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Robert Caldwell Obituary

Firefighter Robert Caldwell, 23, was killed June 30, 2013, while fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire near Prescott, Ariz.

Published by The Arizona Republic from Jul. 1 to Jul. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Caldwell

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130 Entries

Valenda Newell

November 7, 2016

To The Family,
I am 62 years old and am not ashamed to say that firefighting is a job that I've always feared. However, I've always admired those who are Firefighters. These guys are caring and courageous people. I'm so sorry that this terrible tragedy happened. Please accept my deepest thoughts of sympathy. God bless you.

Sincerely,
Mr. Terry

December 3, 2015

My God Linda.....so sorry I didn't hug you........he must have had all your kindness............Deana.........and to your sister.............

Deana Carol

January 30, 2014

Claire- I know your time with Robert was all too brief. You seemed like kindred spirits. May you find the strength to carry on Robert's light and live your life to the fullest as I am sure he would want you to.

Trisha

December 4, 2013

Dear loved ones of Robert,
It has been nearly six months since this horrific tragedy. My prayer is for you to continue to endure in spite of the emotional pain that greets you each day. May you be comforted in knowing that our heavenly father knows how you feel and listens intently if you call on him and come and pray to him, he listens and will calm your heart. – Jeremiah 29:12

Kathleen

November 30, 2013

August 15, 2013

The world is full of men, but what of men noble and true?
Can you say that you have known such a man?
These  men are far too few.
But let me tell you a a story,
About a team of men
Who left behind a legacy 
That will not be forgotten.
Highly trained, 
They  passed every test,
Chosen to fight wild fires, 
They  were called the best.
One scorching June day in 2013,
When a wildfire raged 
The Hotshots were called upon
 To battle the fiery blaze.
Armed with tools and heavy gear, 
 They set out in their prime,
No job too hard for these men,
No hill too tall to climb.
Command  was set, plans were made
To tackle the fire's wrath
But winds shifted unexpectedly
And they were trapped in the fire's path.
19 men were caught that day,
The fire drew quickly near
Though they knew they were truly trapped,
Not a one showed fear.
Dig your shelters, men came the command,
Each one knew what this meant
They dug with haste and with one final look 
They took to their tents.
Then let us look away,
For we cannot bear
What came to each one next,
Each man endured in those fiery moments,
His final Hotshot test.
And when the aid finally found the men,
The blackened landscape bore
The testimony of death everywhere,
And the men who were no more.
Oh children, your father was so brave, 
A man who did his best
In work excelled, he fought to save, 
withstanding every test.
Dear widow, may you never shed 
another tear at some unhappy strife
For you've suffered enough dread
The day your husband lost his life.
Young sweetheart, your hopes and dreams
Lay in ashes,  from the fire's wrath
May you find hope and dream once more 
Though sorrow has changed your path.
Sad mother, your beautiful son, 
your joy and your pride
Whom you succored with patient love,
has bravely lived and bravely died.
Two prayers I pray for you, the first,
Though all hope now seem dim
May you have a hope in God,
And place your trust in Him.
Second, May something good, 
Something beautiful and strong
Emerge from this tragic loss
From something that went so wrong.
Then like a Phoenix from the ashes
May these men and their noble deeds
Live, for love is stronger than death,
In the lives of those who who stop here to read.
-Michelle Kendall and Family, Barnet, Vermont

August 10, 2013

August 9, 2013

August 9, 2013

To the Family & Friends
of Mr. Caldwell
Please accept my deepest
sympathy in the loss of
Your HERO. May He Rest In
Peace. May God comfort You
during this difficult time.
Sincerely

Sandee Garza Schock

August 7, 2013

Dave, sending you and your family all love. I am so sorry for your loss of your son and nephew. What wonderful kind looking beautiful young men. Brave young men. Our council rock class of 76 have cried and are praying for you all. Valli cheromcka

August 5, 2013

We are so sorry for your family's tragic loss and grateful for Robert's self sacrificing service. As you reflect on your wonderful memories we hope you can find comfort and strength in Gods promise to heal our pain and be rid of death forever, reuniting us with our loved ones
"And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore, the former things have passed away."
Much love to your family

Tatum

July 31, 2013

brave hero god bless pitts. pa

July 20, 2013

Dave & Linda

We are so sorry for your lost. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

RIP Robert

George & Lori Nalley

July 17, 2013

God bless and comfort you all and may he rest in peace. They are our heroes forever. Linda from Seattle and Prescott.

July 13, 2013

May the God of all comfort be with the family of Robert, Caldwell Thrugh this difficult time.

