Robert Gipson Obituary

Well, Robert, another year of fond memories. You said to remember the good times at our final visit and I always do. We share them with Charlie. He turned 18 this year and you would not recognize him. Know that you are loved and remembered and missed by your family. RIP.

Well, Robert, another year has gone by. Today was beautiful. Mild Winter-early Spring. Charlie made JV and Varsity. I went to his game yesterday. He goes to St. Louis with his team next week over break. Heather is well. The country is up for grabs for so many reasons. But God will handle it all. I will post a picture of Charlie taken this past week. It was Heather's birthday at Morton's. Judy and Mike are well. Kenny, Skip, Jenny, Brian and families are all well. Brian's son, Brady, will graduate in May and he will go to dental school. I am very busy with volunteer duties and tons of friends. You are missed.

I don't need an annual reminder to remember my husband and friend of 24 years and beyond. But it does give me an opportunity to share what we all wish he was still here for - Charlie and Heather. We tell stories about to him to Charlie often. Especially sports stories as Robert was a competitor and he was very good at being both a gracious winner and loser. Raised by his Aunt Opal after losing his mother at two years old, he was often on his own. He was better than me at ironing and other skills and he loved a clean, orderly home. I did as well. Once he alphabetized the canned goods in the cabinet. He did not believe in dishwashers and didn't think it was necessary to buy a washer and dryer in our home. I bought one anyway because I did not drive and pushing a buggy and laundry two blocks was not fun. I learned to drive against his wishes. He feared I would get into an accident and was against my driving. But here we are. Charlie is driving now. He would be just as worried! I am, too, I confess. Life is good. I love you, Robert. Joyce

Forever in our hearts, I speak of you often to Charlie. Heather does as well. We miss you, Robert. Marie passed on last December, suddenly. Rest in peace. Always, Joyce

Remembering you is easy and comes to me all year round. I have been busy this week running back and forth to Wheaton to take Charlie to baseball practices and to watch games, even in 34 degree weather! He made the Freshman team at Wheaton-Warrenville South and he is thrilled. He also made the DTA which is Wheaton's travel league that starts up after school is out. He is also really good at volleyball but his passion is baseball. He plays right field because of his great arm, like yours. You were so thin and you threw that ball so far. I tell Charlie stories about you. He is his own person and Heather gets compliments all the time on his manners and people skills. I hope you can see him from where you are. The universe is ad infinitum and anything is possible. Believe. Thank you for believing in me when I was 18. I would not have become the person I was meant to be but for you being in my life.

Still miss you, Robert. I know you are in a happy place. Thank you for the good times. Charlie gradutes 8th grade in May. Heather has done such a wonderful job raising him. He is the BEST kid ever, besides Heather. I love you.

Missed your date but 2021 is still infected with COVID. Charlie is 13 and was able to be vaccinated. I am grateful. He is crazy about baseball and loves tennis. He is also smart, affectionate and funny. We love him so much. I am sad you had to miss the most wonderful grandson ever. Kudos to Heather.

It is 2020 and the Coronavirus is running rampant through the world. Heather and Charlie are sheltering in place with Charlie doing e-classes from school. It is likely school will not resume in classrooms this year. China is the source and it is dying down there since December. Charlie is amazing. He is smart, funny, witty, athletic and an adult in a child's body. Since Heather's divorce he has adjusted well. You would be proud. His latest sport, Volleyball, has shown me he has skills no one saw coming. His Wheaton team started last Fall and finished just before this outbreak. They never lost a game or set of games and Charlie really was a factor. Judy and Mike came to many of the games and we all had so much fun. There are many challenges right now but God is in control. That is what I tell Charlie all the time. Peace and love...Joyce

Here are some more photos.

It is almost ten years since you passed on. Heather is good at remembering you to Charlie as "Papa". Charlie is just the best young man. Heather has done a superb job of raising him. He has empathy and a caring heart for all people. The other day I told him I was proud of him for handling a bullying even of a friend at school so well. I asked him how he would handle someone who might bully him and he said he would use humor. He does use humor a lot. I choose to teach him how not to be a victim in this world. I look forward to spending summer with him as I leave my full time job in May. You are missed.

It has been awhile since adding to this book. I am including two pictures of Charlie. I don't know much about the hereafter but it is worth sharing this venue. I believe in prayer and I believe in love and keeping loved ones close in heart. Charlie spent his 6th birthday in San Diego. We try to go twice each year but all that will change when he starts first grade. He is a bright, sensitive, kind, athletic boy. I love him too much. Heather is doing a spectacular job raising him. He is his mother's boy and he still speaks of you. I thank God every day for that boy. I thank you for our daughter. Peace. Joyce

