Robert was a good baby, smart, cute oh so cute, was an only child for quite some time and as of this result was very protective of his mom. Sports, sports, and more sports clear through all of his school age, not just playing them but also very knowledgeable about them as well, amazed us of his knowing so much. Robert became a child model from '83 to '89 for Wal-Mart commercials, radio spots, Lee jeans, Hallmark cards, etc. He enjoyed this work and did his best at modeling and whatever was to be done in front of him that he pursued and he pursued a lot of things in his short life.
Robert became a father for the first time November 11, 1991; her name was Brittany Dawn Knapp. He was a young father and grew into learning what that all entails. He loved her so. Bowling since his childhood, another sport he loved. His best game he shot was a 299 and they gave him the ten pin he missed. He said, "Mom, I still have something to shoot for." Robert loved water; he was a water boy all his life. We took a lot of family trips and canoeing was one of his favorites, he started when he was 9. What great pictures I have of him and so many of his favorite things to do and enjoy. Palm trees were one of his favorites, and why wouldn't they be they were next to the ocean that he loved as well. Learning, reading, knowledge, and more knowledge were power to make him more of what he wanted to become.
He enjoyed quotes and often said them to his family and friends when the opportunity was given. Just a few of his favorites, hope these words will help others that will never get to know my son.
"Your friend is the man who knows all about you and still likes you."
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"Attitudes are more important than facts."
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"Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy."
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"Key to successful leadership is influence not authority."
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"To know the road ahead ask the ones coming back."
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"You've got to stand for something, or you'll fall for anything."
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"Where the mind goes, the man follows."
Van Halen was Robert's favorite band, note his son; my grandson's name is Halen. Robert became a father to Halen Don Knapp June 8, 1999. That was such a joyful day for him, now a father of two.
He was a dedicated worker to his employers. He said, "Mom, you get out of your job just what you put into it, I choose to give it my all. That can never be bad."
Avid Chiefs fan, he always wanted them to win, win, win. Too bad if his team, the Chiefs ever go to the Super Bowl he won’t have the joy of seeing this take place.
Robert died of heart disease and it is so sad for us to know that he did all the right things for this not to be his cause of death. Non-smoker, healthy eater, exerciser, was in such great shape upon his passing. He did far and above the call of duty to take care of himself. He put so much discipline in this area of his life.
Robert chose to be a donor upon something happening to him. He donated everything that could be used to help as many others still trying to live their lives productively. Robert's giving has changed the lives of so many.
I see so much of Robert in his children, it was such a short amount of time he had with them. I could never look at them and not see their dad. What a great job you did Robert, for the length of time you were in their lives. You will live on through them and also others that you influenced in so many ways.
If I'd known that I would give birth to a son, you Robert, and knew that I would have you for only 32 years and then you would leave me/us for Heaven, even though this has been the most excruciating pain I believe anyone can go through, I would choose to do it all over again. I have been blessed to know you as a son, father, brother, and friend. I am a better person to have known you, and go through this kind of pain, than to have not felt this kind of pain and never have known you. If there was a word stronger than "Love" I would use it now, but there is no stronger word than "Love” to describe what I feel for you. I miss you Robert on a daily basis and not until I take my last breath will that change.
