Obituary

Here is a link to Bob's obituary, as it appeared today in the Bellingham Herald:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bellinghamherald/obituary.aspx?n=Robert-Keiper&pid=171825996

Memorial Service Scheduled

A memorial service for Robert Keiper will be held on Saturday July 26, 2014, 1pm, at 

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
2117 Walnut St.
Bellingham WA. 

If attending the reception after the memorial, please consider bringing a copy of your favorite Bob picture to share with others. This picture will then be given to Bob's Nebraska family. And if you would, write a little note or description on the back of the picture.

Another celebration of Bob will take place in late August or early September to give all you out of town folks a little more time to make travel plans.

Tentative Memorial Service Details

Hello all,

Tentative plans are that there will be a memorial service for Bob this Saturday, July 26th, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church.  Not exactly sure of the time yet--sometime in the early afternoon is most likely.  As soon as I know, you'll know...

Lauren

Movie and Slideshow

I desperately wish that I could write something poignant, insightful, and/or witty, but I can't.  However, what I CAN offer are these two links.

Here's a link to "Keiper, the Movie," the short film that Chris made for Bob's retirement party:

https://vimeo.com/100952270

Next, there's a slideshow that I put together using the photos I could find in my archives:

https://vimeo.com/101139939

I think both of them capture the spirit that was Bob--kind, funny, smart, and a little (well, a lot) irreverent.

Enjoy,
Lauren

July 18th

Dear Ones,

Bob passed about 11:35 am this morning.  Brian C and I were by his side.  Bob went on peacefully and quickly.  Bob loves all of you, loved life and believed in love.

Rest in Peace!

Tim

July 17th Late

Hi All,

Apologies for being soooo late…had to sleep, eat, host and listen to more tales of Bob.

So Bob is on Day 2 and apparently heading for Day 3.  What this means is that he is on a dladid/morphine IV drip to make him comfortable.  All other medicine, antibiotics and nourishment was stopped about 7pm Tuesday July 15^th.  

Bob has been doing well…continues peaceful and comfortable….is chugging along, usually breathing nice and easy.  Bob is made as comfortable as possible…repositioned, cleaned and bathed, keeping his mouth and lips moisturized, changing linen and etc.  Bob continues to be self-determined….certainly beyond my expectations…but I know nothing…Bob is directing the show.

 Today’s “show” has been more relaxed and slowed with visitors and calls…not as frantic as yesterday’s production.  Which was a whirlwind…a good one though.  Today was more of a “just hangin with the Bob.”  Of course, the tales of Bob continued to be told.  Part of Bob’s Canadian family came down to sit and have a scotch….bet ya didn’t know he was Canadian ehh.  Former high school students find their way back to Bob…in person like Mark from Colorado who just arrived a bit after 7pm…he sat and had a much deserved scotch after Seattle’s infamous traffic.  Another former student calling in from Chicago and more folks are due from Canada and others have made it to Seattle and driving up as I write.

 So, the “show” for today is absolutely in creditable. Bob continues to bring people together.  We here are meeting folks…really Bob’s family…his orphans, misfits and tagalongs that he has absconded during his life.  We are the characters, that others may have heard of or have met briefly in passing or are only are now meeting.  But everyone meeting each other….either in person, email, phone calls, skype, facebook or in the blog…its like meeting long lost or just discovered brothers and sisters of Bob’s family.  This continues to be a most amazing production “Bob Brings His Family Together”.  Btw there seems to be quite a few couples that Bob has help become “related”…and he has married a few…that is he performed the marriage ceremony…(Happy Anniversary to Brian P and Lynelle. He married these two…9 years ago today).

We anxiously await what Bob has instore for us at the end of the SHOW…will it be comedy or tragedy or something else?

Tim

Cruise Highlights

Some folks have been asking about Bob's epic cruise he took in May - where did he get to visit before the injury? Here are some of the highlights provided by his friend and travelling companion, Scott:

Bob and I flew out of Seattle on Wednesday, May 21. Flew from Seattle to Amsterdam to board the Celebrity Constellation for a 12 night Scandanavia and Russia cruise. Bob was in good spirits. He was a little unsteady but with the use of his cane, getting around well.  I was fortunate enough to have been asked to assist him on this cruise because we had travelled before to present at conferences and I had helped him with his dialysis and medical needs on those trips, so I know the drill, as it were. As his medical helper, Bob was able to get a good discounted rate for me to accompany him, and I was able to cover my airfare on my own. We were all set for a great trip!

We arrived in Amsterdam and transferred to the ship.  The first day was “at sea”. On May 23 we were docked at Warnemünde, Germany….a port not too far from Berlin, where some passengers took a day trip to Berlin.  Bob and I opted to stay in the port city and had a nice time walking around, seeing the sites, browsing in local shops and just recovering from the jet lag.  It was a nice day.  Bob bought a colorful kite for one of his adopted nieces as a souvenir.  It is now in the hands of some Russian bastard, er, uh, I mean hopefully it is being enjoyed by a deserving Russian child since we had to leave it behind along with other belongings due to weight restrictions on the medical jet, coming home.

