Sunday, December 13, 2009
Phyliss,I first met Bob when he was a professor in the WVU Chemestry Department. I was an officer in WVU-ACE, an employee union, and Bob asked me to help several classified employees who were suffering because of poor management in the department. At, the employees'' request, the union and I intervened, and we worked with the employees and management to make some improvements in the department, mainly by using the state grievance procedure. One fired employee was reinstated after being fired for a year, and he received full back pay and all bemefits. By then the employee had finished his degree and moved on to a new job out of state, and eventually a new chair was selected. Bob''s support was invaluable, and the employee and I much appeciated his help.Years later I met Bob again, when he and you began attending various NAMI meetings in Morgantown. We both shared the joys, frustrations and pains of raising a child with mental issues. When the professionals did little to help, we turned to each other for support and understanding. I thank you and Bob for your friendship over the year, and I know that Sandy would say the same, if she were here.Sandy and I had 43 years together: some very good years, and others were not as good. But, she stuck with me through it all, just as you and Bob stuck together through many trials for 53 years. I guess we were lucky... I now I was very fortunate to have Sandy, and I believe Bob felt the same about you, Phyliss. The last time I spoke with Bob was at the recent Olli luncheon, and as Bob would often do, he badgered me a bit about sending the State Auditor''s web site to him so he could check out the current salaries of the over paid WVU administrators. I am sorry I didn''t make time to send the site address to him before he passed. Bob, just like Sandy, just up and left when it was their time. Sandy and I didn''t have time to say our goodbies, I hope that you and Bob had that opportunity.Take care and call me if I ever can be helpful. Bill (304-296-8414, weisswilliam@yahoo.com)
