Robert J. Risher

Robert J. Risher Our brother, brother-in-law, uncle, nephew and friend, Robert J. Risher (Bob) died on Sunday, May 14, 2006, in the loving care of his family, friends and the 4 North staff at Seton Medical Center. Bob was born on September 17, 1941, in Plaquemine, Louisiana, to James and Elaine Risher. Bob shared his life with and is survived by his brother Tommy Risher and fiancé Rhonda Collins of Austin, his brother David Risher and his wife Sandra of Austin; nieces Andrea Roberts and husband Dale of Austin, Rebecca Risher of Austin, and Sara Bradford and husband Greg of Pflugerville; grandnephews Nate Roberts and Carter Bradford; grandniece Amelia Roberts; his aunt Geraldine Risher of Granite Shoals; and numerous cousins, friends and colleagues. Bob graduated from Brazosport High School in Freeport, Texas, in 1959 and St. Edward's University in 1963. After graduation and a brief active duty enlistment in the Texas National Guard, he was employed by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the State Historical Society. Bob began his long career with the University of Texas at Austin in 1969. He moved to a position within the university's College of Communications in 1971. He retired as Assistant Dean in 1997. His passions were classical music, opera, Broadway plays, fiction and non-fiction books, the University of Texas sports teams, family and good friends, but not necessarily in that order. Bob's humor (both good and bad jokes) was legendary among his family and friends. We thank him for sharing his life with all of us. Our family expresses their thanks and appreciation to all the physicians of Pulmonary and Critical Care Consultants of Austin for their care over the last several years. We also wish to thank the EMS personnel with units #7 and #18 and firefighters at Station #30 for their frequent and excellent emergency care provided to Bob over the last several years. We want to especially thank Seton's outstanding nursing staff on 4 North and in ICU as well as the respiratory therapy staff, and the spiritual counsel of Cecile Adam who guided us all through his last days. Their loving care during his many hospitalizations sustained both Bob and our family. A celebration of Bob's life will be held at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church on Saturday, May 20, 2006, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, the Seton Fund at Seton Medical Center or the charity of choice. To view memorial on-line, visit http://www.missionmemorials.com