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Robert Nicholas Naifeh, Jr was born on October 3, 1957 in Norman, Oklahoma and died at age 62 on March 29, 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. His caring, loving, giving, and active life was cut short by COVID-19 coronavirus.
His wife of 35 years lovingly called him Naif. His three sons called him Dad. His daughter-in-law and grandsons called him BobO. His parents, siblings, and extended family called him Bobby. Others called him Bob. And his many friends called him the best friend anyone could ever have.
Upon graduation from Norman High School in 1975, Bob attended the University of Oklahoma earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism in 1979. He earned his Juris Doctor degree from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1983.
Bob began his law practice in 1983 with Pierce Couch Hendrickson Johnston & Baysinger. In 1989, he joined Derryberry, Quigley, Solomon & Blankenship, now Derryberry & Naifeh, LLP, becoming a partner in the law firm in 1992. At the time of his death, Bob was president and managing partner of Derryberry & Naifeh, LLP. For more than 35 years, Bob had extensive experience advising and representing property and casualty insurers and policyholders. His expertise also included insurance insolvency and guaranty association law. Bob had served as general counsel/coverage counsel to the Oklahoma Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association since 1989. In 2015, he was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Coverage Counsel, the preeminent association of United States and Canadian lawyers who represent the interest of insurers and policyholders. Judges, attorneys, and clients alike lauded Bob for his knowledge and dedication to the practice of law.
Nothing was more important to Bob than family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife, Carol, were best friends and experienced all that life offered. They talked endlessly about absolutely everything, an aspect of their marriage they found to be a great blessing. Bob loved his three sons beyond measure. He gave them a sense of humor and countless life lessons. A daughter-in-law and two grandsons added joy. Bob’s sister and extended family were a constant in his life, and his many cousins were always close.
When not behind his desk, Bob loved the outdoors. He enjoyed snow skiing, hiking, long neighborhood walks, and watching birds in his backyard. Durango, CO was a favorite destination where he enjoyed nature and its beauty. Bob loved movies and had the ability to understand the plot even if he started watching halfway through the film. Bob was a lifelong OU Sooner fan. He and Carol never missed a Sooner home football game and traveled to many away games. A recent move back to Norman near the campus provided the opportunity to embrace all aspects of the university he loved.
Friends were another great presence in Bob’s life. His Norman childhood friends remained with him forever. His OU Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers represented the strongest ties of friendship. Bob’s legal connections provided another source of friendship.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Robert N. and Lillian Naifeh, and his sister and brother-in-law, Susie and John Meyerson. He is survived by his wife, Carol Naifeh , his three sons Nick Naifeh of Bangkok, Thailand; Chuck Naifeh, his wife Emily and their two sons, Nicholas and Malcolm of Edmond, OK; and Jake Naifeh of Norman, OK. His sister and brother in law, Lee Ann and Jim Kuhlman, also survive him as well as a niece, nephews, and cousins.
Special thanks goes to Dr. John Randolph for his infinite care. Because the coronavirus pandemic has altered life for all, a memorial service is pending.
Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.
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