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Robert Leyen Obituary
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Leyen
Sponsored by a devoted friend..
64 Entries
Maggie Rikard
April 21, 2020
No, Bob is not forgotten. He was such a big personality. Think of him often.
Borys & me competing on xc at whidbey island... 2002
Carlie Cole
July 6, 2016
Robert, i just saw something that made me think of you for probably 1 of the few times since you left us 8yrs ago& i came across this page afterwards... you obviously had an enormous impact on many different groups of people & touched more people than even a man of your great size & heart should be capable of! I only knew you as Robert who rode that big huge Large Marge horse in the northwest's area 7 3day eventing community for almost a decade... and we did not have a lot of interaction over the years, but luckily, our chosen equestrian sport of Eventing was unlike so many other equine disciplines or "expensive sports & hobbies" which give horseback riders- English ones in particular- such a bad name- because it is a sport filled with camaraderie and genuine happiness for your fellow rider- no matter if they are your competition or not, whether you beat them or they always beat you- i couldn't imagine you being a part of any other equestrian sport, your kindness, humor, helpfulness & genuine love for your fellow Eventers & animals radiated from you every time you spoke to someone. There was definitely a reason that you consistently got some of the biggest cheers & whoops from the crowd & spectators at every show when you rode by- and it wasn't because you were the most amazing, skilled, Olympic rider on the most impressive horse or that you had the most exquisite rides- nor was it because so many of us couldn't help but root for that huge mare with that huge man riding her- perhaps it had some thing to do with That because it made u so hard to miss... but mostly it was because you made an effort to say hello to everyone- to offer help or kind word to anyone who needed it, even people who'd never actually met you knew they could ask a favor from you& you'd always do your best to help. Every sport needs people like you to thrive- and the entire world of 3 day eventing suffered greatly when it lost you. I was lucky enough to have known you better than some with some of our encounters at shows, my mother as well... still, even though I only spoke to you perhaps a handful of times each show season, there will always be a place in my heart for you because of some of the memories I have of you that will never ever leave me... the time down in Philomath, OR on the final day of Inavale farm horse trials when like was tacking my horse up at my trailer for stadium jumping, and you walked by, stopped, and with the most serious of voices, said, "excuse me, ma'am, but did u know that your horse is on fire??" And continued on your way without even cracking a smile... (my saddle pad i was using was a brand new 1 I had custom made with bright red, orange &yellow flames in the corner because the horse is was riding was an absolute speed demon who burned up the courses!) My 2 fellow barn mates &friends who were there with me at that moment burst out laughing- i remember being a complete bundle of nerves, as most of us always were before our rides, but especially on the final day in show jumping, when just brushing a single rail & bringing it down could drop u from 1st to 6th or going just 1 second over the optimum time could knock you down 3 placings... it was much needed laugh, to say the least- not just for me but for everyone who heard it.... and we continued to say that phrase to one another for YEARS to come when we needed a good laugh, even after that saddle pad&the horse which I had it made for were retired. But the moment that still touches my heart happened in Bc, Canada in October of 2002... I was 14 & was competing in my very 1st international FEI level competition- a long-format CCI1* event that me, my mother, trainer & my mount's owner all had hopes would be the event that would not only qualify me for our areas north American junior/young rider championship cci1* team the following summer, also known in our sport as the junior olympics, but if I did well enough- would get be recognized & scouted for sponsorships & new opportunities being as young as I was & having come so far so fast on such an unlikely horse... I did not know you at all at the time... I recognized you when u were on your horse- i do the know many people who DIDNT- but I'd never actually met or spoken to you before. I believe you were up at that show participating in the more "educational" introduction to the upper levels training "half-star" clinic... which ran concurrently with the cci1* & cci2** events... I had a very unfortunate, quite disheartening and traumatizing thing happen to me on the 2nd day of competition, cross-country day- during phase B of the 4 phases, a,b, c &do of cross country- my horse injured himself over a steeplechase fence... I was so young & we were in 3rd place, so even though I could tell something didn't feel right, I thought that perhaps my little horse had simply taken a funny step or stung his leg on a fence & would be able to "walk it off" over