Help Crissy during this difficult time
It is with great sadness that I share the unexpected passing of Bob Bemister, age 45, on the morning of July 28, 2021, leaving behind his wife Crissy and their three children, Chloe, 19; Evan, 17; and Nolan, 9.
As many of you know, Bob was in the hospital for the past few weeks with sepsis and bacterial endocarditis. He started out at CDH and then was transferred to Northwestern in Chicago to have a very intricate surgery to repair the damage to his heart. Bob was a fighter. He underwent a 12-hour surgery on Tuesday with lots of ups and downs, but he pulled through it, as he always had in the past, because he couldn’t wait to be back home with his family. The surgeons said the surgery went well and they expected him to be returning home in around five days. The following morning Crissy received a call from the hospital, and she ran over as quickly as she could from her hotel room next door since she couldn’t stay in his room overnight due to COVID restrictions. After her arrival she learned that Bob had had a massive stroke and that he wasn’t going to survive. He couldn’t fight any longer.
When visiting with Crissy on the day he died, she told me how grateful she was to be there every day while he was in the hospital to spend time together and to help care for him. She also shared how she felt it was a “gift” from God to be able to be by his side and hold his hand as he passed, along with his mother, sister, and brother.
Bob was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, and true friend, and he was loved by many. He was so full of life and ready at a moment’s notice to spend time attending events and enjoying activities with his family. He made an impact on everyone he met, more often than not by his sense of humor and his contagious smile which would light up the room. He had a heart of gold and wouldn’t give a second thought to offering help to others.
The family is shocked and devastated by this loss, as this was not the outcome they expected. Crissy is a very strong and selfless woman, but she is going to need our help to get through this. I’m reaching out to you and the community asking you to give back and help Crissy and their three children, if you can, as they deal with the loss of this wonderful man who was their rock. The donations collected will help offset final expenses; and, if possible, to help relieve some of the financial strain his wife will face during this devastating time and moving forward.
While we don’t understand why this happened, we do know that God is in control and has a plan for everyone. We also know that Bob is with God, and for that we rejoice, even through the tears, the heartache, and the unanswered questions. Any support you may be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. Please keep Crissy and their entire family in your thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements will be provided soon.
