Robert Kribs Obituary

Hey Bob. It’s Brandon. I’ve spent a lot of time pretending that I just got over your death. I look at this page. No one has.And neither should I. You were an amazing friend. You just emitted an aura. And I will never forget that. I’m going on 42 years old. I’m a Paramedic for the Chicago Fire Department. If I had you here right now you’d probably tell me how I went soft. You’d be right. I did. I love you Bob. I always will. Your family was always great to me when I needed it. It hurts me to see your father hurt. I’ll see you when I get there.

This is a few days late becaause my original submission was not accepted.

The date of your passing has come and passed again. I'm sure I've said this every year now for 19 years. I have some horrible memories of that day and night that will never leave me. Mom and I tried everything we could think of to keep this from happening and I'm sure you know that. And I hope you forgive us for anything we could have or should have done differently.

There will always be some guilt in my heart for coming up short in our efforts to save you. To the day I die, I will always feel like I was weak and guilty for listening to the lawyer. He talked me into taking the plea deal for a felony conviction. I know we felt the risk of 8-12 years in prison had we fought it and lost was just too awful to gamble on, but I have thought it through a thousand times since then and know in my heart that a jury of normal people would not have convicted you for what was basically a high school prank. You wanted to fight it and you were right. I will always blame myself for not having the guts to fire him and find a different lawyer that would have fought it to the end.

I know you did your best to deal with the felony conviction and I don't blame you for anything you did, but I've always thought that it was a death sentence for you. I am eternally sorry for everything.

Just always know, then and forever, that you are truly loved by all of us. I felt close to you today when Mom and I went to the cemetery.

Dear Bobby,

Although I remember you every day, the memories come flooding back even mor on this day, your birthday. This would be your 41st birthday. I like to think about what you would be like at this stage of life, mature, but not middle aged yet.

I think about how great it would be if you were still here, probably raising a family of your own.

Of course, I will always have the guilt of not having done more or differently to avoid our tragedy. But that which has passed cannot be undone. I often think about the manay friends you had and how much they loved you. Pamela Lazaroff brought a most beautiful card saying many of the wonderful things about you. It brought tears to my eyes.

I love the good memories. I still have the picture of the two of us at Old Oak after playing in a golf event there. I sure did love playing golf with you.

I'm sure you are a shining light in heaven. Happy heavenly birthday my son and namesake. I will always love you.

Dad

I always send a message on the date of your passing, 10/28, but I am a couple days late this year.

Mom, Brett and I visited your gravesite on Saturday to remember you some more. Mom put some nice Fall flowers there. She always takes good care of it and all of us.

It is a difficult day for all of us. The memories of that horrrible day come flooding back even though I try to block them, I really try to just remember the good times.

It's been a very stressful year for all of us. I can't wait to turn the page to 2024. I had my first and only snowmobile accident in February, breaking 6 ribs and then falling at home. That started bleeding in the chest and 17 days in hospitals with 2 surgeries. I was just healed from that when I got hit with pseudogout in my right knee and then it got infected. 65 straight days in hospitals and rehab fcility. I'm slowly recovering from that.

During all of that hospitalization, I got to thinking about my own mortality. I don't quite know how to deal with it. I'm saddened by the thought that I won't be here with all of my family and friends. And then I think about reuniting with you. I often think about that hug. Oh well, another year closer to that day.

I love you, remember you and miss you every day.

Love, Dad

This horrible day has come again. It's unbelievable that it's 17 years now. You would have been 39 years old this year. The thought of that boggles my mind.

But, here it is again. Mom and I met at the cemetery because I had a Patriot Guard Honor Mission of a WWII veteran that was buried at Chapel Hill today. As usual, Mom brought some beautiful fall flowers for you and cleaned up your headstone.

We don't say much to each other when we're there because we are both thinking about our memories of you. But we always say the Our Father together before we leave. I sure hope Our Father is holding you in his loving arms for the day we come to join you.

As much as you loved snowmobiling, you would get a kick out of the birthday present we gave Bobby for his 5th birthday. We got him a Skidoo Mini Z! I think he loved it and will get to ride it a lot.

You have all my love forever,
Dad

It's a dreary, rainy day; I guess appropriate for the feelings that come on this horrible day.

Brett, Katie and our namesake Bobby are here with us and that makes these times better.

Unfortunately all of the memories of this date16 years ago are so very hard to deal with. I'll try to force myself to remember the good memories. There are some awfully nice ones.

Our day to meet again is another year closer and I'm looking forward to the hug we will share.

I love you.

