Robert Chase Obituary

It is almost one year and I can still hear your laugh every time we talked,you will always live in spirit and in my memories miss you Bob....

Can't believe it is coming up to a year already :( Uncle Rob you will always be in our hearts-we miss and love you!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPTOY8FrvNw&feature=related

My Dad, husband, two boys and myself went camping in Owasippe Scout Reservation this Memorial weekend in honor of my Uncle Rob. We poured some of his ashes in one of his favorite lakes-Sauger Lake. We also buried his fishing hat, map and glasses in Paradise Valley-one of his favorite spots in Owasippe-so he could always have a piece of him where he loved to be the most. We will also be having a memorial in the fall on Lake Wolverine-another one of his favorites-for anyone who would like to join us.
Laura McDonnell

Go Cub's !!!

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived."

HENRY DAVID THOREAU
(1817-1862)

My whole family are Chicago White Sox fans, however, yesterday my 2 1/2 year old was holding the Chicago Cubs baseball clock that I gave my Uncle one Christmas and we kept asking Austin if he was a Sox Fan or a Cubs Fan. He always said "Chicago Cubs not Chicago White Sox." I guess my Uncle is already working his magic up in heaven and trying to convert my little guy to like the Cubs. He would have loved that story!

1980...Junior Achievement, Chaser was the VP of Marketing Bob and Wade helped us make a ton of dough with their idea to buy concert t-shirts at the flea market and sell them around school for $5 each. Some of Bob's favorite bands, Scorps, Deep Purple, ELP, Floyd, CSN & Y, Simon and Garfunkel, he used to sing Hellcat to me, I don't remember specifically if that was a compliment Bob helped me carve my first pumpkin, his flannels, he went shopping with me countless times just to hang out, so many more memories, and many fine times.

Love,

Maur

Bob and I had some great history. Driving to Champaign almost every weekend while attending class at UIC to visit Ellen and Laura. Bob used to collect all the books from the garbage that students tossed at the end of the semester, just to read for the hell of it. We went to Canada two times, it really was unbelievable how much Bob was at home in the outdoors. We once carved our initials in each others arms and belted them together to become blood brothers. Once families were started we still tried to get together for a cool concert, Moody Blues, Jeff Beck, King Crimson, Yes, Return to Forever, and most recently Five Peace band. Thank God for Kingfest every fall. What a great opportunity to get together at least once a year. There are many memories I will carry with me forever. Good bye my friend! See you again when my time comes.
John S.
Friendship is like a prism through which the many variations of beauty are revealed in our lives. Anonymous

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
-Henry David Thoreau, Walden

I’m still trying to believe that all of this is true. It seems impossible. I’ve been thinking a lot of high school memories … and of course Bob was a big part of that. What a truly unique guy. Unfortunately, it’s been a long while since I’d seen Bob, and I regret that, but I will miss him dearly.
My memories of Bob are funny, scary, comforting and hysterical! I specifically remember him falling off a moving car … on more than one occasion, on more than one weekend … and never a scratch on him. I always picture him with that closed-mouth smile standing with his hands in his pockets. He had a GREAT laugh and I loved that incredibly sarcastic sense of humor. And let’s give credit where it’s due … that guy could artistically string together a multitude of expletives that would make George Carlin envious. He had a particular gift with the F-bomb. He could use it in every tense, as a noun, a verb, an adjective and even a proper noun if he thought it was necessary. That is a gift!
I always think of Bob when I hear “Crazy Train”. He used to love that song, back in the day. Another memory … I think his wardrobe throughout high school consisted of jeans and black concert t-shirts.
I’m enjoying everyone’s memories of Bob and it’s a great tribute to a great guy! Thanks for sharing, everyone!

Bob represents a true landmark in my early development…he (and Wade) were the first friends I ever had that were outside the few block radius of my house. We all met in Jr. High at Mt. Greenwood in 7th grade after they left Keller (now the Agricultural School, and I left Cassell) Bob lived north of the park, across 111th St and this was definitely new territory for me. His mom always sat on the left side of St. Christina, same place my parents had us sit, and once Bob and I started hanging around, I remember my folks would chat with his mom a lot. Even after I left for college my dad would mention her. I remember all of us going to Symphony Hall in 7th or 8th Grade field trip, and Wade and Bob spilling mini jawbreakers down the slopping aisles when we weren’t supposed to have any food in the place. Us Mt. Greenwood guys; Wade, Darcy, Dave Powers, Bob, and I went on (I think) the first Quetico trip together when we were freshmen, and I have a picture of him pulling a fish out of a lake. I think he was one of the only stupid city kids that could catch any fish that trip. I also remember him completely spazzing out when he dropped this new reel in the water for some reason. These are nuts memories as we were the same age or younger then my daughter now!
Life is funny and we grow and change directions and somehow, despite intentions, loose touch. I am certainly guilty of this, but Bob’s death represents the loss of a part of our youth, and brings back many precious memories.
All you us have been a part of each other’s life’s, some big, some small, some recently and some in the distant past, however, there is no whole without the pieces, so thanks from me to Bob for sharing a precious piece of life…..and because life is too short to leave things unsaid, thanks to all of you for being any part of my life.

