;)
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)
Sending my sympathy, Melissa. You and Rob's whole family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa, I have followed Rob's Blog for months now and I just wanted to tell you how amazing you are! What a challenge you have had! I lost my husband suddenly several years ago at the age of 43, so while I do not understand all you have been through in the day to day process, I do understand your unimaginable loss and just want to send you and your sweet family love and positive energy. I will keep you in my prayers!
Words cannot express my deep sorrow for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My heart goes out to you as I read this but at the same time I am rejoicing that he is no longer suffering. I will be praying for you in the days ahead as you start a new chapter and face those things that you can no longer share with him. I love you and will be remembering you as the Lord continues to bring you to mind.
I have read Rob's blog and prayed for you through my friend, Matt Montgomery. The grace and peace he had through all of his illness were a testimony to his faith and God's faithfulness. I can see he leaves behind an amazing legacy. My prayers are with you and your kids as you go through the painful adjustment to him no longer being here. His love and the Lord's will never leave you. ❤
Our deepest condolences. Rob was an inspiration, and you two set an example of faith, love, and strength that is just incredible. I grieve for your family today, and I will hold you all in my thoughts. Please let us, this informal but huge community of supporters, know if there is anything we can do, today and into the future.
Melissa, I don't know you-I served with Rob in high school in the student body as the ASB Treasurer. My heart is aching for you and your family and we are praying for you. I'm crying as I write this. I have so admired your journey together. We lost a daughter when she was 4, and even though she's not with us in body there are times when I know she is here with us, celebrating those moments and watching her brothers and sister. I will continue to pray that you will be uplifted and have strength. When we lost our Emily people told us we were so strong to go through what we did, and I'd respond that I didn't have a choice, but i've realized we did have a choice in how we responded by choosing hope, and I have so admired the choice that you and Rob have made to walk forward with faith in Christ. Thank you for your example, and for Rob's example.
I didn't know Robert personally but had been following his blog posts. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. He seemed like a wonderful person.
The pain he described sounded excruciating. That he no longer has to be in pain is one source of comfort. I wish your family the best and hope you find comfort despite this difficult time.
Melissa, We never got a chance to meet Rob though we have known you for a long time. Reading the blog we feel we got to know Rob in a small way and know he was a man a God. We know that he is rejoicing with our Savior now. We will continue to keep you and the family in our prayers.
Melissa we never met but I knew Rob from school. I know words are shallow when our grief is so deep, but I wanted to say that Rob was one of the good ones. Where he is now there is no more pain, no more cancer. We will miss him, but we will see him again. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Melissa, my condolences to you, your kids and the entire Yale family. No words really. A great, great human being and truly special person.
Melissa, praying for you, your children and Rob's parents for this heartbreaking loss. I have such fond memories of Rob from school- he was truly a remarkable person and we're all the better for having known him. Sincerest condolences during this tragic time.
Melissa and Family, Yesterday my prayer to our Heavenly Father was for Rob not to suffer with this disease and to give him and his family comfort and strength in His love. Today as I read your post, I feel my prayer was answered. Rob is healed in Heaven, walking with Jesus and other loved ones, now in a glorious place. No more pain or suffering. Now our prayers are turned to you and family as you deal with the gap of time away from Rob, and this loss in your life here on earth. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you all. May Gods strength carry you through and take any worries away.
In Christs love,
Jaemi
Always running ahead. You will be missed my friend. But I will see you again in awhile.
Have been praying and will continue to pray for you and your family, Melissa. Praying for strength in the upcoming days.
From God he has come, and to Him he has returned. My deepest sympathies. And condolences for you and the family Melissa.
Have no words to express my feelings and
condolences on the sad demise. Dr Yale
inspired me a lot in a way he fought against a
Deadly disease with such bravery and with
True love to the almighty GOD. He was true
servant of God. May he rest in peace!
Arif. Pakistan
Melissa, I am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for you and your family and will continue to do so. Praying God will make his presence very real and comfort you in ways that only He can. Love, Kendall
Rob was an inspirational mentor to me during my time at Purdue. He will be sorely missed by all those who had the honor of knowing him. I pray for the family he leaves behind as they adjust to this tremendous loss. Rob my friend, my mentor rest in peace.
Melissa, we are so very sad at your loss. We pray that you and your family will have the arms of Jesus wrapped around you in comfort and love. Just from reading Rob's blogs, his courage and testimony for the Lord clearly shined through. And I pray will continue to touch lives even though he is in heaven. Just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Arnie and JoAnn Harvey
To God be the glory!
I am so sad to hear this news, though I am, of course, happy that Rob is no longer in any pain. I loved Rob as a 7th and 8th grader. he was a vital part of our class, as he was bright, funny, thoughtful, and sensitive. I know that he grew into an equally amazing, beloved man, husband, and father, and I am so sorry for your loss. Sending many blessings and hugs.
I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers for your family. Dr. Yale was one of the best professors I had at UD and he made a great impact not only in my life but other UD students as well. He will be deeply missed! R.I.P Dr. Yale!
Dear Melissa & family, Rob was a high school friend of my daughter, Anna Puls (Bobb). My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you as you continue on without your beloved Rob. May the Lord comfort you all and continue to sustain you until you can be together again. Psalm 46 says "God is our refuge and strength". May He strengthen you each day. With love & prayers.
Mellissa- our thoughts and our prayers are with you in the new season in life. Clint and Cathy - joel and I can't imagine loss at this time, your love for Rob (and Melissa) was evident. You are all in our prayers.