Robert Whaley Obituary

April 13, 2003

My Dear Six Sons,

My brother, and your Uncle Bob, died in the early hours of the morning today. He was 64. Most, if not all of you had met Bob at one point or another. A few of you stayed at his home in Chicago while attending my Dad's funeral almost three years ago.

As you are aware, Bob had been confined to a rehabilitation center/nursing home for the past 18 months after sustaining the most severe and crippling of compound trauma injuries following a tragic accident. During this period, he suffered his very own constant and unending purgatory. Although the family tried to remain upbeat, we all knew deep down that the severity of his injuries gave virtually little or no hope of his ultimate recovery.

Although there is the normal sadness in the family concerning our shared loss, our grief is mitigated by the fact that all of us believe that death, for Bob, was a welcome blessing to him. At the time of his death he had been most fortunate to receive the Last Rites of the Catholic Church, in addition to having his three children (Tim, Laura and Jennifer) at his bedside.

Although I believe it's mostly impossible to make any true judgment about the worth or success of a person's life, I think many observers might think a substantial part of Bob's life was full of tragedy suffering and loss. Although they would be correct to some extent, there was also much Bob had to be grateful for, much for others to be grateful to him for, and much for all to admire. As for myself, I very much admired him for becoming what I thought was a genuinely spiritual person. In addition, Bob had devoted virtually the entire last half of his life to helping others achieve and maintain sobriety through AA.

I recall one visit to Chicago, a few years ago, while walking to lunch in the Loop with Bob during a chilly day, he spotted an extremely disheveled, filthy man in an alleyway, holding himself barely upright while leaning against the wall of a building. The man's trousers were soaked with urine and had fallen down around his knees. He just leaned there and swayed slightly side-to-side and moaned quietly. Without breaking his step and without hesitation, Bob walked over to the wretch, gently but firmly pulled up his trousers, buttoned them, fastened the guy's belt buckle, took some money out of his own wallet and stuffed it into the man's dirt-caked but dry jacket pocket, and then whispered something into his ear. Like magic, the guy straightned up and looked at Bob as though he were St. Peter come to save his flock. Bob then tuned back and joined me on our trip to lunch as though nothing at all had happened....as though this was a normal part of his day.

Bob was also extremely well read, focusing mostly on the philosophical, theological and other spiritual works of both contemporary and classical writers. He read and meditated during every spare moment, he told me. Thus, perhaps the cruelest pain he had to endure during the final 18 months of his life was his inability to read, or even hold a book.

Finally, and selfishly most important to me, is the fact that he is the only one of my four brothers who ever hugged me and said, "I love you."

Like all the rest of us, I believe Bob did the best he could do with what he was dealt. In the last analysis, he, like we, can only live our lives one day at a time, (and sometimes for only one hour), hopefully thanking God for our still being here and for our individual blessings and good fortune, no matter how large or how modest.

SO MANY FOND MEMORIES OF THE WHALEY FAMILY. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.

AS MY FATHER JERRY ROWLAND WOULD HAVE SAID,

GOD BLESS,

MICHAELA ROWLAND

There are many facets to a diamond, and that was the life of Robert. Through the over 28 years I worked for (with) him through the many other businesses he created with Photo Ideas; PHOTO NETWORK, Robert Lord Photography, Pet Art, Photo-Expo etc, his creative juices never ceased. During my own hard times from house fire through other trials, he stood by me and with me, and for that I am truly blessed.

We also studied the Word of God together with many questions (Iron Sharpens Iron). Now he shall have all those questions answered before me. Finally, death cannot rob him of eternal life, "OH DEATH, WHERE IS THY VICTORY? OH DEATH, WHERE IS THY STING?...BUT THANKS BE TO GOD WHO GAVE US VICTORY OVER DEATH THROUGH JESUS CHRIST." In His Redeeming Love, Charles E. Cairo

When I moved back to Chicago last year after being away for ten years, one of the first people I wanted to see was Bob. He was a friend to me when times were really hard for me. He made me laugh when I never thought I could again. He is a big, part of happy memories for the ten years we knew each other. I am so sorry we had to lose him like this. But, Bob loved God and I am sure he is now with God and that all of his sadness and pain are gone and he is living in peace and joy for eternity. Good bye my friend.

Dear God,

Just a few words about my old pal, Bob. We were life long friends who met in the 40's. Through grade school, high school and adult life this friendship remained true. Bob,Bootsie,"Jig-

Butt" , whatever he was called, I always called him friend. The last time I saw him was here at my home two years ago and we had a great time reminiscing. We were walking out of a restaurant when he said,

"You know Dave, there was a time when I turned a few heads when I walked down the street, it doesn't happen anymore! I don't know why!"

I guess that was Bob's life in a nutshell. He did a lot of things and who knows why? But Dear God allow him one more turn of the head and let it be yours as you beckon him into your "Heavenly Kingdom" and grant him eternal life. Tell him his "old pal" Dave is praying for him as I have been every day of my life.

Good Bye, Bobbie

Family and Friends,

Bob was one of the first persons I met at Logan Group 5. He was so young and I admired his words, his thinking and his demeanor. Handsome to boot. Throughout the years we shared our ups and downs and he continued to be a positive person.



This time has been difficult for all who loved him and the joyous news that he is released and home with God enhances our belief that we will all meet again.

Peace and love.<

My condolences to the Whaley family. Bob was a huge part of the lives of my father and my sister. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this difficult time.

Our hearts are very sad by Bob's death. Bob has been a very dear friend since 1975. We've traveled many paths together, both up and down. We've been blessed with his love and friendship. He will be missed but not forgotten by us both. We've shared so much in this life. Our prayers go out to the family members today and always.