This has been a challenging year but full of growth. Charlie is so smart but he is also funny and sensitive. He is a natural at all sports. He did well in soccer and he starts tennis lessons at 4 years old soon. He can hit a baseball so far it amazes me. He is right handed but bats left....like you. He mentions you all the time. Recently, Heathers trophy bowling pin from her 40th birthday was found lying on it's side on the shelf. Charlie said, "Look what Papa did, Mommy! He knocked over your bowling pin." His common sense is uncanny and he is kind and sharing. He eats anything, does not like sugar or syrup or anything really sweet except a donut once per week. He loves milk and has never had soda or a PBJ. He eats peanuts but he is not keen on PBJ. He would rather have cottage cheese and oranges or Asian dumplings. We all miss you. Auntie Mary was 99 on May 4th and is doing. I love her so much and I do not know what I would do without her. I wish I could spend more time with Charlie but I work so much these days and have to travel pretty far. Maybe next year I will be able to cut back and take a breath. At least I am healthy and I even jump on the trampoline with our boy every night. We wrestle and box and play basketball - another sport he is good at. Just like you. I will always love you for the person I knew when we met. I hope you are at peace on your journey, Robert. Love...

I love you and we remember you to Charlie every day in small ways and big ways. He is so much like you with a natural talent for sports. He is also very sensitive to feelings. Heather is so proud of him.

Hi Robert - You are thought of with love every day. Charlie remembers you, Papa. He bowled last week. Heather is a great mom. You would be so proud. Love...

This is Charlie's first day of Preschool. Isn't he handsome? He is so kind and sweet but also a boy's boy, especially when it comes to sports. He has your natural talents for baseball. He can hit a T-ball straight away but if you tellhim to keep his eye on the ball, he darn well puts his eye on it! He also went with Mommy to Great America last week. Wanted to go on every roller coaster ride. Can you imagine?

It is one year today. I see you in every moment. Knowing you are no longer suffering is the one thing I am grateful for. Charlie is getting so big and he has so many of your talents. Heather is a great mom. All my love.

I am grateful to have known you and had you as an influence in my life. For this, I love you and always will.

I love you and miss you.

Think of you every day.

Heather and Joyce,

I have always had so many good times hanging around with Bob. Working on the beer truck and riding half the day on part of the gear shifter and the other half in one of the bays or working for one of his many business adventures like lets say Moneymooners...his cleaning/janitorial service he had for a while and no surprise where he got the name from...you got it, just another way to show his sense of humor. Always had a joke to tell and you could always count on him to be there. A man that will be truly missed by all who knew him. Sending my love and prayers to both of you.

Heather and Joyce, my thoughts, prayers and strength are with you at this saddest of times. Heather your father's body may be gone but one day you will look at Charlie and see him. Joyce, Bob will always be with you everytime you look at Heather and Charlie. Bob is not suffering any longer and is now your guardian angel.

My father was and is my Hero. He fought for so long to beat Cancer. He lived long emough to meet his first grandchild. He hung in there long enough to see Charlie take his first steps. He heard his first words and he felt his first kisses and hugs. He lived longer than i ever expected....and for that I am grateful. Thank you to all who have signed this book. It is a very difficult time for me and hearing your kind words is heart warming.

Dear Papa - I love you more than my Georgie..xox Charlie

Dearest Heather,

Your father and I shared 25 years together and without him, I would not have you or my precious Charlie. We have 45 years of memories and I choose to remember the best of times. He was the love of my life, and, although his body is gone, his spirit and soul will be ever present to those who love him. He adored you from the time you took your first breath and he thanked me time and again for giving birth to you. He told me Charlie was the best thing that happened to him during his illness and said he will miss the many years ahead with you and him. He told me to enjoy those years. I will always be here for you and my dear husband of 20 years will, too, in spirit. Rest in peace, Robert. "The everlasting arms of Love, are beneath, around, above." Love, Mom (Joyce Gipson)

Heather,
I am sorry for the loss of your fahter. As our family is not the closest of ones it was always nice how he came by my work and I called it the 3 month check up. He will be sadly missed.
love,
Anna

Heather,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. We're all here for you if you need anything at all.
Love,
Heather

Heather,
You will be in our thoughts and hearts throughout this difficult time.
May your memories of your father shine bright on the darkest of days.
Much love to you, Brian, and Charlie.
xo, Beth and Dan

I think Bob was making me realize that Sma's was open on Saturday when I drove by. I have many fond memories of sitting with him and eating hot dogs and talking about everything under the sun. He and Diane were great neighbors, and are missed by us both to this day. Rest in peace, Bob. You are missed and even though you didn't like hearing it, you have been and will continue to be in my prayers. My heartfelt condolences to both Diane and Heather and to Bob's grandson, of whom he was very, very proud.

Heather,
Our warmest condolences go out to you and your family. I hope you call on us for anything you may need.
Tim & Whitney

He is gone but will never be forgotten. You knew where you stood with him because he pulled no punches. He had that rough exterior but on the inside he was a "big teddy bear". My condolences go out to his daughter heather and to Diane. He fought a long and hard battle with this dreaded disease but finally he just couldn't fight any longer. I will always remember him as a loving friend who will be missed. He will be remembered in my prayers as will his family. Rest in peace my dear friend.