Dad

No words...all emotions. I wish you were here to share them with me. October always unlocks the memory floodgates. So many promises and so much hope. Save a seat for me. Tell my ma I said hi.

It's your birthday today and I'm thinking about you a lot because your Mom is in the hospital and was gravely ill.

We talk about you frequently and we both have always loved you and always will.

It's so hard to believe that you would be 38 years old this year.

Happy heavenly birthday.

Love, Dad

It's that saddest day of the year again. 14 years ago you left us. The pain of the bad memories has softened, but it is still there and always will be.

Jennifer's son, Paul, just passed last week at 25 years old. Jennifer said something in his eulogy that I thought was a good description of you. "The world was too much for you and you were too much for this world."

I love you and hold onto the thought that you are in a much better place in God's hands. The years are passing ever faster and the day of our reunion is not too far away.

Until then, I love you forever.

Dad

Dear Bob,

I miss you so much particularly on this, your birthday. I'll love you and keep you in my heart until the day we meet again.

Happy birthday,

Dad

I miss you so much today. I can't deal when my mind gets stuck when we were kids at 17 on the bus to finding each other two years later. From the sneaking out and the runs down 86th ave. Some days it's just too much. Like a heavy coat I can't take off and suddenly I'm back to the night where I lost you. I love you so much and miss you even more

May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true

May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay
Forever young.

Sometimes I think about what it will be like when I see you again. Will I be this old man and you that handsome young man? However it is, it will be wonderful.


You are always in our hearts and memories, particularly today.


Until then, Love Dad.

October is always insanely rough. As much as I'd like to say I've moved on, I haven't. The time we spent together is this gnawing void that I can't seem to fill. Idk why I post on here. Maybe heaven has the internet??? Either way, I miss you so much. Every single day. Even after all this time. From what started at the age of 16 that lasted to the short time of 19, you'll always be my could have, should have, would have, and I can't seem to let that go. I shouldn't have worked overtime that night. It still haunts me Love always,Jamie

I forgot to add this in my previous message. That baby boy Kribs is here; born two weeks ago today. His name is Robert Patrick, Bobby. He is big strong and healthy.

Watch over him and protect him, Guardian
Angel.

Love, Dad

Another birthday has come around and you would be 34 years old today. We are expecting a new baby boy Kribs any day. I know you would have been so excited for Brett and Katie. You always loved little kids so much. Maybe you will be the baby's guardian angel. That's a nice thought for me to carry.

I miss you and think about you every day.
Happy birthday.

Love, Dad

I miss you so much. Just wanted to let you know

This, the most difficult day of each year since 2005, the memories come flooding back. It's impossible to stop the horrible memories of that night. So today I will try to force myself to remember the good days, your big smile, your happy days. Because your happy days made all of us happier.

Love, Dad

I can't believe it has been 11 years. Seems like yesterday. Miss his smile.

The years come and the years go by, yet there isn't a day I don't think about you. Yesterday the American team won the Ryder Cup matches and as I was watching it on TV, I thought about watching it with you and how excited you would be with me.

I just miss you every day.

Happy birthday, son.

Love, Dad

It's a gloomy, rainy day today, the day before the 10th anniversary of your passing. Maybe that's why I find myself in a melancholy mood and thinking about that day.

It's very hard to not get depressed with all the memories still so vivid.

Brett is coming in this weekend to play in the Turkey Shoot at Old Oak this weekend and I always think how cool it would be to have the two of you on my team for this event. I would just watch in awe at the two of you hitting bombs all over that golf course.

I'll just try to remember all the good times we had together.

I still miss you so much and look forward to the day that we can be reunited.

Love, Dad

Happy birthday, Bob.

You would have been 32 years old today. Mom and I made our visit to the cemetery and, as always, Mom put the flowers on your grave. A beautiful yellow rose in the middle.

I wonder what you would look like today at 32 and Mom said just the same just a little bit older, haha.

I miss you every day.

Love, Dad

Missing you so much.
Forever and always
-me-

My Dear Bobby another year has gone by and we miss you ever so much more. You will remain in our hearts forever. Miss you godchild. Love you Aunt Dawn xoxo

On this day, the anniversary of your leaving us, I couldn't help but think about the hole it has left in our family.

We will never be the same family. It really hits us when someone we meet asks how many kids do you have. We never quite know how to answer that. Obviously, we have had 3 children, but we now have only two. That's when it really hits home.


I hope that some day we are all together as a complete family again. That's what I'll try to think of rather than the bad memories of what happened on this day.

Not a day passes that I don't think of you. I love you forevermore.