the 4-5 miles that consisted of phase C before finally beginning the hardest, final phase D- which would be the actual 3.5 mile, 35 fence cross country course. But I made the wrong call & i knew it once I was about 2 miles up in the mountains with no choice but to keep going in order to get back to civilization even... we were supposed to trot our horses over the final 100 yards to the finish of phase c before being put into the "10 minute box" before starting phase d, where there was a vet standing to inspect every horse's health & ability to continue on... I got off my horse about half a mile from the finish as I came to the top of the hill overlooking the facility and could finally see the finish, the "box" & all of my team of people who was eagerly awaiting my arrival so they could help cool my horse down & give me a short, much needed break before watching me gallop out of the final start box to tackle themail grueling cross country course.... as soon as I thought he could hear me & was reasonably sure my voice wouldn't crack with emotion, i yelled to the vet that I was officially retiring from the competition & that i knew you horse wasn't okay. This was all a lot to handle for a 14yo girl attempting her 1st international competition, only 2 levels below Olympic level- trying to hold it together in front of all those people, trying not to think of all my disappointment in my failure & even worse, beating myself up over making my horse keep going when I knew something wasn't right. I was utterly exhausted- more emotionally than physically, since I had been training for this moment for over 6 months... but out of all the things i had prepared myself for 7 been prepared to handle out there, this was NOT one of them. I literally bit onto the inside of my cheek between my short answers to questions that flew my way, so hard that within just a few minutes I was tasting blood- but i would not let myself give in to your emotions yet- i knew you horse still needed me- now more than ever. Not only was he lame, but his temperature and respiration rate were far too high & i was not even allowed to leave the fenced in area known as the 10 minute box to take care of him further (nor would I have been allowed To begin phase d until his vitals had reached safe levels & even then, only if they came down within a reasonable period of time, proving the horse's fitness level) I could barely even stand on your own 2 feet anymore I was so upset & everything around me was a complete blur- my team ofor helpers and grooms- my mom & my trainer, other vets- they were all there & immediately stepped in to help- but what I remember most vividly was Robert. I dont even really know why he was there, in the 10 min box... maybe his trainer or someone else from his barn was competing & he was there to help them. Maybe he had asked 1 of the officials or 1 of the vets if he could be in the box to watch and learn... I do not know. But I do know you're not even allowed to be in that restricted area unless you have a good reason... & it certainly wasn't a great vantage point to watch the cross country course from either, besides the 1st 2 jumps! But Robert was in there- robert came up to me & told me everything would be ok, he told me my horse was in good hands... he told me he'd seen me the previous day when I rode you dressage test- that wonderful ride that had put me in 3rd place- he told me how hard he'd cheered for me after I'd saluted the 3 different judges, he told me he'd watched me start cross country that morning- what seemed like days ago but was barely 2hrs before, how he'd watched me & that little tiny horse tear around steeplechase & come in unDer the time- something many bigger, more experienced horses& riders had failed to do& certainly didn't look like they enjoyed it even a fraction as much as my horse & i did... I remember the tears starting to fall as I tried to tell him that was the problem- that's where he got hurt- that's where I should have pulled up... but he just put his big hand on my shoulder, insisted I take off my protective vest & hand him my helmet- which felt like it weighed 80lbs, he made me take drinks of water... it had to have been almost 90 and extremely humid- i was probably in as bad if not worse shape than my horse.... he repeatedly told me I didn't do anything wrong, that I didn't know, that thousands of "older, more experienced riders" wouldn't have done it any differently... he laughed & told me how he'd watched my ascent into the higher, more competitive levels of our sport over the past year & how much he admired my riding & how impressed he was at all id already aaccomplished with my goofy, funny colored, short little horse & how much he admired my tenacity & my skill& talent for accomplishing all that i already had on that out of place looking, cheap little horse- moving up the ranks and beating riders 3x my age on horses with twice the experience & who cost 10x as much. He told me i inspired him- i remember squeaking out a self depreciating, embarassed little laugh when i told him i wasnt aanyones hero & when i admitted i didnt even know who he was... he roared a big laugh at me & said of course u dont! Im not a big time eventing star like YOU! He was the only person who made me