Peace,
Mike

I spent some time today reading all your great emails. I always enjoyed talking to Bob because it was easy, he was always relaxed and in a good mood. I can tell you that whenever Ken and Bob spent time together or talked on the phone it was like a mini-vacation for Ken. I have a picture of Bob in my head sitting on a boat, on a lake in Canada. The sun is lighting up the sky and mist is rising off the lake. The pines are pointing up trying to touch the clouds. Later in the day the sky lets loose with a great rain storm. For most this would signal the end of the trip or at least the time to bring the boat in. For Bob huddle under his tarp, this was an invitation to a front row seat watching nature in all its glory. This picture will be with me forever.

I’m still trying to believe that all of this is true. It seems impossible. I’ve been thinking a lot of high school memories … and of course Bob was a big part of that. What a truly unique guy. Unfortunately, it’s been a long while since I’d seen Bob, and I regret that, but I will miss him dearly.
My memories of Bob are funny, scarey, comforting and hysterical! I specifically remember him falling off a moving car … on more than one occasion, on more than one weekend … and never a scratch on him. I always picture him with that closed-mouth smile standing with his hands in his pockets. He had a GREAT laugh and I loved that incredibly sarcastic sense of humor. And let’s give credit where it’s due … that guy could artistically string together a multitude of expletives that would make George Carlin envious. He had a particular gift with the F-bomb. He could use it in every tense, as a noun, a verb, an adjective and even a proper noun if he thought it was necessary. That is a gift! Another memory … I think his wardrobe throughout high school consisted of jeans and black concert t-shirts.
I’m enjoying everyone’s memories of Bob and it’s a great tribute to a great guy! Thanks for sharing, everyone!

The last time I spoke with Bob we discussed going on a sojourn to the Boundary Waters this summer. He made a point of telling me that he might need to leave me at a campsite for a couple of days so he could go off ahead alone and clear his head. So Bob.

Bob represents a true landmark in my early development…he (and Wade) were the first friends I ever had that were outside the few block radius of my house. We all met in Jr. High at Mt. Greenwood in 7th grade after they left Keller (now the Agricultural School, and I left Cassell) Bob lived north of the park, across 111th St and this was definitely new territory for me. His mom always sat on the left side of St. Christina, same place my parents had us sit, and once Bob and I started hanging around, I remember my folks would chat with his mom a lot. Even after I left for college my dad would mention her. I remember all of us going to Symphony Hall in 7th or 8th Grade field trip, and Wade and Bob spilling mini jawbreakers down the slopping aisles when we weren’t supposed to have any food in the place. Us Mt. Greenwood guys; Wade, Darcy, Dave Powers, Bob, and I went on (I think) the first Quetico trip together when we sere freshmen, and I have a picture of him pulling a fish out of a lake. I think he was one of the only stupid city kids that could catch any fish that trip. I also remember him completely spazzing out when he dropped this new reel in the water for some reason. These are nuts memories as we were the same age or younger then my daughter now!
Life is funny and we grow and change directions and somehow, despite intentions, loose touch. I am certainly guilty of this, but Bob’s death represents the loss of a part of our youth, and brings back many precious memories. All you us have been a part of each other’s life’s, some big, some small, some recently and some in the distant past, however, there is no whole without the pieces, so thanks from me to Bob for sharing a precious piece of life…..and because life is too short to leave things unsaid, thanks to all of you for being any part of my life.

Peace,

Mike

WELL, i thought maybe i would chime in and give my thoughts on Bob too. Being Ken and John's little sister I hadn't had many opportunities to have the memories that all of you had with Bob however I did get to meet him. The first time I really got to share time with Bob was when he took on the pleasure of going to a cub game with Kenny, my husband, brother Kevin, his wife, and all our friends. Bob hung in there with all of us while continuing on to "the school yard" after the game and then to the lincoln park garden walk to listen to some band that him and Kenny totally rocked out to. Although quiet for the majority of the day, during lunch bob and i had the chance to catch up and he shared some incredible stories with me. After the street fest, Ken and Bob found themselves again with us at our old hang out "Big Johns" on Sheffield were we continued the day--until it was time for them to depart on the last metra leaving down town i believe.

The second time I saw Bob besides kind fest was this past summer again down in Wrigleyville for a cub game. Bob was his usual laid back self appearing as if he didn't have a worry in the world--just soaking up the good times we were having.

And then this King Fest...I remember seeing him and saying "BOB!!" and giving him a hug hello and arranging our first cub game meet up for this summer.....2010.

Again, although I did not know Bob as you all I still had the pleasure of knowing a small piece of him.

Your stories are truly wonderful to read and keep em coming!!

RIP Bob...i know my brothers and many loved you!

Thank you Bob, for being a part of some of the best times I ever had.