Dad

Happy birthday Bobby. I miss you so much everyday. I know that now gram and you are together again watching over me and that makes me feel a little bit better to have such amazing guardian angels on my side. It's so crazy how time goes so fast but it feels like yesterday when you were over knocking at my window in the middle of the night and helping my gram with stuff around the house. You were truely one of the most kind hearted people I have ever and will ever meet. Love you so much and miss you everyday.

On your birthday as the years pass, I always wonder what kind of young man you would be. I guess I really don't wonder.

I'm pretty sure with your big heart and kind soul, you would have been very special. Had you only been able to get past your problems,we would be enjoying watching you grow older now.

Today you would have been 31 years old. It kind of boggles the mind. The passage of time is relentless.

Happy birthday, Bobby.

Love, Dad.

Thinking about you so much today. It's amazing how vivid my memories of you are. After all this time, you're still constantly on my mind.

October 28th. The date that I think about all the time and, yes, dread a bit.

Mom, Heather and I just visited the cemetery. So many memories come flooding back. I miss you every single day.

Brett's coming in this weekend to play in the Turkey Shoot and I thought how great would it be to have both of you with me on the team. With you, we would kick butt!

Last year we won turkeys. I'm posting a picture of Brett and me with them. We'd be bringing home 3 turkeys if you were here.

Maybe we'll all be playing golf together some day. I hope so.

Love, Dad

I miss you more today than I did yesterday. Happy 30th birthday!!!! I realized I haven't written on here in a while and wanted to let you know how things have been. We bought a house in Alsip in December and it's beautiful. Then in February Danny and I got engaged, I know you would like him, he is a really good guy and loves me. After that in March we bought me my big girl car a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee. We also drive to Detroit for the weekend but not for what we would have ICP lol, Danny and I went to a Kenny Chesney concert and it was amazing. It's been a crazy year for us but made me think of you so much. You would be and still probably are proud of how far I have come. I remember when we were 16 talking about how we were going to be when we were 30 and we always planned that we would still be friends and still hanging out. I talk about you all the time with Danny even though he didn't know you I know he would have loved you too. I talked the other day with him about when you and Brad re did my gram's cabinets in her kitchen. I was like we can do this Bob and Brad did it in a summer lol. Those were the good ole careless summers. These are the times I really think of you and wish you were here. Miss you and Love you forever

I can't believe 7 years has passed already since we lost you. You still remain in my thoughts til this day and always will. You would be so proud of your family. They are so strong but miss you so much. I am blessed to have known you and miss your smile and silly ways. Love you, Joan Snyder Waller

Happy birthday, son. The march of time goes on. today you would be 30 years old. Just amazing.

I hope there is such a thing as a happy birthday for you.

Missing you every day, especially today.

Love Dad.

Seven years ago and it is still so very hard to except that you are gone. Family and Friends continue to help us through each day, with memories of the many good times we had. Brooke sent me a picture with a note you had written on a wall you repaired at her Gram's house. Everywhere you have been, you've left a piece of you behind! I love that after all these years you continue to bring a smile to those lives you touched so dearly. That was the real Bobby - thoughtful, caring, loving, compassionate. I was in the car by myself yesterday and when I started the car, the song, "Forever Young" starts playing - the song Dave sang so beautifully at your service! I had to believe you were telling me to stay strong, that you are always watching over us and we will be together again someday. "Golden memories and silver tears are my heart's souvenirs." You are forever in our hearts. We love and miss you more than words can ever express. I will continue to look forward to those "smiles" you seem to give me when I need it most. Love you, Mom

This day always brings back the terrible memories. I continue to wrestle with guilt.

I know we tried everything we could think of to help you, but hindsight has shown that we could have done some things better than we did. I'll always carry those regrets even though we didn't have the luxury of hindsight back then.

I'll always wonder what it would have been like to have you here with us as you grew older.

Last night, I was trying to shake off the bad memories and think about the good ones. The first one that came to my mind was your first home run in Bronco league. You were so happy and I was so happy for you. I'll always remember what you said that day that allowed you to hit that homer. I try to use it on the golf course to bring out the best in my game and it does work for me sometimes.

I think the saddest thing is knowing that you had unlimited potential to do great things in this life and that it will never happen.

Seven years have gone by and I still miss you so very, very much.

Love, Dad

Happy 29th birthday.

Here it is again. Mom and I will be going to the cemetery today, but I don't have to go there to talk to you and think about you.

It was a bad weekend in sports for us. The Sox were eliminated from the playoffs and the US team lost the Ryder Cup matches. Of course I watched all of it. Ben was here to go to it Thursday with Dan and me. We had a couple conversations about you. He always loved you and still speaks so highly of you.

