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Robert Gama Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Gama
dustin brown
October 26, 2020
My condolences. I am Roberts great nephew, Dustin Brown. His Sister Shirley was my Grandmother. If you would like to talk my email is [email protected]
Renee Gama
March 9, 2009
For anyone interested: You can view Robert's virtual memorial at http://virtualmemorials.com Just type Gama into the last name box and Robert into the first name box when searching for his memorial on the home page.
Thank You,
Renee
Kelly Latham
March 19, 2008
Uncle Bob i love you i miss you. i treasure you always . we lost touch for so many years yet found connections over the last recent years i am only sorry we it was over the phone i wanted so to go see willie with you u are my godfather and always will be keep the laughter going i will join you when its time and we will be together to celebrate our lives memories and our family bond
Renee Gama
March 18, 2008
At the request of family, I am submitting the eulogy given at my father's services so others may learn a bit about who my father was in life and why we love him so.
[Read by Linda McHaffie at the funeral service on March 17, 2008]
Robert Wayne Gama
Eulogy
Here we are once again. Our family chain has been broken.
Robert Wayne Gama was born on August 8, 1946, in Martinez, California. Robert passed away on March 8, 2008 at the San Jose Valley Medical Hospital after fighting a long-term battle with leukemia and a severe case of pneumonia.
Surviving Robert are his two children and their mother: a son, Matthew Gama, a daughter, Renee Gama, and Dona, the mother of his children and his best friend.
Robert has three surviving siblings: two sisters and one brother. His sisters are Linda McHaffie and Elizabeth Cortez, and his brother, Daniel Gama. Our parents, Irene and Daniel Gama, Sr. are both deceased, along with a deceased brother, Gene, and a deceased sister, Shirley.
Robert has many surviving nieces, nephews, and cousins, including three aunts.
Robert grew up in the city of Rodeo, California. At the young age of seven, he contracted and overcame polio. He attended elementary and junior high school in Rodeo. His parents relocated to Santa Clara, California in 1960, where he attended Buchser High School.
Robert loved sports. While in high school, he was active in baseball, basketball, and football. He was always fun loving and happy-go-lucky. At times, he was a pesty little brother and was always a big tease. He especially loved teasing his sisters with fake bugs…bugs of all kinds. No way would he, himself, touch a live one. But with those fake ones, he had the sisters running and screaming, knowing that he scared the heck out of us.
Robert loved all kinds of music. He also loved to dance. There were times we would schedule programs. Some performances required special costumes. We would dress Robert up like a girl, because one of his favorite pantomimes was “I Want To Be Loved By You”. He would steal the show. He also pantomimed Elvis Presley’s songs: “All Shook Up”, “Hound Dog”, and “Heartbreak Hotel”. The girls would scream. The more they screamed, the more he loved it. Once again, he stole the show.
Robert loved outdoors. Picnics, special events, family BBQ’s, parties, and hanging out with friends.
Following Robert’s graduation from high school, he was drafted into the US Army and was sent to the Army boot camp, followed by Army tank training in Kentucky, and was then sent to Vietnam. He was a member of the 1st Air Cavalry Division’s Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry.
Robert was on the front line in battle, and was wounded twice. He was commended by his battalion commander, Lt. Col. Joseph B. Love, for his bravery, having rescued a machine gun squad of his own company, even though Robert himself was wounded a second time. He subsequently helped in bandaging his fellow soldiers. Following that heroic episode, he was presented with the second Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal. Speaking of medals, he received the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star, the Silver Star, the Commendation Medal with “V” device, along with several other medals we haven’t yet identified. We will never forget how devastated we were when Dad and Mom received the call from an Army officer, announcing Robert’s injuries. While there in Vietnam, he was exposed to Agent Orange, which is believed to have caused leukemia that resulted in a long-term, no-win battle.
Finally, that happy-go-lucky man came back to us with wounded body and spirit. He was a different man. He had many difficulties adjusting to liberty and freedom he formerly knew. He had dreams at night and flashbacks while adjusting to the home front again.
Regarding his employment, he worked at Fiber Board, Food Machinery, Roto-Rooter, and the Winchester Mystery House, a place he truly enjoyed.
The rollercoaster ride that we all have been on with Robert: the ins and outs of the hospital, the remissions, and the many treatments, watching him suffer and never being well enough for his bone marrow replacement. It was truly heartbreaking watching him go through this. He had great support from family and friends. We especially thank all of you for your love, prayers, support, comfort, and for being here.
Robert expressed that he was proud to have served his country and was proud to be a member of the American Legion (Post 419).
Robert, we salute you, our beloved brother. God bless and may you rest in peace.
Thank you.
Donna Schellack
March 18, 2008
Dear Bob,
Where can I begin to thank you for the wonderful memories. You were my first love, and husband. My best friend and will always be. You will forever be in my heart. God bless and keep you.
Love,
Donna
Erik Pangelinan
March 17, 2008
Bob, though I knew you for as long as I've known Renee, it was only in the last couple of years that I truly started to understand you, and hear you. At the end, you ceased to simply be my best friend's father. You became my friend too. Your bravery is unmatched by anyone I ever knew. You have faced things I'll never face. You have seen things I'll never see. And you have lost in ways I hope to never lose. But through it all you have held a smile every time I saw you... no matter what was happening. I wish you a peaceful journey.
