Robert JW "Bob" Vint

Robert JW 'Bob' Vint

Punta Gorda, Fla., formerly Sioux City

Robert JW 'Bob' Vint of Punta Gorda passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022.

Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, at the Stone Lodge of Stone State Park.

Bob was born in Hartley, Iowa, and grew up in Sioux City where he graduated from Heelan High School. Bob was the son of Marie Ann Hubbert Vint, a teacher who encouraged her children to become avid readers, and Thomas Francis Vint, a businessman and entrepreneur who urged his children to pursue their dreams.

Bob's early career was as a therapist and advocate for individuals who experienced addiction and for victims of abuse. He had a rather nomadic lifestyle for many years, eventually ending up in Virginia, where in 1988 he met the love of his live, Loretta Reeves, on a blind date. They were married almost 34 years.

Bob and Loretta eventually settled in Punta Gorda, where he joined her professionally in commercial development. They also worked together on a joint passion, caring for English Springer Spaniels in need of rescuing, saving a stunning 87 dogs.

Bob's humor and grace - and no doubt his legendary stubbornness - helped him overcome real adversity in his own life, and to become the advocate that so many people (and dogs) loved and leaned on over the years. He truly believed in the goodness of people, valued meaningful conversations and was a lifelong learner.

He loved sharing time with his children Angela and Bart and grandchildren Sean, Niobe and Riley. Many "Grand Adventures" were spent together as a family, and with his sister Donna and nieces Miranda Hattorf (Matt) and Cara Pederson (Matt). Trips together were full of giggles, new experiences and occasionally "full contact spoons."

Bob is survived by his wife, Loretta Reeves; brother, James Vint; sisters, Donna Harper, and Mary Kay Biwer (Michael); daughter Angela Vint Perez (Jesus) and her children, Sean Libby and Riley Perez; son Barton Vint and his daughter, Niobe Vint Parham (Andrew); daughter Anne-Marie Vivan (Phet) and her children Corbin and Cherry; and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him mightily.

Bob was preceded in death by parents, Tom and Marie Vint; and sister, Barbara DeMers.