The European team was inspired by Seve's spirit to make their historic comeback and it made me think about how you helped me win the league championship last year. I've got the Ryder Cup matches for Old Oak this weekend and I will be looking to you for inspiration and courage.

I miss you today more than ever.

Love, Dad

Thought about you a lot today. More than usual.

It might have taken me six years to finally write in this but that's only because words are still not enough to express how much u mean to me. I think about you everyday. Time has passed and life is so different now, I can't help to think what it would be like if you were here, if you were still mine. I just woke up from having a dream about you, and now I'm wide awake. I miss you horribly but I'm sure my mom is keeping you company. Love always and forever, me.

That day has come again, the sixth one since you left us. Every so often I go through this guest book and reread all of the entries. It reinforces to me just how good a person you were.

That's what I remember the most...how good your heart was.

The two places and times I feel closest to you are while playing golf or when snowmobiling. I think you loved doing those two things even more than I do. Heaven knows you were better at them than I ever was. I know you were with me during the league finals and without your help I wouldn't have won.

That's why I'm going out to the golf course by myself and feel you with me today.

Love, Dad

I knew you little before your passing and your legacy has left a long-term impact on me. Of so many people I have known to pass, the love that exists for you is still so bright. This love is special & unique. Your life gave so much love & even long after your passing, it does not fade.

You are blessed.

You are very much loved.

Bobby,
Hard to believe it has been so long since you left us.
You are missed so much by your family and friends, me included. You would have been proud of Brett! He looked so handsome. Ryan gave a very moving speech, we all missed you!!!!
Love you, Joan

Bobby,

I was thinking of you yesterday, being your 28th birthday, and something wonderful happened. As I entered work, at Chili's, Rod Stewart's "forever young" was playing. I found it to be more than ironic that the first song that I hear was the one sung at your memorial. That song automatically makes me think of you. It always gives me some peace of mind and puts a smile on my face. I know it was much more than just a coincidence.

We all love you and miss you so much. Thinking of you every single day.

Love,
Julie

HAPPY 28th BIRTHDAY Bobby! Six years and it is still so very hard to believe. I look at your pictures everyday, with a broken heart, but also a smile, because you always gave me so much to smile about! All I have to do is look at those big brown eyes and cry, but then feel so fortunate that you were part of our lives and family! We all know you were with us on Saturday when Brett & Megan were married. The Big Brother, looking after Brett. You were in everyone's heart when Ryan gave his touching speech about the relationship the three of you always shared. You are so very much loved and missed by all. Brett wore a charm with your smiling picture on his boutonniere - another testament to your presence everyday. I truly miss your smile and hugs that you gave me everyday - never leaving the house without that "hug" and "I love you Mom"! I know in my heart that your grandparent's are taking good care of you and you are watching over all of us.

" The Love of our family flows strong and deep, leaving us memories to treasure and keep"

Happy Birthday, my loving son. Love you more and forever..............Mom

Happy Birthday Son,

We all felt your presence at Brett's Wedding Saturday. What a happy, happy day. If anyone outside your immediate family didn't feel you there, they sure did when Ryan gave his Best Man speech. He did a great job, by the way. I know you're very proud of Brett and are so happy for him and Megan.

As I've said many times, I think about you in almost everything I do, especially golf. Every time I play, I think about you. I always wish I could hit the ball as good as you did. When I was playing in the finals for the league championship, I felt you were there helping me. You must have heard all my prayers to you and the Lord during that round. I got a couple breaks and I knew you were behind the scenes giving me those breaks and guiding me to the win. Thanks, buddy.

You would have been 28 today. I still miss you every day. I pray and pray for the faith to believe that I'm going to see you again. As each year passes, that day gets closer. What a day it will be!

Love, Dad

I tried to put this message on your guest book on 10/28, but evidently I did something wrong.

It's an unbelievable 5 years now. Although time has softened the pain more each year, it's still an awful lot. I try and try to only think about the good times and memories, but I have recently had more dreams of the horrible times. I wish I knew why.

Mom, Heather and I went to the cemetery again today and Aunt Kim came just as we arrived. It was nice to see her there.

We all miss you so. One more year closer to the day I get to hug you again, whenever that may be.

Love, Dad

I miss you so much. Words can't explain how much I wish you were here. I love you.

October is the hardest.
We all love you and think about you constantly.
<3

Happy Birthday Bob,

I hope you are celebrating your birthday today. The memory of your birthday and the birthdays we got to celebrate with you is nice. I just wish we got to celebrate many more with you.

I guess I'll just hold on to the thought that you are in a happy, pain free place and that your birthday is an even happier day for you.

