Robert A. 'Bob' Derr

I want to share a couple of stories with you about Robert that I hope you'll appreciate and hopefully will bring a smile to your face. I had the privilege of getting to know Robert because I was the pharmacist that prepared his chemotherapy. On many occasions Robert was treated in a chair that was just across from my office. Over time we got to talking and one day he told me his three favorite things. He said to me, "In no particular order I like to gamble, I like margaritas and I like women" We shared a good laugh and from that point on we talked every time he came in. Usually the topic was whether he walked away from Ho-Chunk with their money or if he donated to their cause. It seemed like the results were 50-50. One time I took his medication to him and he asked me what I put in it. I told him the usual medication and he asked if I was sure. I told him I was and asked why. He told me the night before he developed this hunger for chocolate!! He told me he ate everything in the house that had chocolate in it and then had to go to the store to get some chocolate pudding. Again we shared a good laugh. The last time we spoke was Good Friday. I was at my desk and his nurse said Robert was here and he wanted to talk to me. As it so happened it was not busy so I went to his cubicle. He extended his hand and we shared an extended handshake. I knew at that point he was saying thank you and goodbye. I asked him how he was doing and he said not good. We talked while the staff was trying to find a place for him for the weekend, either in the hospital or inpatient hospice. I asked him if he had a preference and he said no. He said Hospice had better food and a hot tub he wanted to use, but Meriter had younger and better looking nurses. Again we shared a laugh. I never did find out which one he got, but I did say to him to make sure he took advantage of that hot tub if he had the opportunity. Lucky for me the clinic wasn't busy because he talked and I listened for about 20 minutes. I usually don't talk to our patients as much as I did Robert, but in this instance I am glad I did. Robert was a favorite of everyone in the clinic and he will be dearly missed.

Mike and Karen, So sorry for your loss !