Hi Grandpa!
I always talk to you about anything and everything. 
I can still hear your-voice when you tell your jokes, and your contagious laugh afterwards. Oh and how could I forget your twinkling pretty blue eyes. Ryan and Ashley were lucky to get those blue eyes from you!
Just the other day I asked Ryan and Ashley if they wanted a”sleeping relative”? I couldn’t think of the word napkin. I am still looking for the “Kiki Birds, “ that say it’s Key.Key, Cold!
The old school Tom and Jerry cartoons are the best! I quit smoking, I’ve been strong for 3 years now and I still remember NOPE!
I know you come down and visit. Because I can feel your presence. I always talk to you, every day. 
I just miss you like crazy!! 
I love you grandpa and I know you have been reunited with grandma and others!
Love,
7-11  Xoxo 


This tribute complete with video showed up in my email today.  Hard to believe you've been gone 9 years!  The beautiful thing is that in my heart I can still hear your laughter, see those beautiful twinkling eyes and great smile; and I'm so very thankful for that!  You are still missed every day so that hasn't changed.  I'm so very thankful for every moment we spent together both when I was a child - and as a grownup.  I suppose I'll always wish you could have stayed here with us for longer.  Anyway - I know you're always listening and I know you're proud of Candace and Lisa as you always have been.  I love you dad . . . to the moon and back.  
Cathycat

August 2018 -- time flies and yet I still hold you close in my prayers and I still think about how fortunate I was to have you as my father. You were without a doubt a great husband, father & grandfather.   I've been known to refer to you as my John Wayne  - larger than life itself.  I am who I am because you believed in me and always told me how proud you were and that I could do anything I set my mind to.   Both Candace & Lisa  have great memories because you spent so much time with them.  Both you and mom were always there for every dance performance, every school function.  Picking them up from school and spending countless hours with them after school watching Tom and Jerry cartoons and just being the best Grandpa ever!  I miss your clever jokes, your laugh, and your smile.  You could always see things that others could not and instinctively knew how things would unfold.  I remember you sitting me down and  telling  me that it wouldn't be easy but to do what I knew was right. During our father daughter Mexico cruise you kept repeating that you wanted happiness for us all.  Some of the best advice you gave me was not to let negative people into my life  - I can't thank you enough for that!  And -   You  told me to never stop talking to you because you would always be listening.  Well,  I still talk to you -- and I know you listen.  Love you dad!  xoxo   

Another year has passed and you are still here in spirit.  Always here to listen and I still hold you close in my prayers, thoughts and memories.  We shared so very much, and thought alike, making it just that much easier for me to  keep talking to you.  I probably wouldn't still be talking to you if i didn't believe in my heart of hearts that you are still listening.  I miss your jokes, your smile and laugh.  I'm thankful for all of the wonderful years I was fortunate to spend with you.  I still smile when I think of you...  Love you to the moon and back xoxo
Cath

Hi Dad, hard to believe it’s April 2018.  On April fools day you were on my mind, BIG TIME! Anyone who knows anything about you knows what a joker and trickster you’ve always been and not just on April Fools Day!  I was telling a friend just the other day about the day you told me that if I worked outside in the heat and helped you paint the exterior of the house I could probably lose 20 pounds, in one day!  Being the skeptic I had you get on the scale before going out to work,  when you came in for lunch I had you step back on that scale again.  To my surprise you had lost around 15 pounds!  You almost had me on that one but you blew it because you couldn’t contain your laughter.  Finally you explained that before your first weigh in you had placed body and fender weights in your pockets.  I remember you telling me how hard it was to keep your pants up for that first weigh in.  Always a character , always my dad.  Just thinking about how  much I miss your hugs, kisses and the way you always squeezed my hand.  I still talk to you all the time.  Sometimes when I’m sad I wish you were here to sqeeze my hand.   I STILL MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY.  Love you Chatty Cathy xoxo. 

