Robert Louis "Bob" Shaheen

ROBERT LOUIS 'BOB' SHAHEEN, who passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017, left a legacy of good works, love, and friendships. Often referred to as 'The Guru' of Landscape Architecture by Little Rock folks, Bob provided 50 years of expertise in the profession. He was the founder and principal Landscape Architect for Landscape Associates. This successful and respected man, and his Design/ Build landscape business, have been (and still going strong with long time friends and co-workers) designing and building beautiful landscape environments since 1961. Imagination and artistry are the 'hallmarks' of Bob's work. He approached each project with the excitement of creation. Bob really loved people - he would say how great it felt to provide well designed living environments (mostly for private residences), that influenced and changed lives - helping bring the beauty and wonder of nature to others. Bob grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, only child of Louis and Dorothy Shaheen, born Dec. 2, 1934. All of Bob's grandparents were immigrants. The Shaheen family of Lebanon and the Baus family of Germany. Bob was born with a great love of plants and the landscape. At age 14, Bob won first place in a Delphinium Society event. He recalls being the only youth at the event and how cumbersome it was carrying his six foot tall Delphinium (all wrapped in newspaper) on the bus across town to get to the event. Among his various jobs as a youth - Bob was fortunate to be employed by the Mather Estate as a laborer in their grand gardens. He enjoyed working under, learning from, and becoming friends with the head gardener, Rudy Holzheimer, who was a German immigrant and horticulturist. Bob began his college career at Ohio State University. He ultimately completed his studies in Ornamental Agriculture and Landscape Design at the State University of New York. After college, Bob joined the Army to serve his two years of the mandatory draft of that time. Bob was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas (he referred to it as the hell hole of the world because of the harsh, barren environment). He had the opportunity to transfer to either Shreveport, Louisiana or Little Rock, Ark. Bob told how he knew nothing of either place, so he looked at some topography maps and chose Arkansas because of the many mountains, streams and lakes depicted. While still in the Army and boarding with the late Mrs. Jewel Bird, Bob landscaped Mrs. Bird's backyard and the rest is history. Bob's work was welcomed by Little Rock society. Many clients became friends as well as admirers. Bob was presented with the prestigious PIONEER AWARD by the American Society of Landscape Architects, 'Arkansas Chapter', in 2001. Bob received many awards and featured publications over the years. For his Design and Work for the Crown Center Hotel interior garden, Kansas City, Mo., Bob received his award at the White House in 1974 presented by first lady, Pat Nixon. His collaboration with the late architect, Fay Jones, for his weekend home 'Stoneflower', at Eden Isle, was featured in Life Magazine. The Lackey residence in Little Rock was featured and made the front cover of Southern Living. Private residences (tiny pocket gardens to grand estates), along with resorts, institutions, and commercial projects and volunteer work at non-denominational Christian institutions are part of Bob's story. Once Bob got his 'feet on the ground' in Little Rock, he convinced his best friend from college, Curtis Goodfellow, to join him. Curt come to L.R. from Fairfield, Conn.; where he was working as the foreman of a landscape company. Bob and Curt partnered the business together from the wonderful beginning until their retirement in 2010. Bob lost his long time beloved friend, Glenn West, in 2005. Dear friends at Landscape Associates, Scott Connerly, Allen Stewart and construction crew (current employees share over 100 years of combined experience with Bob), are carrying on the good work. Thanks for everything, Bob, we will miss you! A memorial service at Westover Hills Presbyterian Church will be announced at a later date. Memorials in memory of Bob may be given to Westover Hills Presbyterian Church and the Arkansas Arts Center. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Bob's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.