Bill & Betty Culleton
March 17, 2008
We didn't know you real well, Bob, but heard much about you and your family through our dear friends, Earl and Linda. We know you are in a much better place and we praise the Lord you will suffer no more. You are now dancing around with the Angels. We know we will meet you again in God's heavenly home.
Love to you -
Marsha Maier
March 17, 2008
I never meet Bob but I am sorry to hear of his passing... I will keep you in my prayers...
Betty Miller
March 17, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God grant you his peace.
Betty Miller
Brenda Manley
March 16, 2008
Bob,What a special person you were. I am proud to have known you and your family you will be missed but know you are in a better place. God will continue to look out for your family, I know you are in heaven with you father Daniel dancing with the angels
God Bless
Brenda and Patrick Manley
Denise Banholzer
March 16, 2008
Uncle Bob, you were always the "laugh of the party". We loved you and will miss you at our family gatherings and events. You will be remembered for your love for the 49ers, Elvis and your sense of humor! May you rest in peace now. We hope you're dancing with Grandpa, Grandma, and other family members we've lost over the years. Love, your neice, Denise Irene and her family; husband Tom, great-nephews Joel, Jacob and Jordan and great-neice Janelle.
3-17-08
Traci Bell
March 16, 2008
My Condolences to the family. I didn't know Bob, but prayed for him through the prayer list. Feel free to contact me if you need a shoulder.
Rhonda Grove
March 15, 2008
May you peace in Gods' Kingdom and your loved ones find strength in our Sweet Loving Lord.
Earl and Linda McHaffie
March 15, 2008
Bob, you are truly missed. We love you. It is a comfort to know that you are no longer suffering. You are
with our Lord Jesus Christ. You will always be in our hearts. We thank everyone for their responses to us and prayers for us and our family. God be with you. Love, your sister, Linda, and brother-in-law, Earl.
Dona Gama
March 15, 2008
Bob is the father of my two children, Renee and Matthew. Even though we were no longer married, we still did things together as a family and he was my good friend for more than thirty years. He always said Renee and Matthew were very special gifts I gave to him. Bob, it was you who gave those gifts to me. I will treasure our children and friendship until I take my last breath. You will remain in my heart forever. I love you very much.
Diana Hausfeld
March 15, 2008
Bob
I never knewyou, but prayed for you on Terry's (LadyHawk) prayer chain. I know you are in a better place now, with no pain and with your maker.
Lisa Scott
March 15, 2008
God bless you in this time of grief and pain. You are in my prayers
Robert Short
March 14, 2008
I know Robert only through my friend T, but we have things in common. First names, and we didn't know each other. Thank you for your service to God and country! Peace and God's love to you and your family!
Cindy Soltis
March 14, 2008
My prayers and condolences to the loved ones of this man, who one day will be reunited with his family again
Toni Prough
March 14, 2008
May God's blessings be bestowed to your family in this difficult time. We have never met, but you have touched a lot of lives that you never knew about. Love and Prayers, Toni
Manuel Vieira
March 14, 2008
May you rest in peace my friend.....see you there!!
Ron Bremmer
March 14, 2008
Bob may you walk with the Lord and forever be in peace.
Ron
Patricia Rich
March 14, 2008
I want to let the family know how sorry I am for their loss. Don't dispair,The Lord is with Robert and you also. We were never promised a long life,just a life with time to do what ever our Father wanted us to do for him.God Bless you all,and Please know that Robert is safe with Jesus and His Father
Gerry Ann Quinlan
March 14, 2008
May the Dear Lord Hold Bob in His Loving Arms forever. God bless his family and friends.
Wills Shores
March 14, 2008
Thank you for sharing this part of life's journey with us through Terry Achee. You must have been a loved and honorable man. I pray for peace for you and your family. Wills Shores
LAKOTA CAMPISI
March 14, 2008
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE WITH THE ANGELS.
LADY T ACHEE
March 14, 2008
TO BOB AND HIS FAMILY ..
He is not dead,he's only sleeping,
Now that God has called him home.
He will be waken on the tomorrow,
By a bright and shining throne.
And the Angels in their mercy,
Will gently guide him towards the light.
To where our Heavenly Fathers' waiting,
In a land that's always bright.
He will never be forgotten,
By the ones left here below.
He will always be remembered,
By the ones that love him so.
So do not despair in your sorrow,
Though your heart breaks and you weep.
Though he's gone you must remember,
He's not dead,he's just asleep.
God bless and keep you safe
in His love.
Dad and Me, Dec. 2007
Renee Gama
March 14, 2008
I love you, Dad, and I know you will live on in our hearts always. I am grateful for the peace that I continue to feel around us. Thank you to all who remember my father and are paying their respects. My love extends to you as well.
Marie S.
March 14, 2008
Bob, Although I never personally met you. I did in a way through Cathy your neigjhbor. She is my best friend. May the angles keep you safe and watch over you...
Cathy Merrill
March 14, 2008
You were a wonderful neighbor and friend. I know you are in a much better place then we are. We all have another 'Angel' looking over us. Rest in peace Bob and I will surely miss you lots.
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