smile for the following 18 hrs or so, at least... after his "pep talk" with me, once he felt I wasn't going to drop dead of despair and or exhaustion- he went back to helping with my horse.... I don't think I mentioned that as soon as I got into the box& my team took over my horse for me (borys, my little horse's name was borys, i never said that either) which is just what happens at these events- that's why u have a team, to give u a break & care for your horse... it's not like you're some snob who only rides then hands your horse off to its "handlers" the instant you're off of it... they take it, rip all its tack& gear off, offer it water, hose& sponge it down, throw a cooler over it, give it electrolytes, keep it walking & deal with the vet as its vitals are taken repeatedly.... tack it back up for u with fresh pads & dry equipment, fix anything that may have broke.... until name it. And robert was there from the instant I handed my reins off to my team. He knew me & borys, he'd apparently met my mother before too, he was a certified "fan" of borys & my partnership... and he wanted nothing more than to be a part of the team that cared for him- even after we were withdrawn from the competition. I don't know if he had asked you trainer, mom/team beforehand if he could help out with borys, or if he was just there& saw the chance to be helpful... but he was there. He was with borys or me the entire time I was at that box... no one questioned him or tried to say they had enough help... he just seemed like he was meant to be there, meant to be part of my team that day... whether it was more for borys's be benefit or mine- he was officially team carlie & borys that day... we spent nearly 45min in that box with those vets before we were allowed to head back to the stable & begin the long road to emotional & physical recovery... something which, sadly, Borys was never able to fully do... and emotionally, i haven't yet, either, all these years later... but I remember Roberts kind words & actions that day... I remember him walking the more than half a mile to where my horse was stabled &I was camped to check on borys& me that night & again the following day. I remember him coming to find me at the cracks of dawn the next morning saying the woman who had 2 horses stabled next to him at the event was in desperate need of someone to braid her 2* horse before show jumping and to escort &hold him for her when she walked her course & he came to hunt me down for the job... of course, all I really wanted to do was sulk, but if someone needed help & had been given you name as a referral for the job... how could I say no? Come to find out, the woman was actually about to win the 2* division, and the horse i handled for her & as paid to braid was
The horse who won it with her. It was actually quite an honor... I'll never know if robert did that as a favor to that woman or me... and ill never know what really brought him to that 10 minute box to help borys & me... & ill never be able to truly thank him for all he did for me on that fateful weekend... but I will never every forget it... thank you so much robert.... rest in peace.
K Wentworth
April 20, 2012
I miss you Dr. - Kev
David Bergeron
April 2, 2009
Art and I just heard of Robert's passing the other day. During the time that we have had the pleasure of taking care of his Volvo, he was always kind and easy to deal with. I had occaision to speak with him many times and always found our interactions to be a pleasure.
We offer our condolences to Jennifer and Elizabeth and pray for his eternal joy in God's kingdom.
Corinne Schroeder RN-BSN VA Hospital-Seattle
July 24, 2008
I am in shock and speechless still... I did not find out until about a month ago when I phoned Rose at GHC for some surgical information. She told me and I am so truly saddened for your entire family. We all loved Robert. I wish that I would have known for the funeral.
I will always remember "Moosehead" nights on Friday after a work week. Times with Phil, dinner out at your house and snow skiing. What great times. All the coffee with Robert and Catherine.
My heart is sad and heavy but God heals all and has all the answers for us to be revealed someday. Heaven must be beautiful and God will care for his children here on earth.
Mary Evelyn McMahan
July 1, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth, I just wanted to post again just to let you know you are both still in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying for God's guidance as each of you have decisions to make in life that will be difficult, but He promised to never leave or forsake us. We know you are finding comfort in His word and promises.
We love you in Christ, and pray his continued blessings on you both.
Mary Evelyn & Roy McMahan
Michelle Ettelstein
June 30, 2008
I just returned from Inavale horse trials and was looking for Bob and Marge. I was so saddened to hear the news, I loved watching them go cross-country. One could hear them coming before you could see them. I don't know which was louder, the sound of Marge's gallop or Robert's "hollering and hoopin". Years ago I had the pleasure of camping next to him at Inavale and he had us cracking up all weekend. What a great guy, I will miss him. God bless you.
