Robert Lewis Tober

Robert Lewis Tober, 89, passed away August 27, 2015 surrounded by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Elizabeth Jane (Betty) Tober, his son, James C. Tober of Beufort, South Carolina, and his daughter, Pamela A. Johnson of Chicago, Illinois. His family: Brother, Ralph I. Tober, sister-in-law, Jackie Tober; Niece’s, Diane Allardsmith and Linda Reisberg, and her children Jeffery and Sara Reisberg; son-in-law, William J. Johnson, daughter-in-law, Tei S.Tober; grandchildren, Grace M. Tober, Alexandria M. Johnson and Benjamin W. Johnson will all hold Bob in their hearts. He is preceded in death by his father, James R. Tober and his mother, Florence Tober. Bob was born in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1926 and graduated in 1943 from Nicholas Senn High School in Chicago, IL, where he met his life-long friend, George Kacin. He earned his B.S. from the University of Illinois with a major in Chemistry and minor in Entomology. After he completed his first year of college, and just before his 18th birthday, he was inducted into the army where he served two years as a Staff Sargent and Squadron Leader in WW II. He trained in Camp Blanding, Florida, in 1944. His basic training was cut two weeks short to reinforce the 106thDivision from Ft. Meade, MD, where he embarked for post Battle of the Bulge engagements. He traveled to Glasgow, Scotland; Southampton, England and LeHarve, France. From there, he took a train to Belgium. He traveled by convoy to the outskirts of Paris, along the Rhine River, through Manheim, Germany, to the mountains of Koblenz (The Black Forest). He was a heavy weapons platoon squad leader. He was stationed in Bremen, Germany, until the end of the war and received many medals of commendation. Bob was a retired research and development chemist and began his career at Meyercord, worked at Swift Inc. and retired from Signode. He was then a consultant for 2-3 years. On November 23, 1950, Bob married his bride, Betty. His happiest memories of his marriage include becoming engaged in the parking lot of the “Bit and Bridle, “ buying his first home together, adopting his two children and watching them grow up, and sipping Asti and playing Clue at his many family get together at his brother’s home. Bob raised his family in Elmhurst, IL, where he loved cultivating roses, listening to music and fixing things. He became confirmed as an Episcopalian soon after he married Betty and was very active in his church. He sang in the choir throughout his entire life. He helped found the mission of St. Bede’s in Bensenville, IL, became a member of the Church of Our Savior in Elmhurst, IL, and was also a member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Des Plaines, where he served on the vestry. He took great pride in his children. His son, Chad, is currently Chief of Staff at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and a Vascular Surgeon. His daughter, Pam, is a Holistic Health Practitioner and Wellness Champion at Franciscan Alliance Hospital Network in Indiana. Bob moved to Spring Hill, Florida, in 1989 and had been a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church from then until his passing. He was member of the Rector Search Committee and vestry. He also performed with the Nature Coast Festival Singers for many years and shared a deep friendship with the former directors, Peter and Carol Ayer. Bob has been a disciplined budgeter for most of his adult life and instilled a sense frugality in his children. His efforts have allowed him to donate regularly to over 25 organizations including the National Parks Conservation Association, Habitat for Humanity, Cancer Care, The American Diabetes Association, The Prostate Cancer Foundation, The American Heart Association, The VFW, The Paralyzed Veterans Association, The Arthritis Foundation, The Republican National Committee, The Republican Party of Florida, The American Cancer Society, The Alzheimer’s Disease Research Fund, The Florida State Firefighters Association, The Republican National Senate Committee, St. Mary’s Foundation, The Olympic Committee, The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Foundation, The American Lung Association, The ALS Association, Easter Seals, The Salvation Army, The Episcopal Relief and Development Fund and St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Along with swimming in his pool, Bob’s joy (obsession) had been cultivating rare and beautiful Hawaiian Frangipani plants. He has had as many as 55 plants (the size of small trees) at one time. He actually combined these pleasures by creating a canopy of “frangi’s” over his pool so he could enjoy the fragrance as he swam with his wife. Bob lived with prostate cancer for over 15 years. His doctors admired and respected him for his will to remain well, his intelligence, dignity and positive attitude. He never considered himself “sick” and even in the last days of his life, his prayer was for “a few more years.” He never lost hope and was determined to care for his wife and live independently. He loved his Florida home and would not ever consider leaving it. His Church was his family in Florida and he rarely missed a Sunday service. His strong will was combined with a sweetness and joyful energy that is hard to express in words. Bob’s whole spirit lit up when anyone spoke to him. He was patient and kind and had a playful sense of humor that never failed even in difficult times. He was the most loving father a daughter could wish for, and a strong example for his Son. Bob was loved by all who touched his life. May he keep singing, planting, smiling and bringing joy wherever he has been.