Monday, January 16, 2012

Farkle! - Monday, January 16, 2012 (This is NOT a happy story)

I have bad news. Really bad news.  Bob Keegan (my dad) passed away today, Monday, January 16th around 2:30pm.  Love was all around him (me, my mom, my brother, my sister-in-law, and all of your thoughts and prayers).  He was a loving and devoted husband, an amazing and inspiring father, a wonderful boss, friend, co-worker and humanitarian.  He was loved and admired by more people than one could imagine.  He lived life to the fullest and is one of the most generous people I know. And no...I'm not biased.

My dad was awesome!  He will be missed more than you can ever imagine.  The family appreciates all of your love and support and we know that each of you will miss Bob too.  We are currently planning a Celebration of Life party in honor of Bob that will most likely be this Saturday, January 21st.

In true Bob Keegan fashion, he has left a list of things for us to do.  Informing people about places to donate, was on the list...so here they are:

In lieu of flowers, here are some places you can donate:
  • CDC Foundation - Louise Martin Endowed Scholarship
  • PATH Foundation Atlanta - bike trails
  • MSF (Doctors without Borders)
  • East Coast Greenway Trail
  • Nature Conservancy
  • Our House - Decatur
*Bob has NO interest in donating to cancer societies* (his words, not mine)

Details will be forthcoming about the party.  It will be casual.  Per his instructions "this is casual - NOT FORMAL - this is not a coat and tie affair.  This is s time to enjoy stories about Bob including his foibles, missteps, silly stories, etc."

17 comments:

  1. Your Dad was a wonderful person. All of us love him very much.
    All his friends from his Spanish School in Barcelona

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  2. Heart goes out to you all. He truly was an awesome human being. I am honored to be able to say I am a part of his family.

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  3. I'm loving the Happiness Song! His cycle across America was the first I knew about him and now I can remember him as a rock star too! What an awesome man. My love to you, Marcus and your wonderful mother & friend, Gloria.

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  4. Dear Lauren & family. The sad news of Bob's passing away hit The Polio Eradication Initiative floor at WHO/Geneva with a massive bang this morning. I had the immense pleasure of meeting Bob on many occasions over the years and what a wonderful, funny, caring & kind hearted person he was. After reading your blog for the first time this morning, I can see that you are all a credit to Bob & he will live on through you guys. The Happiness Song is a truly wonderful way to remember Bob, but I guess he had that planned too! :-) My Mum also lost her battle with cancer 4 years ago, so I would love to think that she will come across Bob & his guitar in heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad time. Fiona Doyle

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  5. Bob lived life the way we should all live it. He played such an important role in so many lives, in so many ways. And he loved his life. Gloria, Marcus, Lauren, thanks for making such an important man even happier and fulfilled. We miss him so much, and cannot imagine the hole he leaves in your lives. We are with you.

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  6. I am deeply saddened and share your feelings. My sincere condolences. I knew him as a wonderful person when he came to India to support the Polio Eradication work.

    Madhava Ram B

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  7. My heart is heavy with this news.

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  8. I know of few people who made so many people "see" the important things in life - and helped all of us make the effort to leave this this world a bit better. He was our role model - "WWBD?" will always be on my mind at work and at home.

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  9. I worked with Bob years ago as one of the myriad CDCers who passed through his life. I share your sadness at his passing...I remember Bob both as an interesting colleague and one who made it a point to encourage others with what they could contribute. If those who follow after him continue his interest in others, Bob's legacy will be secure.

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  10. Bob was a wonderful, witty, talented, and inspirational guy. The public health world will miss him. Thanks to your family for sharing him with us! Best to you all.

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  11. Thanks everyone for your beautiful comments.

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  12. I came to Atlanta to "replace" Bob - he had taken an assignment in Thailand. First - you can't "replace" Bob. Second, I got an opportunity to meet his wonderful family (this was back in '85). Through the years, I never ceased to be impressed by Bob's "can do" spirit and sense of humor. There wasn't anything he couldn't do.

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  13. My thoughts go out to you and your family. Bob was a very influential role model for me. He took time out to give me valuable career advice, and he also kicked me in the pants when I was Watsonian President to make sure we did something worthwhile. He was one of my biggest heroes at CDC.

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  14. Gloria, Lauren and Marcus, my prayers are with you. Whether at a Bandidos softball game, building houses for Habitat, raising money for one of his other causes, eating pizza at Moe's or working in Quarantine, Bob was always an inspirational leader. As others have said he lived his life well and to the fullest. He packed alot in. He just left us way too soon. Sincerely, Roz Dewart

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  15. I remember Bob from when we both started in immunizations at CDC in 1991. I remember a work trip to Guatemala for polio eradication during that time, and how supportive he was. and how great it was to work with Bob. I especially remember the fun times at Moe's, talking over all the polio eradication etc news. Bob was such a positive force, a person who could inspire others, but never lost his perspective or his sense of humor. For as long as I can remember he talked about retiring; I was glad that when he finally did he had a chance to live his dreams of bicycling. Imaging my surprise when I opened my copy of Adventure Cycling a few years ago to see a photo of Bob! I thought "you go Bob!"- was so happy he got to live some of his other passions. I didn't know he had cancer and was very sad when I heard the news of his passing today. He was a gem of a person and someone who has left a tremendous legacy.

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  16. Dear Gloria, Lauren and Marcus. During the brief moments I spent with Bob he always spoke so very highly of you. You likely don't know me, but your father touched my life in a very significant way ten years ago and inspired me to go above and beyond to help others. I do hope you will enjoy my blog post about your husband/dad. I'm all the way up in Connecticut otherwise I would be there to toast him...I've decided to take my kids skiing instead, and I'm just certain that would be his preference. Love, Amy Pisani

    My blog post about Bob is at www.shotofprevention.com and the accompanying facebook page is "vaccinate your baby"

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