Jonathan Auster
May 19, 2008
I was a patient of Dr. Leyen. His humor and smile always made me talk of other subjects than my pain. He made you feel special in that he truly wanted to converse with you, and that his time was not important compared to the quality of the visit. He was a true healing practioner.
Joyce Morgan
May 19, 2008
I too met Bob while Eventing, he and Large Marge caught my eye because of the great smile on his face as they "galloped about"!
I had the opportunity to visit with him while he put her studs in with her hoof in his lap and she waited for him to do the job.
He was and always will be a true horseman and competitor in my book.
He seemed to always care first for her, and himself second.
God Bless you all.
Rebecca Buehler
May 18, 2008
I met Bob through eventing and will always remember his smiling face atop 'Large Marge'. No matter how his ride went, he was always so upbeat and cheerful, so proud of Marge. Having lost my mom this past year, my heart goes out to you.
God Bless
Rev. 21
Ron Baker
May 17, 2008
Jennifer & Elizabeth:
My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Everytime I met and talked with Robert I felt as if I had known him since high school or college; he always made you feel welcome and very comfortable. He had a great and wonderful laugh, something I'll never forget. God Bless.
TANYA ROBINSON
May 16, 2008
I used to be his receptionist in Orthopedics. I remember when I found out that he was coming and I spoke several times with him by phone before you guys arrived. He always needed to give me a hard time because I had graduated from Ole Miss. I remember the first time that I actually met you and Elizabeth. She was very small. I worked for Bob for several years and he was such a gentle giant. It was always a pleasure to see him in the morning, he always had a smile and a word of encouragement. I remember the last time I saw him, he was working in Olympia. He gave me a big hug as only he could. It was such a precious time with him. He was finishing up his Bible Study for BSF in between patients and he and I discussed the lesson since I was also studying BSF. Up until then, I did not know that he was a believer. My thoughts from that moment on were awesome to know that he would be in heaven one day and I would see him again. I have thought of him many times since then. This news was so shocking for me. Words can't describe that moment I heard he had died. He certainly was someone of great character, humor and loyalty. I know that your faith and trust in Jesus Christ will carry you through these very difficult days ahead. In those days where you only see one set of footprints in the sand, remember that is the time that God carried you. Elizabeth, know that your daddy and God are smiling down on you and hoping and wishing the best for you in the coming days as you finish high school and start your adult life, one that has come too soon. God bless and keep you, until you meet again.
Cree Bradford
May 16, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Leyen. I was fortunate enough to meet him when I needed my ACL repaired. He was a wonderful doctor and did such a great job, the knee feels better than ever and has held up ever so well over the past seven years. What a great man and he will be missed. I feel so lucky to have been able to meet him.
Kelley, Rich and Breanne Cooper
May 16, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth,
We are so sorry for your loss. Robert was such an amazing and special man. Every time we ran into him at an event or training facility, it lead to an enjoyable and entertaining conversation. He was such a warm person, with a very contagious smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Jesse Jolibois
May 15, 2008
The members of Bible Study Fellowship in Tacoma were greived to learn of Robert's passing from this life. As a member of his group last year, I was always amused and inspired by his unique perspectives. Once when his leson was not quite ready, he explained that he had been "busy making children walk."
Kelly Lynch
May 15, 2008
To Robert's Family:
I am very sorry to hear about Robert's death. My first meeting of him was when I had finished my first cross country ride at Whidbey. He said "Hi-you still have a smile on your face. Don't ever forget to bring that along" I haven't Robert. Thanks for your smiles and love of the sport. God Bless you,
William Higday
May 14, 2008
It is with great sadness that I read Dr. Leyen's obituary in the Gig Harbor Gateway. I am one of Dr. Leyen's success stories and I am walking today due to his skill as a surgeon. After almost a year of his care I missed our frequent appointments where he gave me the best of care. To me he was a gentle giant of a man. May GOD bless his family during this time.
William Higday.