Every day I think of you. Everything that I do, I think about what it would be like to be doing it with you. I sure hope we'll be able to do some of these things together again.

Love, Dad

Merry Christmas, Bobby!

I was talking about this with mom the other day and remembering all the years we were in church choir, doing the nativity plays and Christmas Cantatas, and those costumes we had to wear - shepherds one year, angels another...good times :) I just feel bad for all the adults in the audience that had to listen to our "wonderful" music :)

I hope you celebrated a wonderful Christmas in heaven with Grandma and Grandpa K, Grandma and Grandpa B and Jim... I can't even begin to imagine how amazing and awesome Christmas in heaven is...

What does that look like? Do you kneel with the shepherds...and sing with the angels? Is there a heavenly birthday party for the King of Kings?

I can't wait to be there to celebrate with you all again!!
Love forever

Bobby,

Merry Christmas. I'll be thinking of you all day today as I do everyday.

p.s. They play Rod Stewart's "Forever Young" in EIU's union, and I have heard it while i'm there for lunch or dinner. You're always with me :)

I love you<3

Bobby,
I know we have not talked much in these past two years. But don't think I don't think about you cause I do. I wish you were still here. I cannot believe it has been four years. The pain of you leaving still feels like yesterday. The day October 28th has will always haunt me. My grandmother died on that day as well, along with my mother being diagnosed with cancer. Your family is very lucky to have been blessed with such a wonderful man like you. I am blessed for getting the chance to know you. I cannot wait til the day I can come through those gates, and see you again. I love and miss you terribly bobby!

Love,
Brianne Livingston

Bobby,

I miss you every second and I think of you always. You are the strength in my bones. Whenever I get overwhelmed with anything in life I think of you and I overcome whatever obstacle is in my way. You're memory and spirit will live on indefinitely. And thank you for visiting me in my dreams, your presence is so magical.

I love you forever.
Love,
Your annoying little cousin
Julie Louise

A couple of months ago I was in Sedona and wrote this...

This is the exact spot I learned you left us forever, bobby. All of a sudden, the landscape blurred as i wept uncontrollably, and nothing meant the same it had before. I'll always miss you, and although i was afraid to come back to this spot in Sedona almost 4 yrs later, i'm glad i got the chance. 4 yrs, and my heart breaks still every time i think about it.

Sometimes it feels like mere minutes i was talking to you last, arguing & fighting probably :) But sometimes it feels like so much time has passed and I lose my breath thinking of the life - the moments- we're missing with you. Love forever

I was thinking of you one day and here's what came to me...

Goodbye
I never thought there would be a day without you,
I never knew the day would be so soon,
In my heart you will always be,
You were an amazing wonderful person,
Who's presence brought out the best in me,
I hope you are now happy,
I hope you are no longer in pain,
Goodbye to one of my best friends,
Goodbye to someone who made life so great to live,
I will never forget you or the impact you left on me,
There are few people who walk into your life and touch you like you did,
For that I will be forever greatful,
I will always remember that I had someone like you,
The child like spirit,
The giving person,
Our Bobby will always live in our hearts.

I love you Bobby forever and will never forget you.

Love,
Brooke

It's been 4 short years. Mom and Brett and I just got back from visiting your grave at Chapel Hill. I'm listening to "A Beautiful Day" by U2, the song that is on your video of your skydive. It reminds me of that wonderful day when you and I went to the airport near Ottawa for your skydive.

It's one of my great memories of you. I only wish there had been many more of those skydives. At least we had that one!

Well, it's one more year closer to the day that I get to see you again.

I love you & miss you so much.

Love Dad

I just can't believe so much time has past. Loosing you is still so unbelievable. Know that you are remembered and that your family has the strength and love of friendship to help ease their pain.
Love to all, Joan


Everywhere

You've seen me in pond ripples
And clouds that pass you by
And breezes on a summer day
That make you want to cry

It's all these things that touch you
It's all these things in me
Appreciate these many things
And know that all was meant to be

You see life as what was lost
I see what dreams allow
You are bound by hopes now past
But I am here and now

Don't look for me in distant dreams
You cried to wash away
Look for me in blowing clouds
Each and every day

I've gone the way of whispers
Now a guardian above
But my distant voice will be there
With my everlasting love

October 25,2009

The first time I sent my thoughts of you "Bobbo," I accidently deleteded them and could not bring myself to send them again.
I will always remember your birthday when Ed and I brought you your cake from Baker's Sqaure. Your smiling face is the image I cherish. You are never far from my thought.
Love, Aunt Kim

