Robert Paul Shanewise

I am very proud of Uncle Bob, and I appreciate the comments others have written. I'm sure I would have liked to have gotten to know him.

…A life time fighter for the virtue of social, economical and educational justice to all and for all. Bob, you were the hope and the voice for the hopeless and voiceless. You have made a difference in the life of many people in many nations of the third world countries around the world.

The mountains across the ocean and the deep sea via Ethiopia (Addis Abeba at Black-Lion Hospital in the Department of Orthopedics, our neighbors, vicinity of Kebena river kebele 05), Eretria, Botswana, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand; Mexico, China, Canada, all Europe and Russia are echoing your voice and moving violently as they hear the news that you are departing. You were the living encyclopedia of world history and the voice of the voiceless for the poorest nations of the poorest country. Africa and Asia have lost you for now. We know you are an Angel and therefore, you will never die in the hearts of many. Your legacy will continue.

Thank-you for your genuine wish, help and optimism for bright future; unyielding guidance, emotional and financial support; the limitless courage, dedication, passion and love for us to have a better life. Most of all, you spent your golden time willingly without any hesitation and scarified the demanding American family life for the love of one thing: Seeing a better future for our son!

You had been and will be our benchmark in reminding us what life is all about. Beyond any measurable standard of human nature, you have done what you could and exceeded what a loving, very generous and respectful rational human being could do to those who need a helping hand. You did it very efficiently in a manner that brings the feeling of harmony in getting it done for good by winning the hearts and minds of all who were involved in your life. At times, the journey was challenging but it was fun and rewarding! It was uplifting and encouraging. Most of all; we know you would rise to smile as we say this, always demanding by example and reminding us to do the same to others. Thank you for opening the door of opportunity with unrelenting guidance so that we could appreciate the meaning of life!

We are in debt for life, because you enriched our life being present in our life. By sharing your life, you brought a new fruit full life to someone you never knew. There is no other way to express your passion, dedication and love for that beautiful country of Ethiopia and specifically for us other than saying that there is no way to define love beyond the love you have had for us! Thank you very much indeed!!!

You are our beloved father and we are the living example of your life celebration! Take a look where we started and where we are now. You did it. Your legacy will continue! The torch will light to its full extent.

You are now our Angel and you will continue to guide us, consult us, teach us, protect and love us the way you did until the last breath of your life. That was who you are and will continue to be in our hearts. We know you are at the best place in heaven. Knowing that and feeling loved, as you always say, we will carry on! We love you forever, and ever and ever. Thank you Bob! A life lived well!
Thank you, Thank you and Thank you!
Habtamua, Getnet and family

The world lost a good man

The Ladies and Gentlemen of the Washington State Veterans Cemetery extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Robert P. Shanewise for your loss, to honor his service to our country and our patriotic hero.

Linda Anne House, Founding Member

My grandfather helped shape me in to the person I am today. Without his leadership, guidance and love I wouldnt be where I am. He set an excellent example for me and if I can be half of the man he was I will be happy. I miss you Daddy Bob and love you very much.

I will never forget this wonderful man and his wife who made my mother's (Mattie Hood) last days the very best they could be. After Mom broke her hip, Dr. Shanewise agreed to supervise her in her Moran Vista apartment so she didn't have to spend her last days in a nursing home. He and Helen were so very gracious to Mom and to all of our family. Truly, a life well lived.