Robert E. Whaley

Barb, this morning winter finally found us here in Wisconsin, and I was telling my officemate that it was officially here because I wore my gloves for the first time. I told her how Bob used to say that if I didn’t wear gloves, he’d make an independent decision to wear or not wear them himself; that if I wore gloves, he wore mittens; and that if I wore mittens he would stay home. I realized I hadn’t touched bases with Bob in a long time, so went to google him and maybe find a facebook page or something when I found this notice.

I’m so sorry for your loss, Barbara. In the three years I knew Bob and hunted with him, I came to realize what a special person he was. From talking to him, I knew also how special was the bond between the two of you, and then with Tyler who came to you at that time. I’ve never been as comfortable hunting with someone (and in a duck blind for hours on end, you get to know how compatible two people are very quickly) as I was with Bob, and I cherish our discussions of just about everything under the sun.

I remember our “double date” at the movie “Absence of Malice” (you and Jane picked the Paul Newman picture that night!) just before Tyler came to you. So many memories, Barbara, and all good.

Tyler, you were just a wee baby when I held you before we moved from Pueblo, but if you’ve followed in your father’s footsteps, you’re a man I’d spend hours with in a duck blind, too.

My heartfelt condocences to Barbara and Tyler on the loss of their loved one. Bob was a friend and a colleague with whom I worked for over 20 years. His sudden death was a schock and I shall miss him but know that he is at peace

From the Thompson family. Peace to Barbara, Odie and all family members. Honor to Bob for his career of service to others.

Dear Barb and Tyler, You are in my thoughts and prayers this week. As I reflect on the memories of Bob, his leadership, wisdom, and delightful sense of humor, I know how much more he will be missed by his family. God be with you.
Donna Maurer
SEBHG

Barb, I was so saddened to read of your husband’s death. I offer you my deepest sympathy and hope that you will take good care of yourself in your grief. I am thinking of you.

Barb and Tyler – my heartfelt condolences to you. I very much enjoyed the times I was around Bob – learning from him at meetings, talking about his hunting trips, listening to how much he “enjoyed” the zip-line with you. He was a great story-teller. Bob worked hard and definitely lived life. He will be greatly missed.

Dear Barbara & Tyler,
I was introduced to Bob several years ago here in La Junta. What an outstanding gentleman, kind, caring, along with his God given talent to take good care of all people. My sincere condolences. Marlene Nicklos

Bob has been a mentor to me for the past 13 years. He supported me in becoming a Colorado Trust Fellow, and made the drive all the way to Denver for the ceremony. He was an expert at reading people and knowing where they fit in his organization. It’s true that “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” (Maya Angelou). Bob always made me feel like an important part of his team. I will miss his sense of humor, his teasing, and his self-proclaimed “Irish temper”. Mostly I will miss his leadership, vision and decisiveness. My condolences to you, Barbara and Tyler.

Mimi and I offer our sympathies and condolences to you, Barbara and Tyler, for the loss of Bob. He was a giant in his chosen field but was always, first and foremost, a family man. He will be greatly missed. Please call upon us if we can be of any help or comfort in this most difficult of times for you.

The mental health community has lost a staunch advocate and leader.

My condolences to the Whaley family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of grief. Bob was an outstanding and generous Executive Director to work for and he will be truly missed.

Barb and Tyler, my heart broke for you this morning as I read of Bob’s death. What a tragedy. With sincere sympathy, Lynne and Randy

My father and Bob worked for years together at SEFGMH here in La Junta. They had a strong working relationship; although Bob was his boss, he and dad enjoyed their “talks” together. I remember when dad became sick from Lou Gehrig’s disease Bob was there to offer assistance and was about as shocked of the news as we were. Finally dad passed away and I remember Bob being at the funeral, paying his respects to my father. They enjoyed their time together, and I am glad I was able to meet Bob and get to know such a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sadness. Take care and God bless.

I feel so fortunate to be able to call Bob my best friend. We met in college right after I returned from Vietnam and got out of the U.S. Army. Our love of the out of doors (hunting, fishing and shooting) enabled us to do many things together over the years. I will miss our phone conversations (weekly) and most of all I will miss our hunting trips. We had many good times and I’m so sorry that they had to come to an end. God Bless you and Tyler Barbara. You know I will be here if you need me. Your friend Jim Ashmore.