Isabel Verdugo

July 13, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with your family!

Adriana Veliz

July 12, 2013

"Lifting the family up in prayer"

Nikki Aloisio

July 12, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. God bless all of you

David & Judy Dustin

July 11, 2013

DEAR FAMILY , MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW . GOD BLESS YOU . REST IN PEACE FIREFIGHSTER CALDWELL.

BECKY EPLEY

July 11, 2013

A true hero, he was brave and a good person. The Caldwell's are true to family needs and very good hearted Robert will be missed very much. My Granfather was a Caldwell his name was Harold Lee Caldwell born and raised in Illinois after WW11 he moved to Tennessee werehe lived until he died in 92 to cancer my thoughts and prayer go out to the Caldwell family.

Robert Motley

July 10, 2013

He was a true hero. God Bless you all

Lilly Lamb

July 10, 2013

Words cannot express the sorrow of your loved one. My only hope is that Jesus Christ will comfort you and hold you near. The greatest thing to know is that he went straight to Heaven and is with Our Lord and Savior. May God give to all of you strength and courage throughout your lives. God Bless.

Alex Samora

July 10, 2013

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

Pennie & Tammy White

July 10, 2013

Not sure what to say at this time other than you and your family are in our prayers.

William Haro

July 10, 2013

God bless, comfort and keep the family of Robert. Each of these young men was unique and a hero. I pray for our firefighters each day.

PRAYER FOR FIREFIGHTERS

Bless the firefighters—one and ALL;
Go before them on each call.
Protect them as they serve our kind,
Saving lives with theirs on line.

By Your mercy and Your grace,
Keep their families truly safe.
Oh, may they never suffer harm
At the sound of the alarm.

Grant them wisdom, knowledge too—
All, dear Lord, which comes from You.
Daily be their shield and guide;
Never—ever—leave their side.

Strengthen now the hands that serve
With the blessings they deserve.
© 2001 by Walterrean Salley

July 9, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

LUCY GALLARDO

July 9, 2013

Dear Dave, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how much your Son meant to you! I loved when we were in Indiana and you would take the time to show pictures of your family including the ones of your Son and the fires he fought. I know how proud you were of him.. I will keep you and your Family in my thoughts and Prayers. He was a Hero.. God Bless you Dave. Your Son will not be forgotten, God Bless his fallen Brothers..

Kathy Doran

July 9, 2013

My deepest sympathy goes to the family, i didn't know Robert but i'm sure he did his job well. you were and are a HERO. God bless the family and give you comfort.

Maggie Villarreal

July 9, 2013

May God bless your family and give them comfort..what a great loss. you were/are a hero...thanks for your service. didn't know you but i know you served your state
rest in peace

Maggie Villarreal

July 9, 2013

Our deepest condolences to you the family and loved ones of this extraordinary young man. He has touched the hearts & minds of the world with his exemplary character,integrity, passion and dedication. He will not be forgotten. His life made a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. May the God of ALL Comfort - comfort you as only He can. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. With great respect,

Kevin and Tasha Heaton

July 8, 2013

Dave, there are no words to express my sorrow for your loss but please know you and your family are in my thoughts as you mourn Robert's passing. He was a true hero!!! God bless my friend.

Stephanie Bailey from LifeFlight

July 8, 2013

So sorry to lose this incredible young man. There is deep sadness in the hearts of Arizonans. We mourn with you.

Barbara Kolb

July 8, 2013

Find comfort in the cheerished memories that will live on of these Angels. These "19 HEROES OF THE FOREST" will never be forgotten." Keep the Faith. Many Blessings and Hugs.

Lynda Maleta

July 8, 2013

DAVE AND FAMILY,
-THERE ARE NO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE PAIN AND DISCOMFORT THAT THIS FAMILY AND THE OTHER 18 FALLEN HEROS FAMILIES ARE FEELING IN THIS TRAGEDY. OUR DEEPEST CONDOLONCES ARE WITH EACH AND EVERY FAMILY MEMBER AND ALSO THE “BROTHERS” CO-WORKERS OF THIS ELITE SQUAD.

CO-WORKERS FROM ERA HELICOPTERS, HOUMA BASE

July 8, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are will you. Our deepest sympathy.

Carl & Shirley Besner

July 8, 2013

This brave, young man will always be 23 years old. His frsh, smiling face will be in his family's and friends' memory always. Thank you, Robert Caldwell, for your courage and dedication!

Mary Sue Thomspon

July 8, 2013

So very sorry for your loss. A true American hero.

