Bob and I started at ProSeniors about the same time. We hit it off well...we both have a crazy sense of humor, love of guitars (I fixed his several times and gave him one.)
Even after I left ProSeniors,  we kept in touch. I loved his laugh.
We both were committed to seving the needs of vulnerable elders.
Bob was an exemplary human being,  I will always cherish our friendship. 
Rest in peace my friend!
Mark O'Keefe

Very sorry to hear of Bob's unexpected and untimely passing.    I had the pleasure of knowing Bob for the past twenty one years in the Jobs he and I were involved with.    My prayers and condolences go out to Bob's family and friends during this difficult time.    

A combination of words does not exist to express how incredibly grateful I am to have crossed paths with Bob, and how absolutely heartbroken I am to say goodbye.
Easily one of the best humans I have met and interacted with.
Kind
Open
Flexible
Hilarious
Full of levity and perspective, let alone the depth of guidance knowledge he possessed and offered freely
A true leader, mentor and friend




It was my honor to know Bob and have the opportunity to work collaboratively with him over the years in the advocacy of the elders which we both have served (from both the Ombudsman side and the Administrator side). 

I will miss him greatly and will forever be grateful for his wisdom, his compassion and most of all, his never ending desire to make the lives of elders in long term care the best it could possibly be.

Lori Ward


In 2000 I hired Bob as an ombudsman at Pro Seniors, and we sort of grew up together.  We were a bit like work siblings, and gave each other a fair amount of ribbing.  (His sports analogies were always lost on me, but he persevered! )  

I watched Bob challenge himself to always be learning and to find delight in the ordinary.  I will always appreciate and admire Bob's humor, his compassion, his love for his family, and his willingness to reinvent himself as the situation demanded.  Even when I left Pro Seniors for a couple of years I would occasionally get a random text from Bob - sometimes by accident, but often to discuss a situation and find a resource to help someone.  

For philosopher Bob:
“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.  And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.”
~ Albert Camus

Bob's legacy continues with every life he touched. May you find comfort in shared memories. 

So glad to have known you, buddy. Peace out, apple sprout!


I hardly know what to say. Bob's sudden loss was just heartbreaking to all who knew him. I met Bob through our work with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program more than 17 years ago. He was a gracious and enthusiastic person who saw the best in his clients and all his coworkers. He will be deeply missed by his work family at ProSeniors and everyone who served with him. 

Bob's family - he was so proud of you. He frequently talked about his life growing up and his parents and siblings. I could tell how much he loved and appreciated the life he'd led with you. His daughters and being a granddad were the icing on the cake! I'm sorry he won't be there physically but I know he's gonna be watching over you and his Buckeyes. 

To those who knew him well and to those who merely crossed paths with him, Bob left a footprint for us to follow.  Be kind, be generous, love your family, have fun, speak up against injustice, and help those that need it most, a legacy to be proud of indeed.  To Bob's family and closest friends, thank you for sharing Bob with the rest of us.  


I had the privilege of working with Bob as an Ombudsman. He mentored me with kindness and always added a story so I could relate. Bobby will be missed.
Bob left an impact on me as an advocate for elders. He reminded me that the battle for what is right will go on long after we are gone and how important it is to recruit others to the work and support them with everything that you have.
From all of the Staff from the Toledo and Lima Ombudsman Program our hearts and prayers go to his family and his ombudsman team.

Bob was always my second little brother and unquestionably one of the nice guys. He was  smart, thoughtful and easy going to a fault. I don’t think I ever saw him angry. 

He was loved by all of us for his quirky ways and giving nature. Words cannot express how dearly he will be missed. 

The memories I have from Bob, my brother from another mother are plentiful. He was a life long friend who created great memories in my life. I remember all the crazy games we played growing up and all the trouble we created and laughed about later in life. One great memory that sticks out was the painting business we started in the summer of 83'. VIP Painting, "Very Impressive Painting", lasted no more than one job. Bob put an ad in the Dayton Daily News and we received a call a couple days later for a quote. We were to paint the exterior of a small house on Elmwood Dr. for $300 and the house owner would provide the paint. We started the next day having no experience or idea how long this job would truly take. First long day consisted of scraping, chipping, and sanding from sun up to sun down. We then realized this was not worth the money so decided to hire neighbor Tim Hecht to finish the job for $200 and a case of beer. We then realized "VIP Painting" was not the company we had envisioned. Growing up Bob and I were always running around the neighborhood  playing games, then once he got high school and stopped growing he realized he was no longer one of the tough guys in the neighborhood, which is when he decided to instead pick up the guitar and create some wacky music. We would have breakfast to catch up every couple months which I am going to greatly miss. The last Bob Evans breakfast we had was December 4th, when he was happy as ever, speaking proudly of his grandkids and kids. Sending my condolences and prayers to you and your loved ones, going to miss you Bob. 

Condolences to Bob's family.   I'm grateful to have known and worked with him the last few months.  I found him to be smart, funny, caring, patient, and thougfhtful.   He was a model advocate and champion for others in need.  He made the world a better place and those around him better people.  Thanks Bob, you will be missed.

