Robert Cleo Rose

Bob Rose was the kind of man who seemed to believe that almost anything was possible. He woke up each morning with a smile and a happiness that was contagious. He loved life, loved doing things and most of all, loved being surrounded by people. For 40 years, I was fortunate enough to share that life with him – and I feel blessed!

Bob loved – all sports; tennis, basketball, softball, billiards and wheelchair racing. Just about anything involving a little competition. He also loved racing Thrill Cars at the racetrack with his best friend, Ray, where his love of speed, competition and adventure really came alive.

He raced 367 miles in a wheelchair through Alaska – not because it was easy, and certainly not because anyone thought it would be, but because challenges had a way of bringing out the very best in him. He was fiercely determined, adventurous, and unwilling to let the word “impossible” make the decisions for him.

He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved a good practical joke. One of his favorites was secretly adding items to someone’s grocery cart, then acting totally surprised and innocent when they discovered these items which they would not have bought themselves.

He loved making people laugh. That mischievous spirit was very Bob.

He was also one of the most determined and capable people I have ever known. Bob didn’t see a wheelchair as a reason to not do something. If there was a way, he found it. One story captures that perfectly. One day Bob decided he needed to clean the house gutters, so he climbed a rope to the roof, crossed his legs and leaned over the edge of the house and cleaned all the gutters. Then he scooted across the roof, grabbed another rope, and swung down like Tarzan to another wheelchair.

I Was Mortified! Bob of course was perfectly delighted. So, the next day I had his brother come over and we cut down the tree so he could not do it again. That was Bob – fearless, creative, determined, and a little bit crazy.

But perhaps his greatest accomplishment was the way he helped other people. Having faced paralysis himself, Bob became a guide and a source of hope for newly injured patients. He helped them see past the fear and uncertainty, helping them believe that life could still be full of adventure, purpose, laughter and love. Bob didn’t just tell people to look for the best in their circumstances, he showed them how. He believed hope wasn’t pretending things were easy, but discovering what was still possible and going after it.

He also treasured the simple things. He loved camping, playing games, building models, flying stunt kites, and just being with family and friends. Those were some of the happiest moments, because for Bob, being together was enough. He was also an amazing cook. I will always remember the first meal he cooked for me – marinated elk steaks with rice pilaf. I was sold!

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Peggy Rose, and his younger brother Brian Lee Rose. He is survived by his beloved wife Diane Rose, his sister-in-law Kay Rose, and many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.

To our dear friends Ray and Debbie Kniffen, you truly are family to us. Bob loved you so much and your friendship meant more than words can express.

To the world, Bob was an adventurer, an athlete, a mentor, a prankster, a man who could seem to do almost anything, who didn’t know the word "can’t". But to me, he was my husband, my partner, my best friend, and my greatest love. When I think of Bob I will remember his smile each morning, his laughter, his humor, his love of sports, his cooking, his practical jokes, our many trips to the coast, camping with friends, kites in the wind and all the moments we shared with the people we loved. Most of all, I will treasure the 40 years we shared. 

Bob made life an adventure, filled with laughter, love, challenges, and memories that I will carry with me forever.

I Love Him So Much and I Will Miss Him Every Day.

40 YEARS TOGETHER… WHAT A RIDE!