We met in Heidelberg, Germany in 1993 and enjoyed many skiing adventures in the Alps. Wishing you blue skies and powder, Bob. May his memory be a blessing to his family, friends and colleagues. With our condolences, Keena Butcher and David Kaufman. Aviano, Italy.
A big hole has been left in all our hearts when we heard of your passing Bob. So many of cannot think of Heidelberg without remembering you. Thanks for the many memories over the years. It was always fun to ski with you and to chit chat back and forth, always trying to figure out history and the world we live in today! You will be so missed. Rest in peace my friend.
We knew him as “Ski Bumb Bob” or AKA “Lymph Roid” – If you were skiing or hashing in Heidelberg in the 1990’s you knew Bob, his laugh and his stories will be with us forever, he was a Heidelberg legend. RIP Soldier.
Even though I am 9 years older and didn’t see him often, I will always remember the young cousin who was fascinated with all things military. He spent most of his life living out that dream. I know our entire family is grateful for your years of service. Our grandfather, an Italian immigrant who treasured his American citizenship, would be especially proud that his grandson chose to serve the country he so loved. RIP Bob, I will miss sharing family history with you on FaceBook! Kathleen Connelly Fowler
I wanted to share a career summary provided to me by Rick Kuenning. Bobs greatest honor and contribution was his military service. Bob’s active duty military career was highlighted by two key assignments. After earning a Masters Degree in History from Stanford University, he taught history at the country’s premier military school, the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. He then played an active role in that same history, serving as commander of a tank unit in the 2d Brigade, 3rd Armored Division, in Gelnhausen, West Germany, near the German border with the Soviet Union. In this role, he participated in the long history of the Division in supporting the national defense of his country and the free world. Stationed near the Fulda Gap, the main approach route from the east into Western Germany, the Brigade served as a major force of the striking power of the U.S. Army, dedicated to the defense of the United States and the free world during the height of the Cold War. It is here that the Brigade was given the nickname “Spartans,” an ancient warrior title that Bob fully appreciated. Bob finished his active duty life in Heidelberg Germany, where he retired, took off his uniform and immediately continued his work as a planner in Headquarters, United States Army Europe (USAREUR). His work supported the dynamic post-Cold-War work of USAREUR during the turbulent years following the end of the Cold War, the enlargement of NATO, the U.S. and international response to the 9/11 attacks in New York, known as the Global War on Terror (GWOT). During this time, his planning supported units deploying into the Balkans, the Mideast and Central Asia. He ended his long career in national security as a strategic analyst with the J7 Directorate of Analysis and Assessments in U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) in Stuttgart, Germany. In this vital position, he worked with a small team of experts to provide senior military and civilian leaders the status of U.S., NATO and European security within the entire continent. He retired a second time from his Defense Department work in June 2020, receiving the Joint Civilian Meritorious Service medal, his 40-year government service award, and his retirement pin. Bob’s dedication to national security, his experience as a Cold Warrior, his skill as an historian, and his focused analytic and writing capabilities allowed him to contribute to both U.S. and Allied work to maintain the peace, stability and prosperity that sustained the West during a time of unprecedented change and challenge.
I met Bob in 2000 during a ski trip with the HISC (Heidelberg International Ski Club) . from there on and during the next 20+ years we became good Friends. We skied a lot of slopes together! Bob was our resident ski slope restaurant/bar expert. Any ski area in Europe and he could get you to the best restaurant/Pub on the slope. Bob did enjoy life! You will be missed. (some Pics from those last 20 years)
In December 2004, I made my way to Arabba in the Italian Dolomites where I met Bob. We spent many Christmas’ together skiing and enjoying some fine meals in the mountains. His charm and delightful stories will forever be a part of some of best times in my life. I will surely miss my ski companion and dear friend.
Met Bob randomly in 2006. After a five minute conversation with him, we were away skiing for the day (very Bob!) and the rest is history. Years of meeting in random countries for powder food and beers. A great conversationalist, would regale you with stories all day and well into any night. A genuinely unique warm fun loving person. He was always great company and he never missed a birthday or a st Patricks day msg in all the years since. He truly lived and enjoyed life and the world is a much worse place without his loud laugh, great craic and just all round good fun. Its still hard to believe this star has gone out but boy did he shine. Rest well my friend.
