Mr. Robert "Big "Bob" Willson

Robert Christopher "Big Bob" Willson, 44, Overland Park, Kansas, passed away May 17, 2010 at home from ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, May 21, 2010 at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas 66210. Inurnment will take place in Johnson County Memorial Gardens. The family suggests contributions to Keith Worthington Chapter of the ALS Association at KU Med Center or University of Missouri Alumni Association. Rob was born January 26, 1966 in Philadelphia, PA. He was a model son, loving husband and father, and loyal friend. He moved to Kansas City in 1973 when his father joined the English Department at UMKC. Rob attended Notre Dame de Sion Lower School, Rockhurst High School, and the University of Missouri, where he was awarded a BS degree in History and Political Science. It was at Rockhurst that he learned to "Be a Man for Others," a creed he followed throughout his all-to-short life. While at MU, Rob met and later married Linda Garber; together they have raised three children, Robby, Jake, and Maddie. After a short stint as a financial advisor, Rob became a highly successful pharmaceutical salesman. He did everything with great passion and love, including playing second row for the Kansas City Blues Rugby Club for many years. Recently, he was elected to the Blues Hall of Fame, an honor that he truly cherished. He read widely, but his abiding interest was the Civil War; it was a special treat when he was able to visit the Gettysburg battle site last year. Rob was also an avid fan of the Royals and Chiefs even in their darkest moments. He loved to travel with family and friends, and kept a special place in his heart for Kauai, Hawaii, where he and Linda enjoyed special moments together. Above all, Rob was a fierce competitor, a trait that served him well when he contracted ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) almost three years ago. Even though the odds were against him from the beginning, he vowed to fight this "damn disease" by every means possible. His courage won him the Tom Watson Award from the Keith Worthington Chapter of the ALS Association in 2008. Together with good friends and Blues teammates, he sought research funding for a stem-cell/gene therapy treatment project that he envisioned curing some 211 diseases. He truly became the "Man for Others" that he sought to be. The family wishes to thank from the bottom of their hearts the many friends and neighbors who have supported Rob in his cause. They have proven to us that a lot of very good, caring people live in the Heart of America. Special thanks to Carol, Tasha, and Holly, whose loving care gave him yet another reason to hang in there every day. Rob was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Pearl Willson, and his grandparents, Dr. Robert and Viola Willson. Survivors include his wife, Linda; his children Robby, Jake, and Maddie; father, Robert F. Willson, Jr.; step-mother, Pat Tholen-Willson; sister, Rebecca Whitlow; and an army of family and friends who love him. Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 913-451- 1860.

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