Please Support the Whiles Family

Bob Whiles experienced a catastrophic brain injury resulting from a fall from a ladder at home September 17, 2022. He is being (or was ☹) maintained on full life support for a timely organ donor match and for his wife of 38 years, Karen, to gather their four sons Ryan, Matthew, Andrew and Nathan at his bedside. Only 65 years old, Bob was still vigorous, both “young at heart” and a “wise old soul”. Planning to live decades more, he had a love commitment to raise the surprise but welcome light of their life, their 4 year old granddaughter, Rhaya, whom Bob and Karen adopted. As the primary income earner, Bob was still working as IT Director for Recycle-Core, had a side passion for small British motor cars, was well involved with home improvements, most recently in eager anticipation of meeting their new daughter-in-law from Japan. Bob is known not just as a faithful husband, father and “Papa” but also a man of strong faith, opinions and convictions. He and Karen have been active members of Trinity Redlands Church, as well as “the church” at large, as it manifests in the lives of fellow believers. A personal habit of reading and studying the Bible was important to Bob, as well as reading other wisdom books and seeking and sharing counsel for difficult issues. He regularly shared from the Word as he listened and encouraged others with an empath’s heart and a lifetime of gathered experience and well-earned growth.

This GoFundMe request is presented by close friends of the family, with Karen’s acceptance, to help provide funds for unexpected funeral expenses as well as transitional support. Anyone who knows Karen knows her character. She is a hard-working, likable, self-sacrificing, seemingly tireless, loving, gracious, frugal, intelligent woman of the highest integrity. Well respected in the community, she is known for her fine upholstery work, multiple volunteer and leadership roles with the schools, church and Awana that continued even after she raised her sons, regular walks with Rhaya in their neighborhood, and her pause to give others her full attention even when that extends her work day. We expect those who knew Bob, Karen, and their family will be easily sparked towards generosity, through this platform or another means. Let’s show them love.