Jim Burke
May 14, 2008
Dear Jennifer and family,
I was a sophomore and played on the football team at Yale when Bob was a senior. He was huge and immensely talented. More importantly, he was funny, friendly and unbelievably kind to me as a lowly sophomore. He had an amazing love of life and seemingly enjoyed every day to the fullest. I am not surprised that he led such an amazingly full life. Every Friday before games at Yale, we would have a light practice. The huge linemen like Bob would be allowed to play "Toadball," which was nothing more than touch football. The difference was that these guys never got to throw or catch a pass, run the ball or (God forbid) score a touchdown. They absolutely loved it and it was an amazing sight to see these behemoths running around, screaming and yelling and acting like ends, quarterbacks and running backs. No one loved it more than Bob whose booming voice and laugh was heard echoing off the empty seats of the Yale Bowl every Friday. He truly was a big kid who had as much fun as any person I ever knew. To this day, I recall that the name of his Toadball team was the "Tennessee-Baltimorons" in honor of Bob and Len Mattricciani who haled from Baltimore. God rest the soul of this good man and God Bless your family. Those of us who only knew him years ago will never forget him, as you can see. He truly was larger than life. I must tell you, however, that I simply cannot imagine in my mind the sight of Bob Leyen riding on a horse. That is too much for this poor mortal. Please know that you and your family will be in our prayers.
Janis Linnan
May 12, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth,
My heartfelt condolences to you both. It is hard to imagine arriving at an event and not having Robert make a special effort to greet me and make sure that I knew he was there. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Robert will be missed terribly by all of us.
God Bless You!
Turi McCabe
May 12, 2008
Many of us counted Robert amongst our dearest friends. It is still almost impossible for me to believe that he will never again come striding up to me at an event, smiling and offering his unique brand of humor. Robert was always there to help if you needed it, and he really cared about people. I will forever miss my friend.
Scott Smith
May 10, 2008
Dear Jennifer and Elizabeth, I will always fondly remember Robert as a giant of a man with a broad smile, a twinkle in his eyes, and a zest for all the many things in which he was involved. He had an unusual and awesome combination of traits: intelligence, charisma, athleticism, cheerfulness, and unbounded energy - to name only a few. One cannot forget a man like that, and I never will.
Lois Anderson
May 8, 2008
I was very sad to hear of Robert's death. I worked with him for 5 years as I worked as a nursing manager at Olympia Group Health. I loved seeing his Bible on his desk which served as an encouragement to me.
Maggie Mittuch
May 8, 2008
I've thought and thought and thought about what to say, and finally I've let all the words just fall. Robert was my friend, more than he could know. In his passing I have learned a lot about myself, and about the real meaning and value of friendship. I vow to be a better one. To Robert, who I know is smiling down on his beloved family and his many, many friends. May I make leave as great a legacy as did he. Jennifer and Elizabeth, you are in my heart and in my thoughts. And you will stay in my life.
Brian Clarke
May 7, 2008
Dear Jennifer and Elizabeth, As another one of Bob's Yale teammates ('71 & '72), I was heartbroken to learn today of his untimely death. "Dr. Avalanche", indeed, as his size, strength, zest for life and impact on others playing around him were avalanche-like in their proportions. I am so saddened to learn that you have lost the love of your life, Jennifer, and you, Elizabeth, have lost your dad. If there is any comfort whatsoever in this, know with certainty that your pain is borne in different measure by so many of us who loved Bob and will forever cherish the memories of being his teammates. My love to you both...
Sara Hitt
May 7, 2008
Im sitting here with tears in my eyes and shock remembering Robert with great confusion on why God has taken this wonderful man from our lives. From the first time meeting Robert he became a friend for life. He touched my life and made it a better place. I always loved riding with Robert or just hanging at the barn with him, his caring spirit , his jokes, will always be with me. He will be truely missed, but never forgotten. All my love and prayers at this very difficult time go out to you!
Caroline Bombar-Kaplan
May 7, 2008
Every time I heard Robert's voice or saw him for the first time when getting to a horse show, a smile came to my face. What a marvelous man with a wonderful spirit! His early departure is so terribly sad, and my heart goes out to his family and all his loved ones. God Bless Robert.
