Robert John’s family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I went through a similar situation and I was very helped by the hope that I found in the Bible in John 5: 28, which says, "Do not amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I am sending you a link with more information on this hope.
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/awake-no3-2018-nov-dec/
Dear Family, I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. My sincere condolences to you. May you think of the many beautiful memories that you shared with Robert, and cherish those precious moments. May the God of all comfort caress your heart with his living promise to one day reunite you together again, in the future paradise mentioned at Revelation 21:4,5. Our Dear Heavenly Father Jehovah (Psalms 83:18) knows the many tears you cry, and He will sustain you, if you let him. I hope that you can find comfort during this difficult time. If you would like to learn more from the bible about why we die or why does our loving Heavenly Father allow so much suffering and injustice, please feel free to go to jw.org to find satisfying answers.
On behalf of the members of Flotilla 13-04 Ocean Reef I wish to express my sincere condolences for your loss. When I moved to the Keys nine years ago, it was Bob who "took me under his wing" so to speak and helped me pass the boat coxswain qualification tests that were required to keep your rating in the Keys. He was "the" teacher for many of our flotilla members. He and I would always trade stories while on patrol about our New Jersey days, as I was also born in New Jersey, and it got to be "so bad" that other flotilla members joked about NOT going out on patrol with Bob and I as they could not stand it!! Great times that I will miss.
He was also the person I would "go to" if I had a question about an Auxiliary policy etc that I could not find or understand. He never refused or became impatient with many silly question I had. It was part of his nature to help you. Again, I will miss our conversations.
The USCG Auxiliary in the Keys has lost an outstanding member, mentor and friend
Respectfully,
Peter Liashek Jr.
Flotilla Commander
Flotilla 13-04 Ocean Reef
My prayers are with you and your family’s at this time of loss. I served with Bob in the Acillary. He was a dedicated leader and a genuinely nice person. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Pete Ihrig
Bob was my mentor and leader when I first joined 13-08. He was an exceptional Commander and friend. I will miss him terribly. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy. Carole, ❤️❤️
PZ
As you know Bob and I met through the Coast Guard after he retired to spend his
winters in Florida. His enthusiasm and willingness to help made him a special
person. All you had to do was ask and he would help.
His engaging personality drew people to him.. I always looked forward to a visit.
He will be missed.
My sympathy to your whole family. Loosing someone close is heart breaking You all, Adults and Children are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Bob, was a fantastic friend, helpful person and often joked around. The memories are plenty and all happy ones. RIP Bob; God Bless your family and friends.
One of my favorite stories to tell even to this day was about Mr. Hoffman. One day long ago Derek, Kurt, Bobby and I went out to sea to go scuba diving. Now anyone who knows me knows that I love the sea but the sea doesn’t love me back, but on this day I had great sea legs. While Derek and Kurt swam around the oceans bottom he and I spoke of his days as a Watchung Fireman. The stories got interrupted because he realized that even with our anchor down we were moving. Seems the boys were having a go at the old man. While he was try to diagnose the situation off our starboard side, a sudden storm squall was sending a huge wave at us off the port stern. In a very screeching way I yelled “ Mr Hoffman” well he looked back and in seconds the man was able to use one hand on the wheel, one hand on the back of my neck, and his foot to throttle the boat around so that the wave separated over our bow. I will never have the words to caption this as it occurred only to say to this day his actions were Awesome.