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services
We were honored to meet such a kind man whenever he walked through the neighborhood. Our prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
We met in Heidelberg, Germany in 1993 and enjoyed many skiing adventures in the Alps. Wishing you blue skies and powder, Bob. May his memory be a blessing to his family, friends and colleagues. With our condolences, Keena Butcher and David Kaufman. Aviano, Italy.
A big hole has been left in all our hearts when we heard of your passing Bob. So many of cannot think of Heidelberg without remembering you. Thanks for the many memories over the years. It was always fun to ski with you and to chit chat back and forth, always trying to figure out history and the world we live in today! You will be so missed. Rest in peace my friend.
We knew him as “Ski Bumb Bob” or AKA “Lymph Roid” – If you were skiing or hashing in Heidelberg in the 1990’s you knew Bob, his laugh and his stories will be with us forever, he was a Heidelberg legend. RIP Soldier.
Even though I am 9 years older and didn’t see him often, I will always remember the young cousin who was fascinated with all things military. He spent most of his life living out that dream. I know our entire family is grateful for your years of service. Our grandfather, an Italian immigrant who treasured his American citizenship, would be especially proud that his grandson chose to serve the country he so loved. RIP Bob, I will miss sharing family history with you on FaceBook! Kathleen Connelly Fowler
I wanted to share a career summary provided to me by Rick Kuenning. Bobs greatest honor and contribution was his military service. Bob’s active duty military career was highlighted by two key assignments. After earning a Masters Degree in History from Stanford University, he taught history at the country’s premier military school, the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. He then played an active role in that same history, serving as commander of a tank unit in the 2d Brigade, 3rd Armored Division, in Gelnhausen, West Germany, near the German border with the Soviet Union. In this role, he participated in the long history of the Division in supporting the national defense of his country and the free world. Stationed near the Fulda Gap, the main approach route from the east into Western Germany, the Brigade served as a major force of the striking power of the U.S. Army, dedicated to the defense of the United States and the free world during the height of the Cold War. It is here that the Brigade was given the nickname “Spartans,” an ancient warrior title that Bob fully appreciated. Bob finished his active duty life in Heidelberg Germany, where he retired, took off his uniform and immediately continued his work as a planner in Headquarters, United States Army Europe (USAREUR). His work supported the dynamic post-Cold-War work of USAREUR during the turbulent years following the end of the Cold War, the enlargement of NATO, the U.S. and international response to the 9/11 attacks in New York, known as the Global War on Terror (GWOT). During this time, his planning supported units deploying into the Balkans, the Mideast and Central Asia. He ended his long career in national security as a strategic analyst with the J7 Directorate of Analysis and Assessments in U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) in Stuttgart, Germany. In this vital position, he worked with a small team of experts to provide senior military and civilian leaders the status of U.S., NATO and European security within the entire continent. He retired a second time from his Defense Department work in June 2020, receiving the Joint Civilian Meritorious Service medal, his 40-year government service award, and his retirement pin. Bob’s dedication to national security, his experience as a Cold Warrior, his skill as an historian, and his focused analytic and writing capabilities allowed him to contribute to both U.S. and Allied work to maintain the peace, stability and prosperity that sustained the West during a time of unprecedented change and challenge.
Wow, Liz, I knew some of this but not nearly the extent of his service. It is impressive!
I met Bob in 2000 during a ski trip with the HISC (Heidelberg International Ski Club) . from there on and during the next 20+ years we became good Friends. We skied a lot of slopes together! Bob was our resident ski slope restaurant/bar expert. Any ski area in Europe and he could get you to the best restaurant/Pub on the slope. Bob did enjoy life! You will be missed. (some Pics from those last 20 years)
In December 2004, I made my way to Arabba in the Italian Dolomites where I met Bob. We spent many Christmas’ together skiing and enjoying some fine meals in the mountains. His charm and delightful stories will forever be a part of some of best times in my life. I will surely miss my ski companion and dear friend.
With heartfelt condolences,
Met Bob randomly in 2006. After a five minute conversation with him, we were away skiing for the day (very Bob!) and the rest is history. Years of meeting in random countries for powder food and beers. A great conversationalist, would regale you with stories all day and well into any night. A genuinely unique warm fun loving person. He was always great company and he never missed a birthday or a st Patricks day msg in all the years since. He truly lived and enjoyed life and the world is a much worse place without his loud laugh, great craic and just all round good fun. Its still hard to believe this star has gone out but boy did he shine. Rest well my friend.
Military Honors Burial is scheduled for Friday, August 26, 2022 at Houston National Cemetery at 9:45am.