Ray Riddick
May 7, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth
Please accept my deepest sympathy. I was one of Bob's teammates at Yale University. He was a tremendous football player and an even better person. He was a quiet inspiration to the entire team. I last saw him at an event back in New Haven. We had a great time and talked about our daughters. He will be missed by the Yale football community as well as by everyone with whom he came in contact.
Joan Sullivan
May 7, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth
Robert was my colleague, partner and friend for the last 16 years. He was a caring, compassionate and talented physician and surgeon. I will never stop missing him - life was better knowing him. I am so sorry for your great loss and you both will remain in my prayers.
Leigh Mesher
May 7, 2008
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Robert. He was a wonderful man. His smile, entertaining and upbeat attitude will always be remembered.
Julie Isaacson
May 6, 2008
Jennifer: We just learned of "our" loss and don't know what to say to you. We are stunned at the news. We have many fond memories of fun times together. Med school would not have had nearly the meaning it does for Mike, without his friendship with Bob.Our hearts reach out to you and Elizabeth. All our love, Mike and Julie Isaacson
Terri Niles
May 6, 2008
Robert and Marge will be forever missed at events here in the pacific northwest, Their partnership and affection was an inspiration to all.
Nancy Holbrook
May 6, 2008
My daughter Jenny has been eventing since she was 12 and I first remember Bob from Inavale Horse Trials where his humor and love for the sport as well as his affection for "Marge"were so evident. Just seeing him put a smile on your face because he could always make the day brighter with his wonderful sense of humor and delight in life. We should all remember his joy in competing and we will always carry the memory of waiting for Bob and Marge to gallop round the cross country course to the cheers of all. Heaven is richer, we are poorer for this terrible loss...
Janice Bryant
May 4, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth,
I offer our family's deepest sympathy at this time of loss. I hope the many and wonderful memories of Robert's full and giving life will stay with you always. It's hard to think of someone more giving than Robert, whether it be a hard time, a caring ear, a carefree smile, or a probing question...he was an asset to all who knew or met him. His joy for life was infectous and enhanced those around him; the vicarious thrill of raw fun of truly living the moment. I'm personally so glad we got a chance to catch up at the hearing and I hold those easy conversations, and the knowledge and warmth of both of your support dear. I wish I had had a chance to thank him again before, but knowing Robert, it would be water under the bridge, he was just doing what he always did, help others. Support something that he believed in. Our family is here for yours if there is anything you need. Our thoughts and hearts are with you daily hoping in thinking of you to somehow ease the pain of his passing.
Mollie Wolfe from Gallops Saddlery
May 3, 2008
It would be so nice to be able to say something that would embrace the essence of Robert, however I am sadly at a loss, How do you do a man like Robert justice? His presence was so darn huge, there were just so many things about him to admire. I simply cannot imagine being at an event without him. I feel blessed to have known him and will never forget him. His faith, his humor, his brilliance, his smiling face , loud voice and crushing hugs. Jennifer and Elizabeth, you have a mighty angel up there looking down on you. I have faith that God and Robert are both smiling down upon you wanting you to know how incredibly much they both love you.
Karen O'Neal
May 3, 2008
Robert was the first person you saw when you were anywhere near him and he always made you smile. He was always positive, uplifting and the most fun to be around. I am extremely saddened for the loss of such an extremely wonderful man. Why do the good people have to be taken from us so soon? Robert will be greatly missed.
Warm Regards,
Friends from O'Neal Farms
Nichole Black-Hansen
May 2, 2008
A Great man with Beaming smile and intoxicating personality. Shocked disbelief and compassion resonate from our community to his family. Events will be empty without him. Someone kiss Marge. This is truly horrible, painful news. I'm sorry.
Allyson Green
May 2, 2008
I'm not sure what to say. I am deeply sorry for your loss. He was always a man who brought smiles and laughter to our hearts, and we will miss him dearly.
Lori Uddenberg
May 2, 2008
Dear Jennifer and Elizabeth, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Robert will be missed by all.