It is hard to believe a year has passed because it seems like yesterday we were together.  Thank you for your friendship you will forever be a part of each of our lives.  
 
Love the Gagnon's
Eric, Bobbi, Rachael and especially your buddy Alex

Hi Papa, I was thinking of you and wrote you a poem...

You will be missed

Here is a hug and a kiss
I'm sure heaven is bliss
But you will be missed

With your jokes and that smile
You always had such style
We were not ready to let you go
Our hearts are sunk low

You were a phenomenal man
Always ready to lend a helping hand
You were a grandfather with a plan
Who loved to spend time with the fam

Here is a hug and a kiss
I'm sure heaven is bliss
But you will be missed

We have so many memories with you
You were always tried and true
Making everyone around you laugh
And delivering jokes with sass

Here is a hug and a kiss
I'm sure heaven is bliss
But you will be missed

Your laugh would light up a room
In the morning, or at noon
We want to give you a big hug
At our heart strings you tug

You enjoyed drinking coffee
And were always as happy as could be
I wish you could see
How much you meant to me

Here is a hug and a kiss
I'm sure heaven is bliss
But you, Papa, will be missed

Hi Papa~
I have been meaning to write you,but something always come's up..Ryan needs help with the computer or wants to play Super Mario Bros. on Wii. I remember when you used to play Nintendo with Lisa and I; we would play "Paperboy,"...you had always gotten really far in that game, you and Lisa were the Master's of that game.
Then after I play a few games with Ryan, Ashley needs me she wants to lay down and cuddle, and watch a show that she love's called "Peppa Pig." Ashley is such a Cuddler and as you would say a "Kick in the pants!" She love's her Minnie Mouse, stuffed animal,which reminds me of the time I had to have the Mickey stuffed animal at was it Thrifty's? You and Grammie purchased it  for me, because you knew I could not go home with out it!
I remember like Lisa said: You used to say..."You don't need that," with the Slurpee's, but what's funny is Lisa always seems to take after you; and tell me that, "I don't need that!" Whether it be a purse or whatever...LOL!!
I can remember when you would pick us up from Churchill hill in your truck you would have Country music playing.. I would say: Can we put on  FM 102.5, radio station, you would smile that wonderful contagious smile of your's and say "You know for some reason, My radio doesn't get that station, I have tried and it is just Static! I would believe you, not realizing you just didn't like that music! LOL!!!!
Just the other day the kids used the alligator color crayon holder you made for Lisa and I. They loved it!
I get upset from time to time, because the kids, want to see you and visit with you... I tell them that you are up in Heaven, Ryan gets mad at me because he doesn't understand why we just can't go to Heaven and talk and hang out with you!
I really really miss you sooo much, I miss our conversations, and your jokes: and the way our conversation's would start out by me saying: Whatcha up to? and you replying: Oh about 6 feet, and me saying oh they are still stacking it that high?! You would reply yes, and then we would chat...I am so glad that I had you as a Grandfather, and that my kids got to know you as their Great Grandfather!! You truly are GREAT, and not only were we Grandpa and Grand daughter but, you were always my greatest Friend!!
I love you to Infinity and Beyond!
Love you,
Candi, Ryan & Ashley  :D

