Robert "Rob" Whitaker

Among the wide variety of memories I have of Rob, I think the trip to Vegas with the (Cartter) sisters stands out the most. Rob kept insisting he was the luckiest man alive to be escorted by three lovely ladies...I offered to clean his glasses and, gallant gentleman that he was, he insisted they were polished to perfect vision. Every time LeaAnn or Alicia or Rob hit a jackpot - whatever the size - we three linked arms, danced around & sang "...we are family, da, da, da, da, da, I've got all my sisters with me..." and he laughed so hard it was a good thing he was already sitting down!! [No, I didn't forget to list myself as a jackpot winner--I just didn't win any!] Marginally speaking, Alicia, the financial & emotional benefits of that trip definitely outweighed the cost!!

Alicia, Kerrie, Tom, & Joyce: I look forward to helping you remember more good times because that is how we can best honor the people we love. Please know how much you are loved by God and by me.

Alicia, Joyce, Kerrie and Tom,

We are deeply saddened by Rob's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time.

I will never forget Rob, the most awesome cousin anyone could ever have.

With our deepest sympathy,

Doug, Marianne, Alex, Jacob, Zachary and Christian Dummer

We remember Rob as a brave, courageous, funny, smart, and caring friend. His life was very special to so many people who had the opportunity to know him. Some of my favorite memories are times spent with Rob.

Alicia, you have a special place in everyone’s heart that know how your love for Rob and his for you made your lives and love an inspiration to all.

Joyce, your love for your children is a testament for every parent to aspire.

Kerrie, your close connection with Rob has been as strong as any sibling could want.

Brother Tom, I always say if a family ever could have a saint you would be ours.

In Rob’s remembrance, I hope we all can take away a little of what he has given and help his spirit live in all of us.

Rob was possessed of a great spirit and a sure touch in conversation. His eulogy in 2007 for Leigh Whitaker was exceptionally good. I used to play board games with Rob as a kid. My condolences go out to Kerrie and Tom Braun, Alicia Whitaker, and good old Aunt Joyce.

Growing up, I always admired that black-and-white photo taken by Yusef Karsh of Rob, Kerrie, President John F. Kennedy, and Jerry Lewis in the Oval Office during the last weeks of the president's life. Years later, taking a break in a library, I picked up a biography of Jerry Lewis and learned a piece of the back story behind that photo I'd seen as a kid. According to the biography, the MDA head had tried in several previous years to get its National Goodwill Ambassadors in to meet the president, without success. It was Peter Lawford, a friend of the MDA head, who brokered the meeting between (his brother-in-law) JFK and the Whitakers. Because Lawford was close to his fellow Rat-Packer Dean Martin (who of course had split acrimoniously with Jerry Lewis), the Oval Office occasion was not meant to include Lewis, who somehow got wind of it and talked/clowned his way in.

I asked Rob about this meeting; he must have been seven at the time. He remembered that following some chitchat with the president, a phalanx of photographers marched into the room, the first row dropping to one knee, and then the big old-fashioned flash bulbs started popping away. Patty Duke, also active in the MDA, was present, and Rob distinctly remembered the president "checking out" the actress. Rob also remembered relating better to Bobby Kennedy, who seemed to know how to talk to kids, than to the president. It was like Rob to have all these astute observations because he was so perceptive.

Rob had the finest interpersonal knack of anyone in the entire sprawling family. It was easy, warming, and fun to talk to Rob--a privilege that now will be badly missed.

I think one of my fondest moments was when you guys came out to visit us in Az. I remember sitting in that really cool van with Rob and we were listening to Living Colour's Cult of Personality. It was little moments like that where he explained things in a way I could understand them without talking down to us "kids". So incredibly intelligent and willing to share what he knew. Much love...