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No longer with us in body
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 1:58AM It is with great sorrow that I write this update. Rob, also well known as Dr. Yale and Daddy, died in his sleep early morning on April 25, 2017.
On Sunday, he started wearing the oxygen cannula because he was finding it so difficult to breathe on his own and he had lost almost all control of his hands. Yet, he still had his dad and I typing responses to many of the messages and texts he received. He was still making plans to have visitors and phone conversations. One of the many things I loved about him.
Rob was always the one with the right words and the compeling narrative, so I will just say that he may be gone in body but his teachings, both in and out of the classroom, will live on in all who knew him. For me, he taught me most about trust, love, and friendship. Those are the three words I had engraved in his wedding band, but they are so much more true today after twelve years of marriage. He lived his life as an outpouring of God's love in him.
Thank you so much for the overwhelming support that has been given to us over the past year. Rob and I were speechless so many times by the generosity of funds, food, and time. Details of the memorial service will follow once it is scheduled.
Reader Comments (63)
Melissa, I have been praying for you and Rob and your family. I will continue to pray for you during this time. Many hugs from afar.
Rob's grace during his journey this past year was admirable and truly a reminder to always live life in the present. May you and your family be surrounded by those whom you "trust, love, and find friendship", to give you much needed strength and support during this difficult time.
Thank you for updating us. Prayers for you and your kids.
My husband Rob Walsh is Rob's next door neighbor at the office. We have been following Rob's blog and praying for him over the past year, and will continue to keep you and your children in our prayers. Love and peace.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Rob's work really shapes my semester-long classes and has made a measurable difference to hundreds of students in my programs alone. May the warm memories you have sustain you through this terrible time.
So sorry to hear it. Praying for you folks! May God grant peace, comfort, hope.
I prayed for him at every night I could in my family Rosary Nights.
He was the only fun teacher in UD and that is why I will continue to pray for him.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for you and your family, and will continue to do so.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I know these words may seem so empty but I feel you. I know what you are going through and even though you don't know me, I knew Robert as a friend of friends from Purdue. I wish all of Robert's loving family strength of mind, courage, and peace. Hugs.
Though Rob may be gone from this world, but his legacy - the good he's done, the lives he's touched - will live on.
Thank you for allowing us to be a part of his last journey.
I'm thinking of Dr. Yale's family and want tham to know that friends and strangers alike hold them dear in our prayers.
Dear Melissa,
Given that I was there for the service, I can tell you he was there as the soul of every student who considered him a friend. As a student whose favorite class was Yale's in the single year at UD, I want to say how sad it makes me to know he isn't on Earth. Regardless, to this day my grandmother, my mom, and I name him in our Rosaries when we pray them.
God Bless Robert Yale and his wonderful family. He who made me a better person for having him as a professor in my single year of university is in my prayers.
Sincerely Yours,
Manuel Mirabal
I have felt compelled to comment here, almost 6 years later. I stumbled upon this blog in searching for information about hospice beds for my grandmother who started the hospice process yesterday. We were trying to decide if we should just keep her in her recliner or have them bring the bed… Rob’s post and picture have made it abundantly clear that is what we should do. But with reading that post, I became intrigued in Rob’s journey and enjoyed reading some posts and to read of Rob’s unwavering faith in The Lord and see the impact that had on those around him. As a believer, I was so touched and encouraged by his, and your family’s, trust and strength. As I am thinking on all that has transpired globally since Rob’s passing, I imagine your family has had your own very difficult journey since Rob went on to be with our Father, and I just felt a nudge to let you know that, 6 years later, Rob’s legacy, and your family, is still seen, heard, and prayed for. God bless each of you and I pray you find great comfort, hope and joy in each passing day as we all continue on our own journeys toward our day of redemption with Christ our Lord and Savior. <3