Hi Papa,

You have always meant so much to me! I love you always and think about you often!
When we were younger you would make Candace and I all sorts of cool toys which we thoroughly enjoyed. When we got older, you would pick us up from school everyday. We would try to talk you into getting us a treat, like slurpees. You would always say "you don't need that" but then when we got to your house you would make us slurpees 'your way'. =) We had dinner weekly with you and Grandma which was always fun. Dairy Queen was always a special treat. I'll never forget your simple one liners that always made us smile. Napkins were napikins which are sleeping relatives, going to the dentist at 2:30 was tooth hurty. There were so many more... You were always smiling and had jokes to share with everyone around you. Everyone that met you had something nice to say. You were always welcomed everywhere you went which shows how special you truly are.
I remember that you didn't want to go to the hospital, and I don't blame you, but it was what was best for you. As we were sitting in the ER you said that I could go because I had a husband to take care of. I smiled and laughed at your selflessness. Here you are in the ER and you're worried about others. I stayed and told you that Joe could take care of himself. You needed me that day and I was happy to be there.
Nothing you've done for us has gone unnoticed. We love you so much! You are so special and I'm so happy that I have had the opportunity to know you as an adult so we could talk, laugh, and I finally got to hear the dirty jokes, LOL.
I think of you every time I use something we inherited. It's actually very nice to think about you often as I use your mixing bowls, wine opener, and other misc. tools. Your thought of often and missed daily.
Mom and I recently went to Santa Cruz for your birthday. We were reminiscing and mom was telling me about how much you loved the bumper cars. We drove them many times. =)
Grandpa you mean more than you'll ever know.
I miss you, hugs and kisses.
Love Always, Lisa xoxo

Dad, This past year has proved to be difficult, just as you warned me it would, (LOL). While I think of both you and mom every day, you have been on my mind even more than usual since around May. I meant to post on your birthday but instead spent most of the day thinking of you with a lump in my throat.  I received an e-mail notification early this morning that Bobbi Gagnon has posted.  The posting only further proves that you are loved and missed by many - and that you truly touched the Gagnon Family's lives.  You've always had a gift for that! Making people laugh, smiling and telling jokes, OH and let's not forget the pranks you played on me -- ahem!!  Gotta dash dad but I needed to write a few words down.  I still miss you like crazy!  L and I took our annual trip to Santa Cruz last month.  The trip had always been a special time to think of mom and how much she loved Santa Cruz.  Of course she'll still be in our thoughts each time we visit but this year I also reflected a little more about you and the Giant Dipper.  L and I rode in the front, in the back, in the middle - as a tribute to you - and I remembered your wonderful contagious laugh during the ENTIRE ride.   We Sold the house and to a young couple starting out.  Mr Ryan will be starting school this year and has photo's  of you with him taped all around the light switch in his bedroom.  Can't turn a light on or off in that boy's room without thinking about Great Grandpa.  Ashley is a little pistol and is already 3 and talking our ears off much like her mother did as you recall - both kids can talk us into just about anything.  Gotta to but Dad I just want to blow you a kiss and tell you one more time  "I miss you to the moon and back Dad!:  xoxo

We had a great day at the State Fair today - on the way home we were remembering you and how grateful we are to have had an opportunity to share time with you - we still really miss you Bob - love the Gagnon's PS - Alex will be going to Churchill this year in IB program, I know you would be proud!

To anyone reading this if you were at dad's service you already know how beautiful it was. There were friends there that I had not yet met -- but that doesn't surprise me, my fathers warm kind smile, and twinkling blue eyes were two things no one I know could resist-- so of course there were lots of people who either were there or have sent cards or made donations in dad's name to Childrens homes etc.  I still don't know how I found the courage that day to stand before everyone and talk about how great my dad was.  I'm thankful that he gave me the courage to get up and speak.  There was so much more I could have said - I can go on and on about what a great man he was!   So to those of you who sent cards, called, donated and/or were there on Saturday thank you for your support!!  Father Bland performed a very nice service and I almost lost it at the cemetary when the Navy played taps and presented me with the flag. Many thanks to all friends and family members who attended representing the love & respect he  sooo deserved.  While he is not sitting right here -- I know he's listening and that alone makes me smile.  I love you dad --- to the moon and back!  Cathy

Dad is what I've called you for the past 35 years. Working on cars, houses, whatever came up. Between the two of us there wasn't anything we couldn't fix. I'll miss your jokes, but I'll never forget all the good times we've had together. Rest in peace, and goodbye for now, until we meet again, just keep laughing.

