Robert Danielson Holbrook 1982 - 2022 Lexington, Kentucky

Robert Danielson Holbrook Obituary
Robert Danielsen Holbrook
September 15, 1982 - February 11, 2022
Lexington, Kentucky - Robert Danielsen Holbrook, 39, passed away on February 11, 2022. Born on September 15, 1982 in Lexington, Kentucky, he was the oldest child of Dr. Marc Holbrook and Paula Holbrook. He grew up in Lexington, was raised in the Methodist faith, and had a happy loving life with his parents, grandparents, siblings, and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and later, his children.
He lived and was raised in Bell Court and attended Good Shepherd Day School, where he began to collect many of his lifelong friends. He attended LTMS and Henry Clay High School, and graduated from the University of Kentucky with degrees in Business and Political Science. While at UK, he was a popular and active member of student government, intramural sports, and Sigma Nu Fraternity, where he served in a variety of leadership positions. Upon graduation he enlisted in the Army Reserves, deployed to South Korea several times, and graduated with honors from Georgia State University with a Master of Public Administration, where he was also active in student government, and served as an intern for Georgia Senator Saxby Chambliss.
Thereafter, he entered the Army as an officer candidate, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain. During his time in the Army, he spent time in Air Defense Artillery and later in the Civil Affairs branch of Special Operations at Fort Bragg. He deployed to Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. During his time in service, he earned the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and received special recognition from the State Department for his work in Civil Affairs with the Sri Lankan Government.
Rob was a man of many talents and loves. Foremost among his loves were his two children, whom he adored and taught to fish and read, and instilled a love and appreciation of the outdoors, sports, reading, culture, and languages. He loved to travel and seek adventure, and made friends wherever he went. A quintessential Kentuckian, Rob was a Kentucky Colonel, loved Keeneland, Kentucky basketball, pretty girls, family gatherings, and home cooked meals, as well as fishing, diving, hunting, chess, hiking, all types of soccer, reading, and a hearty intellectual debate on current topics, such as history, politics, and economics. Always inquisitive with a brilliant mind, Rob was accepted to the London School of Economics where he planned to pursue a PhD in economics once COVID and other circumstances permitted. A student of the world and its cultures, Rob was fluent in Thai, conversant in Turkish, Korean, and Spanish, and very proud of his Scandinavian heritage.
His heroes were many, but foremost in his heart were his grandfathers who both served in WWII, Bob Holbrook and Romer Gronbeck, his great grandfather, WWI hero, and namesake, Ragnar Danielsen Gronbeck, and John F. Kennedy and Colin Powell.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his beloved children, Hannah Lily and Hunter James Holbrook, siblings Will and Carey Holbrook, his extended family of cousins (among whom he was known as "King of the Cousins"), and many aunts and uncles, as well as Sigma Nu fraternity brothers, military brothers in arms, and a multitude of friends across the country and around the world.
He was predeceased by his grandparents Robert & Helen Holbrook, Romer Gronbeck &Ruth Gronbeck-Klumpp, and uncle David Gronbeck.
He will be cremated in accordance with his wishes with a private family service to be held later this week, with plans for a celebration of life with extended family and friends to be scheduled at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to the Wounded Warrior Project at Fisher House at or the Hannah Lily Holbrook and Hunter James Holbrook educational fund, checks payable to Marc Holbrook, 3490 Vince Road, Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356.
Our Heavenly Father understood his need for complete rest before we did, but he is now free from all burdens and resting in peace. Rob would want you to enjoy the good company of those you love by spending time outdoors or engaged in hearty discussion on a subject you are passionate about with classic Rock'n Roll playing in the background.
Milward Funeral Directors is entrusted with arrangements: www.milwardfuneral.com

Published by Lexington Herald-Leader on Feb. 15, 2022.