My Bobby, my godchild, it has taken me so long to be able to write this. We all miss you so much, every holiday every birthday we always remember you and all the fun our families had together. I talk to you almost everyday, I hope you know we will never forget you and we all love you very much. Your birthday and Christmas seem to be the hardest because we want you here with us. I know Ryan Becky and Julie carry your picture in their car so they can always see you and talk to you. I carry your picture in my wallet and in my heart. I miss seeing you growing up and becoming the wonderful young man I knew you'd be. I have created a flower garden in our yard in your memory so I can plant flowers in the summer and fall and talk to you and feel close to you.The flowers always seem to do so well, I know you are watching over them. My godchild Bobby, I love you and miss you so much, I just wish I could talk to you just one more time and be able to hug you .Till we meet again. Love, Your Godmother Aunt Dawn

Bobby,
I miss you every day, my heart breaks to think of you gone. In my life there were few true good people and you were the big one. We had our fights cause we both wanted Brad's time but I loved you like a Brother. You were more important to me than anybody and I would do anything for you. I hope you have found peace and are happy. I talk to you alot when others think im talking to myself. I love you so much Bobby and Miss you horribly.

Love you Always,
Brooke

Bobby,

That horrible, horrible, horrible night was three years ago today. The memories of that day still tear me apart. I still cannot believe that it all happened.

The pain of losing you is somewhat softer after three years and that makes me feel guilty. I feel that because the pain is not as sharp, my love for you is less than before. I know that is not true. I will always love you more deeply than you ever knew, and I regret you didn't know the depth of it when you were alive.

I miss you so much and pray that there is a Heaven for you. I know that my faith in that is weak and I wish I could come to a stronger belief in life everlastiing. If I only could get the sign from you that Father Mc Carthy told me about. Please, please give me that sign.

Thank God for Mom and her strong faith. She told me again today that I will see you again. I have been saving up one very big hug for you when I do. At this time, I can almost feel you you in my arms.

With all my loving memories,

Dad

Bob,
Five years ago when you walked into my life I never met someone more fearless. I always admired how you could walk around and touch so many lives without showing your own fears. You had this unique way of understanding and connecting with people. You were definitely one to use your charm to influence others. You were truly gifted and knew how to use it! When we met I had a bunch of emotional problems. Being the loving person you were you made an effort to help me and make a difference in my life. From that point on you became a huge part of my life and soul. You taught me all the values in life that your parents taught you since you knew I wasn't fortunate enough to have parents that did. With your big heart you taught me how to love and be loved. I could go on all day about the things you taught me; you taught me how to express myself, communicate, have confidence, be proud, love music... Thank you so much Bob, thank you for being there. I don't know how I got so lucky. You came at this crucial point in my life I really felt like God sent an angel to me to give me guidance. I am so happy it was you! You made such an impact on my life, I wouldn't be who or where I am today if it wasn't for you. I love you so much! I will never forget all of our special memories. Gosh, I have so many. You ALWAYS made it a point to make the time we spent together special. You always went out of your way to make sure the people you cared about were smiling. Which it was hard not to be with your infectious smile! If I could have you know one thing, I am so grateful to have you in my life. I deeply cherish every moment we shared together. It kills me inside knowing the last words we spoke to each-other. I am so sorry. Rest in peace baby. Love you always and forever. Hugs and Kisses. 10/18/06

Tenderly,
May time heal your sorrow
Gently,
May friends ease your pain
Softly,
May peace replace heartache
And,
Warm memories remain


You really never say good bye to someone who has touched your life, they remain with your forever.

Sometimes it only takes a smile to make you feel good and Bobby’s smile could warm your heart.

Bobby will forever hold a special place in the hearts of the Snyder Family

He will always be “forever young”.
God bless you Bobby.


It's hard to believe a year has gone by without Bobby in our lives. I still look for Bobby everytime I visit your house, expecting him to walk into the kitchen and greet me and have some discussion. My first memories of Bobby go back to his early teen years and three things have always stood out: His interaction, patience and enjoyment of having the younger siblings of the baseball team gather around him, the amount of respect he greeted all adults with, and how I truly enjoyed his company.

You will forever be in our hearts.

I close my eyes and I picture Bobby…

…playing baseball in the cul-de-sac with his friends (sometimes even Brett and Danny were allowed.)
…at the Rip City games smiling and interacting with the younger siblings who adored him and bugged him constantly.
…greeting me so respectfully. “Hello Mrs. Flaherty, how are you?” which was always followed by a hug.
…when he got his ears pierced and put in that “plug”. I warned him that he was going to have a big hole in his ear and he just laughed.
…and how handsome he had become, with his dark brown hair, intense eyes, long eyelashes and contagious smile.
…struggling with growing up, feeling that he would never meet his own expectations, even when he achieved them (his report cards at Moraine for one).
…ready to stand up for his family (and mine). Offering his help to whoever needed it.

