Robert John WILLKOM

WILLKOM, Robert John 79, of Oro Valley, Arizona, passed away peacefully January 1, 2018 after a five month battle with brain cancer. Born January 28, 1938 in St. Paul, Minnesota to George and Marion, Bob served in the U.S. Marines and later as a Computer Operations Director at Gould National Battery for over thirty years.  His life was marked with adventure, passion and purpose.  Bob ran marathons, flew ultra light planes and loved to experience the world through travel, often riding his motorcycle cross country.  He shared his love of nature through volunteering at Tohono Chul Park.  These interests however pale in comparison to the love Bob had for his family who were truly the light of his life.  Bob pursued meaningful relationships with his family, choosing to demonstrate a selfless love for everyone, and showing this love through action. Bob accepted Jesus as his savior and it was as an outpouring of this love and relationship that Bob lovingly served the special needs community at Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) weekly and regularly with Special Touch Tucson Chapter.  Bob also shared his love of Jesus by serving orphans and lepers at the Temple of Love in India.  Finally, Bob cherished his small group families at OVCN who became a lifeline in his final days.  Bob is survived by his loving wife, Patricia; brother, Richard (Sandy); sons, Gary (Tammie) and Thomas (Teresa); and daughter, Lisa (Tom).  He was an amazing grandfather to his grandchildren, Olivia, Max, Isabel, Andy, Emily and Jack.  Bob was preceded in death by his parents, George and Marion and his brother, Mickey.  A Celebration of Life service and lunch will be held this Friday, January 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene-Main Sanctuary,  500 W. Calle Concordia, Oro Valley, AZ 85704.