Hi grandpa bob.Im writing to you because i feel that i need to say things that i want you to know.Knowing you has enlightened my life in many ways,we would sit and have a smoke and talk politics,laugh at your jokes and just about anything.You have schooled me at shooting pool-i gotta say,you are  really good bob...It gave me great pleasure to have fixed your car for you and I want to thank you for just being you.You're a great guy.If you happen to run into my father,please tell him hello from me and i love him.Well Bob,im going to let you be now and you enjoy your new life now pal.Until we meet again.I love and miss you.

Grandpa Bob will be missed and remembered so dearly. Such a kind and loving man.  He will remain in our hearts forever!

I enjoyed working on your car as well as helping you in your front yard with the sprinklers. That was pretty fun...I also enjoyed playing pool with you and learning Craps.. You will be missed.

Hey there Papa~ I was going to call you this morning and talk to you, as I did every morning but as mom said " I don't have your new number. I miss you so much! Whenever I needed someone to talk to you were always there for me! And whatever party I planned you were always happy to attend! I can remember our slurpee's when Lisa and I were young. Just the other day I tried to make my own for the kids, it wasn't coke it was cherry flavor, but I think yours had come out better. It made me wish you were here again. I know you are safe, happy and reunited with Grammie, and that is wonderful, I just miss you! You were the most patient most greatest Grandfather. You could always make me smile as of course you could make anyone smile. You had a gift. I will miss those pretty blue eyes full of fun, but whenever I look at my kids I see the same blue eyes.. I know they got them from they're Great Grandpa, and it makes me think of you. I am so glad that they got to know you! I Love and Miss you So Much! Love You; Candace

I miss you ... I still play with those toys you bought me, but the cool blue one needs batteries. I just told mom today to get me some batteries! I have been sleeping on my bee pillow; it is very nice and fluffy! I love you Great Grandpa! Love, Ryan XOXO

We miss you so much Dad!  I often think of something I need to tell you right away and pick up my phone but - then I remember - I don't have your new number.  I'm thankful we had such a wonderful relationship and as you often told me, we went through things no one else can ever understand - because they were not there.  So when I hear a joke I'm still going to tell you, and  . . I know you'll laugh - I wish you were still here  - I wish we could take just one more Roller Coaster Ride or one more Cruise - or one more trip to Reno - But you'll always be here in my heart and I'll still talk your ear off!  That's the good part - that I know in my heart of hearts that you knew how I felt about you and thanks to the e-mails, special cards and heartfelt talks we've had, I know how much you loved us too.  You always told me you loved Jim like a son and that was obvious because the two of you could always find something to talk about. I know you'll be watching over us - I wish you could have stayed just a little longer, to watch your great grandchildren grow up but, I know you'll watch over Little Ryan & Ashley Rose.   You were my John Wayne - the father who stood tall and brave and gently guided me through a childhood I will always treasure. I remember father-daughter dinners and being so proud to have you attend Open House at my school so you could see my school work.  I love you Dad and I miss you like crazy!!  This has been tough on us but I know you're still listening.  But be careful when you meet up with mom, because if you tease her too much -- I'll bet she can still kick a slipper your way!  I've been fortunate to have wonderful loving parents. You've touched so many lives and made so many people smile with your kind smile and those blue eyes that sparkled so . . . As all of your friends and the staff at Atria know, I've always been proud to tell anyone who would listen that you were "MY DAD."  Love you! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxxx  P.S. -- I'm soooooo glad The Gagnon family took you out to have a Burger King Whopper -- your way -- with extra onions and NO PICKLES.  You're the best and in my heart forever. as Ry and Ash would say: "mmmmmwaaah" as they blow a kiss your way.

Bob we had a wonderful time whenever we were together.  Thank you for the love, friendship and all the laughs! We will hold you in our hearts forever and think of you everytime we shout UNO!!!  Love, Eric, Bobbi, Alex and Rachael

To our very good friend Bob, Bob, you're the best.  Thank you so much  for letting us be a part of your life.  We miss you a lot and wish the very best for your family.  Til we meet again.  Your friends, Vic and Barbara

OBITUARY

Robert B. Whitaker

June 23, 1927 – August 17, 2012

Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home

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