Eileen Andric

July 8, 2013

My son Mitchell,m spent 3 summers on an Inter-agency firefighting team in Wyoming. I hope there is some solace for you in knowing that all of this country grieves with you. May God Bless and keep you.
Karen

Karen Cobb

July 7, 2013

I did not know this young man. However, my prayers go out to this fine man named Robert, whose purpose was to be a HERO! May god wrap his loving arms around each of you in this time of sorrow. I am a grateful citizen.

Wanda Johnson

July 7, 2013

Dear Linda, Dave, and Taylor, There just aren't words to express our deepest sorrow for the devastating loss of Robert. Our hearts are broken. He was the dearest, sweetest little boy who grew up to be a courageous hero. We are so proud of him. Our love, thoughts,
and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. We miss you. Love, Kathy, Chris, and Josh Mould

Kathy Mould

July 7, 2013

To the Caldwell family- your all in my thoughts and prayers.

Joanie Allen

July 6, 2013

My son is about Robert's age & I'm praying that peace will replace your pain. I am proud of him and his wonderful attributes and courage. God bless all those who mourn his loss.

Diane

July 6, 2013

Dear Linda, Dave & Taylor, OMG We were sooo saddened to hear about Robert's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. We miss you very, very much and will pray that you make it through this terrible time. Your old friends, Donna, Bill, Billy, Sean & Kristian Benz XO ([email protected])

Donna Benz

July 5, 2013

May the Lord's light guide you through this difficult time and may it provide you some comfort to know that Robert was and will always be a hero.

Marjean Kinsey

July 5, 2013

Our deepest condolences. God welcomed all the Hotshots home.

Debbie Luevano

July 5, 2013

Praying for your family each and every day. We will always be indebted to you and Robert will always be a hero.

Kelly B

July 4, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family during this time of grief.

Miki

July 4, 2013

Dear Linda and family, know that at this very sad time our hearts grieves with you and for you. May God bless you and rest assured that Robert, your brave and wonderful son, is in Heaven in God's hand. We are so sorry for you. Silvia, John and family

John and Silvia Preston

July 4, 2013

Dave, Linda and Taylor: God Bless you all. What a wonderful young man Robert was. My prayers go out to all of you and his young new family. Peace be with you soon.

Phyllis Bekins-Bulger

July 4, 2013

With heavy hearts and our deepest sympathy the Miami, Florida, community is thinking of you during your time of sorrow. As you hold closely the cherished memories that you shared with Robert, may God comfort you and grant you inner peace while you await the hour in which all those in the memorial tomb will hear Jesus' voice and come out. Today, we are remembering Robert and offering our depth-less gratitude for the sacrifice that he made so that lives could be saved.

The Pratt Family

July 4, 2013

God takes the Best, rest in peace Robert. Family know now he is bigger than a fire fighter now, he is now your guardian angel for eternity!

The Grants

July 4, 2013

Sometimes heroes spend too little time walking among us but they are always with us. Our sincere sympathy on the loss of this American hero. Our prayers are with Robert's family.

Susan Patterson

July 4, 2013

I was a firefighter for 32yrs and i feel your loss. Such a tragic loss of a young mans life. May he rest in peace.

James Speirs

July 4, 2013

So very sorry for your loss of this BRAVE YOUNG MAN!

susan cowell

July 4, 2013

our prayers are with you

July 3, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

wayne tchida

July 3, 2013

Prayers from us in Vancouver, BC. So sorry for your loss. God takes some too early.
MR aka JettieG

July 3, 2013

So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way. God bless.

Marian m

July 3, 2013

July 3, 2013

Comfort the Bereaved
When earthbound days are done, and loved ones go beyond, Sometimes our Lord's promis for eternal life is hidden in grief and loneliness and strife, but, a sympathetic nod, a note that says, "I care", a gesture or a hand to hold will lift clouds of despair. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15. We are weeping with your family as you try to cope with this tragedy. Love Joyce, Peoria Az

July 3, 2013

angels are now with you as you left to soon. rip

July 3, 2013

My prayers are with you

Jaime Lederer

July 3, 2013

Sending my sincere condolences to you. May you find comfort in all your happy memories. There is another angel in heaven

July 3, 2013

Such a brave Young, Young man! Thank you for your service. You are truly a hero. Our prayers for you and your family. Love Joyce

July 3, 2013

Sending love and light to the Caldwell and McKee families, so sorry for your loss, the sorrow is profound. RIP Brother;
Chelsea Russell, Toronto Fire Services

Chelsea Russell

July 3, 2013

My sincere condolences for Robert Caldwell. May God bless the family during this time of grief. Each is a hero in the family !

