Obituary for Dr. Robert O. Nara (Guest book)

Message from An anonymous dentist

May 15, 2018 12:03 PM

I am a practicing dentist. I have known about Dr Nara's book MBTM and purchased it in 2009. I wish I had given him a call and gotten to share stories with him before he passed. He was a whistleblower. He spoke truth to power. He did what was right, as sporadic other optimistic, principled idealists have done in their own situations over the years, he was punished by the power structure for it. Instead of being exalted, they took his license to practice dentistry. He was too honest and too optimistic. He was a light for us all.

He was and remains an inspiration, the goal is to have all humans have healthy teeth and gums and need as little dentistry as possible, or close to none at all. This goal is fundamentally incompatible with the existing dental profeession. It is comprised of many well meaning decent individuals, but at its core the system is morally bankrupt. The explosion of new dental schools only creates more indebted dentist graduates who are trapped in the system by debt, fear and greed. I have thought this since dental school in the 2010s. It was a relief to discover the work of Dr. Nara and know that I was not crazy.

The profession is such that I will not post this under my actual name, but I want to express my deep gratitude for his principled existence and encourage all to read and study his message of oral health.

Rest in peace friend

A candle was lit by Ashie Mohan on October 20, 2017 7:00 PM

Message from Walter Chao

October 19, 2015 10:18 PM

Dear Family of Dr. Nara,

I never met not spoke with Dr. Nara, but was enthralled when I first encountered his books about 25 years ago. I first read How to Become Dentally Self-Sufficient, then Money by the Mouthful, and then The 180 Theory - and even Building the $100,000 Dental Practice, which has been useful in my own health care practice. And quite aside from the valuable content, the way his spirit and courage shines through his work is inspiring. I still regularly refer clients to the oramedia.com site. So this is just to express thanks to you all and to Dr. Nara for his work and wonderful personal example.

Message from Shane

October 19, 2015 9:53 PM

My thoughts and love go out to Dr. Nara's family. I am greatly appreciative for all that Dr. Nara taught me.
In love and kindness,
Shane

Message from Mike Kolasa

September 25, 2015 12:25 PM

Hello Ruth,
My sympathies on your loss. While the community will miss Bob, we know you will miss him most of all. He was a great man. I trust you will carry on the mission. Let me know if I can help.
Best,
Mike Kolasa

Message from Susan Gherna

September 24, 2015 12:43 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with you my dear friend, Sue. I did not know your dad well but I know he was a wonderful, giving man. May he rest in peace now.

Message from Bruce Bonini

September 24, 2015 12:16 PM

The hallmark of great man lies in his ability to positively influence those around him, leave the world a better place than he found it, to be a present and guiding father in his children’s lives, a loving husband and to be able to move on from loss and tragedy with dignity and renewed spirit. From my vantage as a child who spent many, many summer days at the Nara cottage in bootjack and the legacy he leaves behind for the Copper Country Bob was world class on fronts. He will be sorely missed by so many he has impacted. Our deepest sympathy to Ruth, Sue and all of the family.

Message from Tom Cornwell

September 24, 2015 11:14 AM

Dear Ruth, Sue and family,
My condolences to you all. I know that Bob will be missed by so many, many people. We'll never know the extent of the enormous number of lives his work has touched and improved by his various works of knowledge and generosity. Bob was truly one of the handful of humanity's 'greats' showing up at this time and place. I will always consider myself fortunate to have his love and support to fall back on.
Tom

Message from Shannon Brodeur

September 24, 2015 9:40 AM

Dear Family of Dr. Nara,

My heartfelt condolences go out to you. I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Nara, however, my family and I have enjoyed his contributions to Michigan Tech and the area for many years. In particular, we spend a lot of time on the Nara trails, and love to see how it changes throughout the seasons. Thoughts and prayers to you all.

Message from Mark & Nina Paduan

September 24, 2015 6:47 AM

Ruth and Sue, our deepest condolences at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Bob, with Ruth at his side, had an impact on many of us over the years, from the early fluoride treatments in the basement of St Ignatius to the in class demonstrations of proper dental hygiene and in later years the conservation efforts for the area. We have lost part of our community, he will be missed.

Message from John and Helen Sullivan

September 23, 2015 9:08 PM

Dear Ruth and Family,
Our sincere sympathy is extended to you. May our Lord and your many great memories sustain you now and in the coming days.
Blessings,
John and Helen Sullivan

Message from Dorothy Voght-O'Donnell

September 23, 2015 3:06 PM

My deepest sympathy to the family of Robert Nara. Bob and his wife Ruth would come into the office where I worked around tax season. They never left without a gift of doughnuts/smiles/encouragement and much more. They touched my life in many ways. He will be missed by many.

Message from Gloria (Curtin) Visser

September 23, 2015 12:09 PM

Our sympathy to Bob's family and friends. May their sorrow be comforted by the memories of a man who did well by doing good to his family, profession, nature, animals, and the history of the Copper Country. Many, including my family, were blessed by the nurture and caring of a man that will long be remembered.

Message from Bob & Jan Camps

September 22, 2015 12:31 AM

Dear Susan and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was hoping to visit with your dad this summer but wasn't able to get back to Michigan this year. However, I have many fond memories of spending time with your entire family at the cottage growing up. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Love-Bob and Jan

Message from Donald and Anita Kersch

September 20, 2015 1:08 PM

Speaking as his brother-in-law, I have known Bob almost as long as anyone except for my sister Ruth, and have marveled at the legacy of intellectual contributions that he made to the dental industry, the city of Houghton and to Michigan Technological University. However, from a personal perspective my thoughts will continue to be reminded of Bob each and every time I floss and waterpik my teeth.
With love, Don and Anita
"Rest in Peace", Bob.