Dean Sampaio
May 1, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth, Our deepest sympathies for your loss. I will always remember his smiling face when he would drive by while I was cutting grass. He would stop and give me a "hard" time about keeping up the neighborhood! His humor will be missed. Dean, Julie, Sean and Ciara
Maggie Rikard
May 1, 2008
As many have said far more eloquently than I could ever do, I wish to add my condolences and just say- he will be greatly missed, especially at the gatherings under the tent. Area VII eventers will know what I mean.
Sabin Stevens
May 1, 2008
Dear Jennifer and Elizabeth - my heart and prayers are with you.
Janice Wharton
April 30, 2008
I was very saddened to hear of Rob's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with his family. I worked with him at Group Health and always enjoyed his sense of humor and good nature. His presence in this world will be missed but I am sure he is making a big impression in the next world. He was a wonderful person who cared deeply for life and medicine.
Alan Davis, MD
April 30, 2008
FRIENDS FROM KNOXVILLE NOTIFIED ME OF ROBERT'S PASSING. I HAVE NO MAGIC WORDS OF SOLACE AND CONSOLATION....THERE ARE NONE. JUST WANT HIS FAMILY TO KNOW THAT I, AS DO SO MANY OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, HOLD THEM IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
Gail and James Miller
April 30, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Robert. He taught Jim how to duck hunt, and Jim enjoyed his hunting excursions with Robert. Our deepest condolences, and we will miss him.
County Mayor David W. Purkey
April 30, 2008
I was surprised to learn of Dr. "Bob's" death from the Knoxville News Sentinel. I worked with him 28-29 years ago in the emergency room at Morristown-Hamblen Hospital. I was a young EMT and working there on the night shift while going through college. He was a close friend and I watched him save many people as he directed us with his skills. Most importantly to me personally, I returned home one night to find my mother had unexpectedly passed away. She was transported to the emergency room where Dr. Bob was on duty. He comforted me as only a close friend could do. He was a mentor and one of the reasons that I've been able to complete a career in public service where I serve now as the elected Hamblen County Mayor.
Rest in peace, my friend...... I'll be thinking about you, Jennifer and Elizabeth.....
Henry and Linda Tanz
April 30, 2008
Dear Jennifer and Elizabeth,
As Bob's partner since 1990, I can only say what an honor and privelege it was to know such a generous, caring, dedicated physician and friend. He was loved and appreciated by many. Our deepest sympathies to you both.
Vickie & Kelsie Clark
April 30, 2008
Jennifer & Elizabeth,
Kelsie and I are very sorry to hear about Bob's passing. We remember Bob fondly from him coaching the girls in basketball. We hope your faith will help you two through this time of sorrow. Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family.
Sheryl Hansen, Area VII Eventer
April 29, 2008
The right words have not yet been made for times like these. I am so sorry for your loss and the extraordinary depths of saddness you will travel through as a result of it. I hope your family, friends and faith ease your path in the coming year. May your God keep you close to His heart.
Sherry Schwartz
April 29, 2008
Jennifer - So sorry for your loss.
Jackie Robinson
April 28, 2008
My sincere condolences to you Jennifer and Elizabeth. I did not know Robert well but I'm sure anyone in area VII eventing knows of Robert & Large Marge! It was a real joy to watch them compete. I regret that I didn't know he was part of BSF as I've been studying the bible through that Christian organization for years. May you find the peace that only God can give you and joy in the many wonderful memories.
Wayne Godwin
April 28, 2008
I was fortunate to have had Dr. Leyen as my physician. His compassion and inner beauty was so evident in our interactions.
He will be missed by all that received his grace.
Lee Urton
April 28, 2008
Mrs. Leyen and Elizabeth,
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I am going to miss working with Dr. Leyen here at OMAC, he was such a pleasant man to work with. He cared about each patient he saw and wanted to make a difference in their treatment outcome. Several times as patients would be leaving they would comment that the exam process was much more pleasant than they anticipated, because Dr. Leyen took the time to really listen to them. With the staff he was always friendly and easy to work with. He liked to arrive at the clinic very early and he always commented that he enjoyed the strong coffee I would prepare at 6:30 in the morning. We enjoyed many conversations about the dogs, particularly "Mr.Magic Man".
