acquiring financing for affordable housing in the South and throughout the United States. In 1995, Bob joined CSG Advisors where he began as Senior Advisor and became Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer. At CSG he provided high-level financial advisory services to the States of Tennessee, Missouri, South Carolina, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado and several counties in Florida.

Bob, the perfectionist had many interests beyond his career, including a passion for the great outdoorseverything in nature fascinated him. As a young man he was especially interested in rock and roll music, motorcycles, and any project that required mechanical challenges and aptitude. He also built fabulous model trains, planes and boats that would have captivated anyone. He began his musical training at the age of 7 and continued to play throughout his adulthood. Bob owned several guitars and some of the best acoustical equipment he could acquire. He always had an interest in sailing, and in 1991 completed his American Sailing Association Certification requirements. Skipper Bob made numerous trips to sail the pristine waters of the Virgin Islands. He fulfilled his dream of sailing the Mediterranean with his bride, Sandra, in 1994. In 2000 he purchased a Catalina 390 sailboat that he and his family have since enjoyed on Tampa Bay as time has allowed. He also acquired a deck boat for lake boating pleasure for the entire family, as well as a small fishing boat for traversing the Chattahoochee River. Bob also became an expert woodworker; examples of his craftsmanship can be seen throughout his home, and his shop is full of some of the best tools and equipment available. More recently he became an avid fly fisherman and developed the skills to tie his own fliesmany with great precision. Bob took on every endeavor with pride and perfection. If it could be done, Bob could do it to absolute perfection.

Bob had tremendous love and admiration for his family. He was devoted in his role as a husband and father to insure their safety and security. He touched the lives of many, and will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Surviving loved ones include his wife, Sandra, his 17 year-old son, William, and 14 year-old daughter, Nicole. His mother, Margaret Detjen, his sister, Laurie Herman, his stepmother, Sally Detjen and his step siblings Victor Evans, Danny Evans and Susan Sheare in addition to nieces and nephews, all of New Jersey. He was preceded in death by his father, Wilbur C. Detjen.

Bob was of strong faith and a member of Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church in Johns Creek, Georgia. His celebration of life will be Saturday, September 15th at 7pm at Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church, 2850 Old Alabama Rd., Johns Creek, GA 30022. Reception to honor Bobs life will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Norris Area Food Pantry, c/o Norris United Methodist Church, PO Box 327, Norris, TN 37828 or the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org or 800-227-2345.

Arrangements by Byars Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Cumming, Georgia. Online condolences at www.byarsfuneralhome.com