I open my eyes and I know I will never see Bobby again, but knowing him enriched my life and his memory is always right there…when I close my eyes.

Bobby is never far from our thoughts-we think of him on his birthday and find comfort in knowing that he is at peace. He will always live on in our wonderful memories of the special person he was. Our prayers go out to all of you.
Love, Ron, Rita, Kevin, Kris, Brian and Jerry

I know from going through the first of everything with my mom ... each and every one is hard, even harder for you because Bobby was so young. Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.

23rd Birthday Happy Birthday

I HAD A BOY

I had a boy, and I said to him: “Son,
Be fair and square in the race you must run,
Be game if you lose, be meek if you win,
Be better and nobler than I’ve ever been.
Be honest and fearless in all that you do
And honor the name I have given you.”

I had a boy and I wanted him to know
That we reap in this life just about what we sow,
And we get what we earn, be it little or great,
Regardless of luck and regardless of fate.
I taught him and showed him the best that I could,
That it pays to be honest and upright and good.

I made him a pal and a partner of mine
And showed him the things of this world that are fine.
I showed him the things that are wicked and bad,
For I figured this knowledge should come from his Dad.
I walked with him, talked with him, played with him, too.
And in all of my promises, strived to be true.

We grew up together, and I was a boy,
Who shared in his troubles and shared in his joys.
We worked out our problems together and then,
We laid out our plans when we both would be men.
Our life together would be joyful and grand,
But Our Lord in heaven had a different plan.

He took you away well before your time,
And for the rest of my days here, this pain will be mine.
Now you dwell in heaven with Our Lord above,
With no tears or sadness, just His eternal love.
Soon my day to join you will be here and then,
Our plans will be answered in Heaven, together as men.


Bob,
The faith that you are in God's embrace along with your grandparents is what I hold on to.

As your birthday is near, I miss you so much and I pray for the day that I'll be with you again.

Love Forever,
Dad

It has taken me along time to write this as it has to come to terms with the loss of the best and closest friend anyone could ever hope to have. If there is a word that defines a closer relationship than friends or brothers it is "Bob and Brad" Bob and I did everything together, that could be done together. We got in trouble together and we got out of trouble together, we got work together and quit work together. For the years we knew each other we were inseparable. I joined the army and had to move away from my brother. I visited him as much as I possibly could he was first on my list even before my family when I would visit my home town. Besides Bob's immediate family I don't think anyone feels this loss more than I. In my head or out loud I still talk to Bob and ask for his advise and always laugh out loud at what I think his advise or responses would have been. Bob and I had dreams of ownwing and running companies and I vow that before I die I will forfill those dreams we shared in his name and honor. To Mr. and MRS. Kribs, Bret and Heather I will always visit you whenever I can. I'll always be there for whatever you need from me whenever and where ever I am. Bobby, I will love and miss you always, rest in peace.

Love Always,

Brad

Dear Jan and Family,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I can only pray that God gives you some comfort in your loss. My deepest sympathies. Sue Koca

“Life is indeed FRAGILE! Handle it with care!” Continue to share the stories, the good, the bad, the humorous, and the sad, as often as you can. The shared memories will keep Bobby’s memory alive into each generation.

As your first Christmas comes without Bobby physically present, our thoughts and prayers continue with your entire family and circle of friends as you continue to mourn your earthly loss and rejoice in our eternal hope of heaven. We pray that you feel the strength and courage to continue in your own journeys and to entrust Bobby into the Lord’s care as he celebrates his first Christmas with our Savior.

One month can seem like an eternity some days and like it was just yesterday other days when you are in mourning. Our Lord, God, Creator gives us memories; memories of our loved one endure...becoming lasting treasures that live on inside the heart. May your fond memories of Bobby be a comfort to you now and always. May the prayers of all those who love you help sustain all of you at this time. In Christian love, hope, and peace forever,

dear jan and family, i was shocked to find out about the loss of your beloved son robert, you and your family have our deepest sympathy and our pryers are with you all. god bless you and may god hold you in his arms forever. love, elaine g. brogren and family

Kribs Family,



You are in my thoughts and prayers at this trying time. This is still hard to believe. Know that many of us have and will always have very fond memories of Bobby. God bless you all.

Dear Jan and family,

Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss. The memory of his shining star will keep him with you. We will keep you in our prayers.

