It is very hard to say goodbye to a friend – especially a friend as dear and special as Robert McKelvy.

I have known Robert for many many years.  We were classmates at Andrews High School, and we enjoyed participating in the dramas at school.  Robert was a class ahead of me, but our paths crossed often.  In fact, I was the cupid that encouraged him to date my friend Betty.  Betty mentioned tonight that I invited her over, and when she got to our house, Robert was sitting on the couch.  They dated, fell in love, and got married.  Aren’t I a good friend?

His wife Betty and I have been friends forever and a day.  I believe we were in the Sunbeams together at FBC Andrews.   That is a long time ago because Sunbeams was a group for preschool children.

When Betty and Robert moved into the Dallas area a few years ago, it was a good thing.  Oh, the good times we have had together.  Robert and Betty enjoyed going out to dinner, and that was just fine with us.  There was seldom a week when we didn’t get together.

Here we are last year celebrating our anniversaries at the Mansion on Turtle Creek.

Choosing bread was not an easy task.  Honestly, Robert seldom had trouble speaking his mind.

Robert fit right in at the Adolphus.  Now these are some of our most notable outings, but most of the time we stayed close to home and enjoyed visiting together.

Betty and Robert were generous and shared their time share with us.  They enjoyed the Sight and Sound production of Noah so much, they made sure we got to see it.

Here are Robert and Ever-Lovin’ at the Nashville Gaylord Resort.  The trip to Nashville was great.  We had plans to return.  There are so many memories of the trips we shared – Branson, San Antonio, Nashville, Colorado.  Robert was an excellent travel planner, and we were thankful.

Robert worked tirelessly for the Andrews Alumni Association.  For the last two years, he was responsible for compiling the Memory Books for the 50th class reunions.  Just a week or so ago he announced that the book – all 190+ pages – had gone to the printer, and he was a happy man.  What a glorious day.

I think Robert knew everybody at the reunion.  He was a good friend to all and kept up with so many classmates.  It was amazing.

When trying to relay to you what Robert means to me, it is difficult.  I love him like a brother.  He was funny, enjoyed life, and always willing to go the extra mile in whatever he did.  I knew he was always there for us.

The memorial service was a fitting tribute to a wonderful man.  The chapel was full, and I have not seen so many flowers at a service in a long long time.  He had said not too long ago that at his memorial service he wanted music – LOTS of music.  He got his wish.  We even sang Do Lord.

This is the last photograph I have of Robert.  They were at the July 4th gathering.

I am still in shock.  How difficult it is to know that our lives have changed (Yes, that is selfish on my part).  The pastor at the service said there are three emotions of grief – Sad, Mad, and Glad.  I am feeling all three.  I miss Bob terrible, I am mad that all of our lives have changed, and then I am glad for him that he has gone to be with the Lord.

Thank you Lord for Robert and his legacy.

Blessings to you and yours,