Being amazed at all the traveling he did, often by himself. Also, his dry sense of humor, he always had you laughing!

I remember driving around Oak Lawn after J.A. with about 10 of us piled into my folk's blue 1972 Impala Wagon. Bob climbed out the rear window and was riding on the rear bumper. We were going about 30 mph, down Kostner near 108th, when Wade pried Bob's fingers off the door and Bob hit the street and bounced several times. I circled the block and we found him leaning up against a tree, uninjured. Bob was indestructible.

I remember down in Champaign being at the house on Springfield when Bob came to visit while he was stationed at Chanute AFB. It was the first time many of us had seen him since he joined the Marines. He walked into the house, we all greeted him, Maureen came into the living room, saw Bob with his Marine haircut, and burst out laughing.

The expression on Bob's face was priceless.

When me and Bob were hanging out just before he went into the Marines, our motto was . . . MORE!!!

Camping, canoeing, Canada, Kankakee, everything outdoors. And he sure could make a great farmer's breakfast. I'm still full.

Bob and Wade skeetching off my Dad's truck in the JA parking lot.

And many, many more great memories that we need to share in person, together.

We love you, Chaser!

Bob and I had some great history. Driving to Champaign almost every weekend while attending class at UIC to visit Ellen and Laura. Bob used to collect all the books from the garbage that students tossed at the end of the semester, just to read for the hell of it. We went to Canada two times, it really was unbelievable how much Bob was at home in the outdoors. We once carved our initials in each others arms and belted them together to become blood brothers. Once families were started we still tried to get together for a cool concert, Moody Blues, Jeff Beck, King Crimson, Yes, Return to Forever, and most recently Five Peace band. Thank God for Kingfest every fall. What a great oppurtunity to get together at least once a year. There are many memories I will carry with me forever. Good bye my friend! See you again when my time comes.
John S.
Friendship is like a prism through which the many variations of beauty are revealed in our lives. Anonymous

If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.
-Henry David Thoreau, Walden

Dear Bob,
Thanks for all the great laughs we shared over the past 30 years. I am going to really miss our daily phone calls about the Cubs,computers,concerts,late night radio,where our next road trip will be,what each of us were having for dinner (Bob really liked to have stir fry and breakfast for dinner),our fantasy teams (I started Bob on this fantasy sports stuff,he was reluctant but once he started he was hooked,he won our fantasy baseball league in 2006). Bob was always making plans for the future,whether it was next week our the next month. I talked to Bob on Tuesday said he was feeling better and we shared a good laugh,I will treasure that forever. When I look back at home much we talked and how much time we spent together it is hard to believe that time flew that fast,I will miss you forever Bob you were a Brother to me and we will meet again someday. Bob and I always listened to Simon and Garfunkel this is a verse that we always used to think was great...

Time it was and what a time it was it was,
A time of innocence a time of confidences.

Long ago it must be, i have a photograph
Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you

My deepest condolences to the Chase Family. I worked with Bob in Hyde Park and always enjoyed his stories about his family, his camping adventures and his love for the Cubs, even though I ripped him for not being a Sox fan. Even after he left, he still made time to call or visit us. What a great guy!!! He will truly be missed.

Dear Rob,
I never really got to see you very much, usually only at any Chase gathering that I was invited to. I enjoyed your quiet sense of humor. You will be missed, but not forgotten.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Rob,

I loved sharing conversation with you about our fantasy teams. I admired your work ethic as well as your compassion in the way you treated my Family. Do not forget to enter into the fantasy leagues in heaven and rest easy!!! You will be in a better place, and now the pain will subside!!

Go Cubs!! Even though it pains me to say that. I hope they take it in honor of you!

With Love,
Rob McDonnell

Bob you will truly be missed by all. You have always been a fun, great guy. Once a Marine, always a Marine. Ooh Rah....... Barb & Jerry

Dearest Friend, sharing coffee and conversation at work just won't be the same. I'm so glad to have known you - you will missed.

Dear Uncle Rob,
Thank you for being such a great Uncle to me. This time is extremely hard for the whole family but I realize that you are in a better place and your dad and sister can take care of you now. I will never focus on your death, I will remember your life and the memories that you gave me. Some of the things I loved about you are-your love for the outdoors, how you were so good to my kids, your sense of humor, your genuine heart, that you loved to cook and that you were really good at it, some of your funny stories about you and your friends and the most important one is how you were not only a brother to my dad-you were a best friend-my dad sure is going to miss his camping buddy :(
Even though I am a Sox fan I hope the Cubs take it this year in honor of you :)
I will love you forever
Love, Laura McDonnell

Dear Great Uncle Rob,

Thank you for always goofing around with us at family parties. You loved us so much and we will never forget you. We have your picture hanging in our room so whenever we are sad we could look at it and remember all the fun times we had together. I will always make sure I take care of the Spiderman car that you gave me for Christmas. "I love you sooo much", Love Dylan (4) and Austin (2 1/2) McDonnell