He also took the time to speak with me about my late husband, he cared about the struggles I was going through.
The world has lost another "Great Man"
Catie Cejka
April 28, 2008
I competed against Robert for numerous years in Area VII. He was a true inspiration and a great man. As a member of the military and an Army Nurse I found talking to Robert a real treat. He made me proud to serve in the Us army even in a combat zone. I will miss his presence at 3-day events. God bless a great man.
rose long
April 28, 2008
hello...you may not remember me, but i remember you and robert...i have worked at group health for 25 years and enjoyed many great times with robert on the old "moosehead" nights at the Spar...we kept in touch and i was always a support for him...he made me laugh and you could toss back at him whatever he tossed at you...i was in utah attending a funeral when i got the news...it was a sad week indeed...my heart goes out to you and your family, but know this...robert was a gentleman in all regards...
very sincerely...rose long
Skippy Hofammann Mullins
April 28, 2008
To know him was to love him.
Aspen Colorado - 2007
Ken Hornung
April 27, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth,
Hard to say where to begin. Robert was one of my best friends. Tears of saddness are rolling off my check as I write this - knowing that the reality of his passing is setting in. I have so many great memories of Robert. From our first meeting at Sunday School (the loud Doctor from Tn.) to picking him out of the snow bank after skiing and a visit to the Snorting Elk. The empty space in my life will be filled with these memories from an incredible guy. He was always an inspiration and a positve influence in my life. I miss him dearly and will pledge my support, friendship and companionship to you both.
Glenn Mills
April 27, 2008
Robert made Monday nights special for me in our study group at BSF. He had a unique way of shedding light on the scriptures and I thank God for his insights. He was a bright light. I also enjoyed his wonderful sense of humor.
I want you to know that I am praying for you and the family. I will miss him too.
Roy & Mary Evelyn McMahan
April 27, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth, we want to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy in the passing of Robert.
I remember both his mother and father. His Dad was my doctor for several years and also for my aunt and my husband's family.
I never met either of you, but I remember Robert when in the late 60's, his mother came with him to Rice Oldsmobile, Inc., Knoxville, TN where I worked and his mother bought him one of the special Oldsmobile Hurst cars that had come out that year. It was a special car. Rice Olds had only two Hurst Olds that year and Robert got one of them. I believe it was white in color and he was so happy.
I know you will truly miss him, but know that you have God's promise of seeing him again in Heaven someday.
May God comfort and strengthen each of you as only He can.
Mary Evelyn Munsey-McMahan
Pam Foster
April 27, 2008
My Mother, Mary Waring, worked for the senior Dr. Leyen at his medical practice in Maryville so I remember Bob as we were both youngsters. On behalf of my sister, Pat Waring Chasteen of Maryville, and my brother, John Waring of Knoxville, I want to let the family know that they are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of loss.
Sincerely,
Pam Waring Foster
Nashville, TN
David Ross
April 27, 2008
Grew up on the same street as kids and went to Sam Houston grade school. He was my best friend in the 5th and 6th grades. During recess, we played football against the entire school. You could give him the ball and he scored every time if you could drag people off him as he ran. He was always fun to be around. I missed him when he left our school. He will be missed. I am glad to have known him and call him a friend.
Doug Batchelor
April 27, 2008
It was great having Large Bob as a friend and teammate in 1976-77 when we were medical students and played for Old No7. He was always so friendly and encouraging in both endeavors. My most vivid memory is after our Old No 7 tournament party, Bob and Willie Caldwell running through the parking lot passing an empty beer keg like a rugby ball.
I'm very sorry for your loss. He was a great guy!
Doug Batchelor M.D.
Gordon Aleshire
April 27, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth.
We wish to extend to you our most sincere sympathy. Our prayers are with you at this your time of sorrow. Bob was an inspriational part of my BSF class for the last two years. He will be missed by the whole class. Gordon & Lora
Diane Pollock
April 27, 2008
Jennifer and Elizabeth.
We wish to extend to you our most sincere sympathy. Our love and prayers are with you at this your time of sorrow.
Cousin Diane and Bill Pollock
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