I worked with Bob as a fellow Ombudsman Program Director and what I always admired most about him was his passion for the advocacy that he worked so hard at and his compassion for those he advocated for.    

Bob was truly one of the good ones...a genuinely good person. 
He will be missed, but he will be remembered.



Bob,

I wanted to share with you, and your family, what I should have said long ago. 

I want to thank you for the hand you have had in raising my son. It goes without saying that you were a constant in his life, and I am forever indebted to you for that. Cayden thinks the world of you, and I know that the lessons you have taught him will stay with him his whole life.

I have always admired the devotion that you showed to your daughters, and more recently, your grandchildren. I never knew much about your work but have enjoyed reading the notes from your colleagues and seeing that you showed the same devotion to those you looked out for. The love you have shown so many is truly admirable. 

I also want to thank you for showing kindness to me when I didn’t deserve it. I really should have thanked you but was too ashamed to bring it up when I had the chance back then. If it is any consolation, I will never forget what you did for me, and what you have done for Cayden.

Go Bucks!

Rachel & family,

I am so sorry for your loss. 

As a former Ombudsman, I worked with Bob for many years! He was a compassionate, dedicated, and tireless advocate for Ohio’s long term care consumers.   We often saw each other in meetings in Columbus, and he always spoke of his daughters and grandchildren with such love and affection. Bob was such a good soul! Condolences to his family and friends! Bob gave back to this world and he will be remembered! 

I met Bob years ago when he trained me as a volunteer ombudsman and was my mentor.  He was so patient, so kind, so much fun and incredibly committed to his role with protecting our seniors.  I am so shocked and saddened to learn of his death and send sincere condolences to the family and coworkers.  He will be missed but surely not forgotten.

Bob was respected and trusted by our staff at Council on Aging.  I found him to always be responsive, competent, and a true advocate and friend of older adults.  He made a difference and will be deeply missed by the many colleagues that he touched.

I worked with Bob as an Ombudsman. We were both former Centerville “Elks” and ended every text or email with “Go Elks!” As an Ombudsman, Bob was passionate about making sure every resident in nursing homes and assisted living facilities  was treated with dignity and respect. He was a great friend and never stopped talking about his family…he loved you so much. I will miss Bob’s laughter and his friendship. Bob was a great person and I know he lives on through his children, grandchildren and extended family. 


Please accept my condolences dear family members whom  Bob loved so deeply - in his honor and to you, I avail myself.  My heart breaks with yours. 

Over the past 4 years I have had the privilege to spend many hours with Bob learning from his dedication, drive and devotion. 

It was easy to see that his passion for "defending the widows and orphans" eclipsed the calling of anyone else I've ever met.  His life had purpose! He was a hero! 

He was a true friend. I already miss his smile, laughter, and goofiness which paired so well with his brilliance. 

I will reminisce of the countless hours he and I spent on the phone every night as he'd make his trek home. Both of us decompressing and processing the day, or just expounding on deeper thoughts and theories.

They say it's the - dash - between the dates that makes the difference! I say Bob's dash is immeasurable and I am glad to have met such a unique person.  

I will forever cherish our friendship and I will honor Bob as I share stories of his wisdom, kindness, and life with others. 

Semper Fi My Friend 

Jimmy 




I remember when you came home from the hospital for the first time and Dad softened the blow of having a third little brother by telling me about your twin sister first. I remember when you built a 3 foot-long, accurate working shark model when you were a kid and that you were an amazing reader of history from an early age. You have shared my passion for family history as well. You loved music, played guitar, and always had the wackiest sense of humor. When I told you would be an uncle for the first time, you bought a very large Pepe Le Pew stuffed doll for my daughter. You always had an abiding respect and interest in older adults, probably from knowing and hearing the stories of family from our grandmother. I remember how you patiently helped and managed getting through the passing of our mother and your twin sister. I can't thank you enough for taking Wes and I along on your wonderful train trip around the country by sending us texts and pictures along the way. I can't imagine how Wes and I are going to manage without you. The three of us texted each other about sports, politics, family stuff and utter nonsense, much to our mutual delight. I know that you were the best grandfather and that you loved your kids and grandchildren like crazy. How we will make it without you is a mystery. The greatest tribute I can pay you is to acknowledge that you have left a giant hole in our lives. Rest easy knowing that your family is giving you a loving and dignified send-off that would meet with your approval.  Dave misses you, too. We will keep watch up there at your final resting place and visit when we can so be at peace.  

With our most heartfelt condolences to your precious family,

Dave and Beth Zainey



Bob was a treasured colleague and I will remember him always as a compassionate and dedicated advocate and friend.  I could count on him to do the right thing for long-term care consumers and to always pick up the phone when I called about someone in need.  I’ll miss texting with him about football, especially the Buckeyes.  My heart goes out to his family and his Ombudsman team. 💙

OBITUARY

Robert "Bob" Vines

March 2, 1962 – December 22, 2022

Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel

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