Obituary of David Roger Work

David Roger Work was born on June 14, 1939 in Clinton, IA and died on April 22, 2017, in Wilmington, NC. David graduated from Clinton High School in 1957, earned a B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Iowa in 1961, and a J.D. from the University of Denver in 1968. After working at Blue Cross & Blue Shield in Chicago and at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy, he began his work as the Executive Director of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. He served in this role for 30 years, from 1976-2006. During this time he made many contributions to communities of pharmacists locally and more broadly: he taught the course on Pharmacy Law and Ethics to pharmacy students at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and at Campbell University, he helped create the programs that now train pharmacists at Campbell University and Wingate University, he was an active member of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (serving as its vice president, president, and chairman of the executive committee), and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). His work for the pharmacy community locally, nationally, and internationally was recognized by multiple prestigious awards, including The Hubert Humphrey Award from the American Pharmacists Association (2004), The Keith Fearing Community Pharmacy Practice Award (2004), The North Carolina Pharmacist of the Year Award (1995), and The Order of the Long Leaf Pine (1981). He was an active supporter of National Public Radio, Planned Parenthood (serving on the Board of Directors for the Central North Carolina chapter), and the United Nations Association (UNA). He loved to travel, and he visited much of the US and many other countries. One highlight was a trip he gave to his daughters and their families: a spectacular European vacation in 2008 featuring amazing experiences in picturesque locations within Provence, Paris, and London. He loved taking photos on his travels and of his family and friends. He believed that we should all strive to be active participants in our lives, not just spectators. One participatory role he especially enjoyed was sharing his thoughts on current events related to pharmacy, the law, and other issues in articles and Op-Ed pieces (over 200 in all!) in various newspapers and other publications. David is survived by daughters Dana Christine Work Ward (Mark), Amy Elizabeth Work Needham (Jim), Susan Margrethe Work Launiau (Séverin) and six grandchildren: Sidney Maren Ward, Lindsey Spencer Ward, Abbey Rose Needham, James David Needham, Alexander Lucas Launiau, and Sophie Rebecca Launiau. He was predeceased by his wife Rebecca Dean Stewart Work, mother Christine Bodil Miller Work, father Ernest Otto Work, brother George Will Work, sister Marian Jeanne Vogel, and aunt Esther Emilie Work. To honor David, donations in his name may be made to NPR (www.npr.org), Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.org), or Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center (http://www.hospiceandlifecarecenter.org). The family will receive friends, Friday, April 28, 2017 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery, Rev. Randy Stewart officiating. Walker's Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is honored to server the Work family. Online condolences may be offered at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.