With love,

Wenche, Tom and Tommy

"...I have loved you with an everlasting love..." Jeremiah 31:3

I'll never forget Bobby as a Junior Choir member standing next to the pulpit singing out with the other children. He was a multi-tasker even at that age. He began to twist around during the song. His robe got caught under his shoe and as he continued to twist, his robe did also. The point of no-return came when he landed in a little heap upon the floor, BUT, he immediately bounced back up facing the congregation still singing along. What a wonderful memory of a fine young man.

Roy Lessin has an appropriate poem that I'd like to share called "HE SAW YOU".

Once, before the foundation of the world, Jesus and His Father had a conversation about the great plan of redemption. That conversation included YOU.

Jesus looked down the corridors of time and knew that you would be born. He saw your needs when He said to His Father, "I will go." At the Father's appointed time, Jesus came to earth so that you would never need to be far from Him. What an incredible journey He made, what an overwhelming expression of love He made; what an awesome purpose He had in mind. YOU WERE ON HIS HEART.

When He left His home in heaven, HE SAW YOU; when He became a man on earth, HE WAS SEEKING YOU, when He stretched out His hands upon the cross, HE WAS REACHING OUT TO YOU, when He returned to His Father, HE WAS PREPARING A PLACE FOR YOU.

You are the sheep He has come to shepherd, to guide, to feed, to protect, to shelter, and to carry. YOU ARE THE ONE HE CALLS HIS OWN.

In Christian love, hope, and peace always; Patricia

Our prayers and thoughts go out to all of you at this time. Bobby will be in our memories always.

Jan and Bob,



My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family upon your loss. May God bless you all through this time and always.



In Christian Love,

I was friends with Bob also about five years ago. Bob, Brad, Gina and I used to hang out everyday over the summer in 2000. He was always the one who got us all laughing and he was truly a great person and friend. Your family are in my prayers during this tough time. Just know that your son made an impact in many lives. I remember he used to tell us that he loved his Mom, Dad, and Grandma all the time. I am just very happy to say that I had the chance to share a small part in Bob's life. Again, your family is in my prayers and I am very sorry for your loss.

You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers throughout this time. God bless you all.

My deepest sympathies to the entire Krib family. Even though I lost contact with Bob five years ago, his funny, outgoing, lovable, considerate, and bright personality has and will remain with me. He is genuinely missed.

Mr and Mrs Kribs and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have gone to school with bob since Palos West and he was a wonderful peson with a good heart. My deepest sympathies to all of you, you will be in my prayers

With our deepest sympathy,

Pete and Pauline Berridge

Bob, Jan, Heather & Brett,

Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

May your memories give you strength through the difficult days ahead.

Don, Cheryl & Jonathan Surprenant

Dear Jan,

It's been a long time since we've last spoken or have seen each other and I'm so sorry that it's under these circumstances.

My thoughts are with you.

Take care,

We send our dearest condolences to you and your family.

Barbara & Roger Chernoff

Dear Bob, Jan, Heather,Brett and Family,

All of my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May your cherished memories of Bobby help you though this trying time.

Love,

Sharon

We were so very sorry to hear of your loss. We all remember Bob and Brett at cub scouts like it was just yesterday. Bob will live on in the memories of everyone that he touched in his too short life. There can be no greater pain than that of lossing a child. Please know that your friends and loved ones will be praying for you to find the strength to go on. We pray that in the days and months to come that you are able to find peace and comfort in your memories.

The DeVries Family

Bob and Jan,

Donna and I offer our deepest sympathy. Our hope is in God's love and promises. You are in our prayers.

Rev. Lynn and Donna Pries

Dear Jan and Bob,

I am so very, very sorry. I can't even imagine the pain you are going through. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Jan, I know we haven't kept in touch but you are and always have been my very good friend. Mom and I send our love and our prayers are with you.

Dear Bob and Jan, my deepest heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your son. Your family is in our prayers.

Bob and Jan, you have a wonderful family, Bobby was kind to our boys just as Heather and Brett...our thoughts and prayers are with you..Love the Kaufmann's

Our deepest regrets on the passing of my little "hot dog" buddy...the memories will last forever. Bob, Jan, Heather & Brett you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Bob will always be remembered as a true friend and a shining star to all of us. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.

I can't even imagine what you are feeling right now. Your family is our thoughts and prayers and I hope that you know your church family is here for you. Love, Sue

My deepest sympathy goes out to you and the rest of the family. Bob will always be remembered for his loving heart. We share many memories and he will be missed. We had many classes together at Stagg. I am so sorry for your loss.