Dr. Robert C. Wheatley

I hope this note doesn't come too late (June, 2021) to reach Bob's family. I knew him from a difference stage of his life. I was a student of his at St. Louis Country Day School, Class of 1963. He was a particularly important teacher to me because he generously sponsored me in an Independent study of Nietzsche and a group of us in one of Freud. I believe Bob had studied with Nietzsche scholar Walter Kaufmann at Princeton. I suspect that Bob's open-mindedness and generosity carried into his later ministries. I also carry a distinct visual memory of Bob. My carpool would sometimes pass him as he biked to school on Olive Street Road in St. Louis. He was our gentlest teacher, and one of the best.

Pastor Wheatley was a spiritual father to me. His understanding and his intellect influenced me in ways that are myriad to contemplate. Glad to know he is with our Lord!

The loss of Pastor Wheatley is a great one to the world but what a joy and homecoming that must have been when he reached heaven and met his savior face to face. I have lost my Christian father and friend. I look forward to seeing him in heaven in future years. Isabella, Bob Jr., and beautiful grandchild - you are in my thoughts and prayers. My love goes out to all of you. Thank you for sharing Pastor with me for all these years. Sheri Russom

In 1967 my late wife, Pat, and I moved across the street from them. When Pat became afflicted with major seizures, they were right there to help, visit in the hospital, and pray for her. They, and other members of their church were there to care for her while I had to go to work. They led her to The Lord. I am grateful for their love and support. I know that when Bob joined The Lord in heaven God said to him, "Well done good and faithful servant."

Pastor Wheatley was such a demonstration of the power of a deeply Christ-like life where the pure love and insight of the Holy Spirit was so evident even to people who only had brief encounters with him.

Thanks to Pastor Wheatley for his willingness to share his wisdom, kindness and encouragement. He was a great example of a servant of God
Janet Cothrell

Robert C. Wheatley was my spiritual doctor. He and Isabella were leaders of my high school group at Blvd. Park Presbyterian Church in Seattle back in 1965/ the first visitors to the hospital ICU after I was broadsided by a speeding car in 1969/ godparents for my two children/ and frequent encouragers through the next two decades.
When I was confined to a wheelchair and literally couldn't use a telephone to talk to anybody else, Dr. Wheatley was also my savior: Not once ever complaining about my calling him --both at work and at home-- around 8 days a week for years!
“Dad” baptized me, laid the foundation of my faith, shaped the person I now am, and (although I unfortunately stopped doing it for far too long!) was the person who told me to praise God for all the GOOD things in my life instead of grumbling about the BAD things.
I know without a doubt that I would not be the person I am if God had not brought that wonderful man into my life. It grieves me more than words can say that I will never get to see and talk to him again on this earth, but I am so glad he is with his Lord!

Great man of God looking forward to seeing him in heaven one glorious day

Mark 10:27. The verse that Pastor Wheatley gave to me has served me well. Great man.

Thank you Pastor Wheatley for mentoring Joe in so many ways at the Way Inn, for marrying us, and for your encouragement when you visited us in the hospital so long ago when our newborn had to face many surgeries to repair a birth defect. Your life inspires us to keep your strong, gentle and humble faith.

Thank you Pastor Wheatley for mentoring Joe in so many ways at the Way Inn, for marrying us, and for your encouragement when you visited us in the hospital so long ago when our newborn had to face many surgeries to repair a birth defect. Your life inspires us to keep your strong, gentle and humble faith.

Pastor Wheatley had a profound influence on the foundation of my life. I am eternally grateful to him for the love and dedication that characterized his life and impacted so many. He lived well, may he rest well, the world will miss him.

Pastor Wheatley was one of the brightest stars as I became a Christian. His tender teaching has stood as my standard as I went to find a church that I could attend as an adult. His loving kindness was his first and lasting impression. Welcome home Pastor.

I was fortunate to get to know Robert and Isabella at the later years of their lives at The Garlands. Their love for each other was obvious everyday. I never saw one without the other, having lunch everyday at their own special table, quiet loving conversations shared through a marriage that stood the test of time. Their love for family and the lord was obvious in everthing they did, truly two of the finest people I ever met. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I alway remember that warm compassionate smile that was so genuine . Always cared about how you were and encouraged me to go deeper in faith. The verse he gave me was Jer 33.3 and that verse is still so true today. He's true man of God who reached so many!

Pastor Bob & Isabella were always such an encouragement at BPPC. The things I learned of the Lord while growing up at BPPC I have carried with me all my life and have taught my children, who love the Lord too!! "Thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that is changed"

Bob was a compassionate intellectual who was a humble man. I attended BPPC during his entire ministry there. He will be missed. My condolences and love to Isabella, Robert and extended family.

The verse Dr. Wheatley ascribed to me upon my membership (and to my life) was from John 15:16,17

16 You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. 17 This I command you, that you love one another.

This has “remained� for 40 years now and counting!


Bob Hannah
Systems Analyst
Providence Strategic and Management Services (PSMS)
Renton Washington

Dr Wheatley was, by far, the most influential pastor I have had. His heart for Jesus and his faith in follwing after the leading of God was exemplary to his congregation and to those of us who seved in internship positions at Boulevard Park Presbyterrian Church and The Way Inn. His heart was real, and his compassion was felt by many. He personally instilled in me my understanding of spiritual gifts in general, and my own gifting specifically, thereby leading me into my own ministry endeavors. I consider Pastor Wheatley more than a pastor. He was a friend, a mentor, and a father. I thank God for bringing him into my life.