Jenny Bruner

July 3, 2013

My heartfelt condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss; so very grateful for your sacrifice.

Carolyn Hettich

July 3, 2013

My deepest condolences to the family. These times of sorrow, may be very difficult. May the God of comfort be with your family. 2 Cor. 2:3,4.

July 3, 2013

I´M Very Sorry for your lost. God bless you and your family.
Regards from Venezuela.

Isaac Bula Urrutia

July 3, 2013

Stinnett Fire Department, Kentucky wishes to extend our sympathy to the family of Robert Caldwell. Our prayers are with you.

July 3, 2013

Sending you much love, and hope that you are granted strength in the coming days. Our sorrow is truly numbing, and our hearts are with you. Charlene and Mike Rathgeb, both with Toronto Fire Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Charlene Rathgeb

July 3, 2013

My condolences to the family for your loss. May you find comfort in the words found at Isaiah 14:7

July 3, 2013

My condolences GO OUT TO ROBERTS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AT THIS difficult time robert is a true hero god bless

Denis Hartley

July 3, 2013

Our sympathies,
May God of all oomfort strengthen and sustain you as you slowly and gradually recover from your loss. Robert was truly a brave man. We all would agree that our appreciation is heightened. Please know that we have the promise assurance of the resurrection.

Tucker

July 3, 2013

So sorry for the loss of this brave young man and his fellow HOTSHOTS.....God Bless

July 3, 2013

The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are in the thoughts and pr

July 3, 2013

So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Claire, Zion and all of Robert's family as well as the families of all the Granite Mountain Hotshots.

Sandy and Joe Secola

July 3, 2013

God Bless the Caldwell family during this difficult time. Bob is truly a hero for what he believed and for what he did.

Rich Reay of WHFD

July 3, 2013

What a profound loss for Robert's new wife, stepson and his remaining family and friends. My condolences to everyone experiencing the grief of his tragic passing. I respect, honor and appreciate Robert for the great sacrifice he made to protect others. He is a hero. May God wrap His comforting arms around all who are grieving from this tragedy. My thoughts are prayers are with you all.

July 3, 2013

I am so very sorry for your loss

linda shaffer

July 3, 2013

What a sweet young man. I hold you you close to my heart and send you love through this tragic time and I thank you so much for sharing Robert with us. He was so very brave. Peace be with you.

Robyn

July 2, 2013

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR LOVE ONES AND HOLD THEM IN THEIR TIME OF GRIEF

EDGAR& NELL BROWN

July 2, 2013

My heart goes out to all during this difficult time. Robert and Grant are true Heroes! Love, Nanette

Nanette Chessler

July 2, 2013

Dave, please accept our most sincere condolences for your loss. I know how proud you were of Robert and the awesome work he was doing. Phil and the crew at AirMed 1

Huth Phil

July 2, 2013

I am so saddened by your loss ...Our prayers are with you...

Craig Caldwell

July 2, 2013

sorry four your lost iam praying four your famile god be with you joanna vincent chandler

July 2, 2013

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Joyce Warner

July 2, 2013

may god comfort you souls at this moment .. he is with you and your family robert is now with the lord theres nothing to worry about. were praying for this family god bless you.

July 2, 2013

Heartbreaking news. I am so sorry for all of the family of these brave men. God Bless.

Teresa Winn

July 2, 2013

So very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Robert was a hero, and will never be forgotten.

Alexandria Napier

July 2, 2013

God Bless your family.
All of Arizona grieves with you.
With Deep Sympathy --

Carol Durkin

July 2, 2013

Praying for you that God will comfort you and give you peace during this time of tragic loss. I didn't know these men personally, but I know they had huge hearts, and were extremely courageous to do what they did.

Gigi Cirrincione

July 2, 2013

So very sorry for your loss. I read the story about Robert being from the Philly area. I have been here for 28 years but grew up in Philly and am still an Eagles Fan. My prayers go out to your family.

July 2, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. No words can help at this time but please remember we share in your loss. My husband, my oldest daughter, and myself are firefighters.

Monica Martin

July 2, 2013

A hero, now an Angel.......my heart grieves for you and your family Linda.

Deborah Calvert

July 2, 2013

A hero now an angel with respect and Gods hand to help you and your family cope with this

Norma Sanchez

July 2, 2013

Sorry for your loss of your love one"

rita barraza

July 2, 2013

May The Lord give you peace .
Thank you for being a hero .

The Russell family

July 2, 2013

I am so sorry for the great loss that your family has sustained with the passing of Robert. Please know that your family and his friends are in my thoughts and prayers. Prescott will never forget!

July 2, 2013

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