On the morning of May 6th, Rob called his mom into the room and said, “Mom, I think the cat died.” “What cat?” “This cat.” Dad came into the room and asked, “What was that?” to which Rob responded, “I was talking to Mom.”
Later, mom and dad had Rob’s uncle Hans go in to ask if Rob wanted to blow off his Cancer Clinic appointment and he said no. By the time they got to the clinic, he was unresponsive but received his last infusion of platelets and blood. Hospice provided transportation back to the apartment in the late afternoon. We were all together when his breathing slowed down and he finally came to rest at 9:50 pm.
Rob has left some instructions for the family and we will continue to update this blog with information about the memorial service(s).
And his beard is still better than yours.
Love,
Erika, John and Gretchen
Later, mom and dad had Rob’s uncle Hans go in to ask if Rob wanted to blow off his Cancer Clinic appointment and he said no. By the time they got to the clinic, he was unresponsive but received his last infusion of platelets and blood. Hospice provided transportation back to the apartment in the late afternoon. We were all together when his breathing slowed down and he finally came to rest at 9:50 pm.
Rob has left some instructions for the family and we will continue to update this blog with information about the memorial service(s).
And his beard is still better than yours.
Love,
Erika, John and Gretchen
posted by rob | 11:35 AM
12 Comments:
I don't have a beard, but if I were a man, I would envy his.
Love to you all, here and "there".
Since he's in the ocean and out of contact, I'm sending Ivan's sympathies and love in his place, along with my own. Ivan knew Rob better than I did, but he seemed like a wonderful person. I know that he will be greatly missed.
I think one thing that shows how amazing Rob was is that no matter what he STILL didn't blow off his cancer treatment appointment.
A wonderful, generous spirit--ready wit, sly grin, discerning soul. Those who knew Rob through the University Honors Program mourn this loss--condolences to all.
-Stephan Flores
Today I visited all the places on campus that reminded my of Rob... I touched the senior studio doors and the wall he presented on in Ridenbaugh... I gave my respects to the drawing studio where we made movies for Ivan and Greg's art history class... and remembered all the things he was passionate about... the silly things he used to say about us "designers"... and how he was a designer at heart...
I remember the first time I met Rob. My German class paired up with his French class and we were supposed to teach each other something. He tried to teach me how to swear in French and we talked about Monty Python. :)
An remarkable young man. His loss is felt very deeply. May God hold your bereft hearts gently in the hollow of His hand and bring you to peace.
This is for Rob's mother. I am the mom of one of Rob's many friends. I did not know him but it is so obvious that he is indeed a very special person. My heart goes out to you on this Mothers Day. I am hoping your many happy memories will bring some bright moments to your day and that you can take great pride in the widespread joy your son has brought to everyone.
I want to share two thoughts, though they aren't really connected. First, I think Rob would be getting a kick out of the fact that his death has galvanized this middle-aged blogophobic guy to go to his blog to post about him. However, I also want to convey a bit about Rob and this is the venue that is available. On one of his other blogs Rob opens with a sarcastic comment about his 'hordes of admirers' Well, I was one of those admirers. I had Rob in at least three classes (and many hours in my office beyond that) and he was everything you could want in a student. I admired him becaue he is perhaps the student that has come closest to embodying the ideal of 'learning for learning sake' I took great joy in knowing Rob on so many levels. I ache that he is gone and my thoughts go out to the friends and family that he was closest to.
with love,
Mark Warner
My heart goes out to you all. Rob was a very special young man whom I have admired since I first met him when he was about 6 or 7. I think Erika was 3 or 4 (age-related CRS moment here). What stands out for me was his certainty when I asked him his name. He emphatically stated "I'm Robert Harder. Call me Robbie, though. And this is my sister Erika." Even then he was trying to upstage you, Erika!:>) It was that spunk and spirit I admired, and I loved his fearless quirkiness. I cannot even imagine what you are going through Gretchen and John. It's just unthinkable for parents to lose a child. Know that "Robbie" made a difference in the world, and touched many lives in ways we will not know. He lived his dreams with gusto - and that's more than most of us can say. My thoughts have been with you often, even though my body is still unwilling to sit at a desk more than is necessary. For you all have my deep and unrelenting love and sympathy, as well as from Gary, Kim and April. Love always, Kay
P.S. He never gave up or surrendered - way to go, Rob, you give inspiration to all of us!
To the Family of Rob:
I am deeply saddened by Rob's passing. He was truly an artist at heart. I loved having him in my art class at Southridge and as a colleague after his graduation.
His return visits to Southridge were very insightful. I will never forget the chained vest that he created in class. What an imaginative/inventive guy.
Jonah Maysam, Art Teacher SrHS
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