Robert T. Chuck, former manager-chief engineer of the state Division of Water and Land Development, enjoyed mentoring others and lived life to the fullest, according to his daughter.

"My father taught us to be positive, to care about other people, and to carry an enthusiasm for life," said Lisa Halvorson.

Chuck died on Dec. 27. He was 89.

Born in Honolulu, Chuck graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1948 and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Cornell University in 1949.

He worked as a bridge design engineer and assistant airport engineer with the state Department of Transportation before he became manager-chief engineer of the division in the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Chuck led the development of the Molokai water system that included the design and construction of the world’s largest butyl rubber-lined reservoir, Halvorson said.

In 1979, he was named Hawaii State Engineer of the Year.

During his career, he also was honored with the Fuller Award by the American Water Works Association-Hawaii Chapter, National Water Resources President’s Award and Hawaii Council of Engineering Societies Lifetime Achievement Award.

Chuck served as manager-chief engineer until he retired in 1984. He later worked as the Pacific Island office manager of CH2M HILL, a design and consulting firm.

Chuck taught evening courses in civil and structural engineering at the University of Hawaii for 25 years.

In 2000, the state appointed Chuck as the first chairman of the Board of Certification of Operating Personnel in Wastewater Treatment Plants.

For the past decade, he was chairman of the Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board.

Chuck also was an avid golfer and enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. Most of all, he was a doting grandfather. "His pride and joy were his grandkids," Halvorson said.

Chuck is also survived by his wife, Florence; son Fred; and four grandchildren.

A private service will be held.