After another day at sea, we docked at Helsinki, Finland. A beautiful city.  We joined the official tour group that day and saw sights. More great weather.

On Tuesday, May 27, we docked at St. Petersburg, Russia, where we were to spend two days sight-seeing.  This was I believe, the anticipated highlight of the trip for Bob.  He remarked that he had always wanted to see Russia, especially St. Petersburg, and he was of course well informed already of the history and knew exactly what he wanted to see. I was the naive eager student, always willing to benefit from his preparation and research.  Some things never change.

We went with the official tour group that morning and toured the famous and impressive Hermitage museum….an enormous place that one can only sample. I believe it is nearly as large as, or perhaps larger than the Louvre. Anyway, it was daunting because there are hundreds of stairs to negotiate and it is very crowded. The Russians seem to be more interested in packing in paying tourists than controlling traffic patterns or keeping things orderly.  We managed well, Bob, with the help of his cane and some assistance from me handled the challenges of the stairs while managing to snap photographs. He really was enjoying the time there..soaking it up, and it was great to see him enjoying himself and his surroundings.

As we left the Hermitage museum to return to the bus and go to lunch as a tour group, someone pushed the person next to Bob in our group…. a fellow cruise passenger who was heavy-set and blind-sided by the push. He said it was a “vendor” who pushed him. He fell into Bob knocking him down and the heavy-set gentleman fell as well…..partially on top of Bob.  We hastily helped them up in what was a hectic, confused few minutes since we were literally in the middle of the street/crosswalk, and I could tell Bob was hurting.  At that point, we did not know that he had broken his arm/shoulder…..just that he was in considerable pain.  I suggested we get medical help, and Bob insisted that we eat lunch with the group first and then see how he felt.  Tough, corn-fed Nebraska boys that he is….we ate lunch.  During lunch I told the tour guide that we needed to get him back to the ship and checked out by the doctor.  Bob agreed and the saga began.  It was determined that he had a severe break that required surgery, and the rest is another long, difficult, tragic story which I will not attempt to chronicle here.

I hope this gives folks some idea of the time leading up to Bob’s injury.

Scott

July 17, Morning...

Two posts this morning:

Its shortly after midnight, Bob had a really great day…countless phone calls and visitors…a great bunch of folks from the gym stopped by...what?…Bob does the gym!  And Bob’s home town of Gibbon NE was represented IN PERSOSN by Butch and Betty…Butch used to work on Bob’s family farm…and he and Bob ran around and…well I won’t ruin Butch’s reputation…Bob’s rep is already ruined.  The Minnesota Benkie Crew burned up Bob’s ear on the phone.  WWU staff and professors were in force….yeah they have summers off and nothing better to do but harass a retired colleague.  Countless former university students and even high school students from his time in Nebraska and Colorado called and visited.  Bob’s entire family…including nieces and nephews checked in.   So as a beautiful Bellingham day came to a close, at sunset Bob joined us in a toast…with his beverage of choice…single malt scotch on a sponge mouth thing…ya’ll would be proud…Bob just clamped his lips around that thing, made a face and sucked all that scotch right off…several times.  The nurse and I just repositioned him and he opened his eyes to briefly look around.  Bob continues to chug along…comfortable and peaceful…he seems to be sleeping well or perhaps out visiting folks in their dreams.  And appears to be getting ready to hold court another day…as only Bob can do. 

Tim

And one from 5:30 a.m.:

And Good morning...its 5:30am.  Bob has been rock steady "all night long...(everybody sing and hands in the air)...all night, all night, all night...looong"  at 28 respirations per minute. Another lovely bluebird day in the Ham.  Any East Coasters want to give us a call....Russians...perhaps lol.

Today same number as yesterday....360-734-5400 room 445

also got Skype....gardens of the soul...but no spaces 

gardensofthesoul

Tim

July 16 again...

Keep the good wishes coming!  Here's the latest from Tim...

Hi All,

Bob is hanging tuff...tons of visitors....he is calm, comfortable and peaceful.  Folks from all over are calling and we are putting the phone up to his ear so you can talk to him.  He does hear and recognize voices.  I am sure hearing your voice will be a great pleasure and comfort.  Give him a call.

Peace and Love ya,

Tim

Bob's number to the room

360-734-5400 room 445

Notes to Bob

Hi everyone. I created a Google Document with Stories and Gratitude for Bob. I will read contributions to him here in the hospital and send the final version to the family. Please feel free to contribute and share the link with others. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/18FyqMo4v5Gtb41PZ6nxd_09yK3klWt6VEacc8rF0euE/edit?usp=sharing

Brian Pahl

July 16

All,

Here is the latest from Tim.  I just returned from seeing Bob, and he is comfortable.

Dear Ones,

Seeing Bob, talking with the doc and hospice, plans have changed.  Bob has some hours to maybe 2 days at the most.  Thus, it would be quite disruptive to move Bob to the hospice house and would be much more comfortable for him to remain here at the hospital.  Bob is very comfortable and peaceful.  He seems to recognize voices and struggles to open his to open his eyes.  So any and all may visit however he remains on “contact precautions,” i.e., you must wear a gown, mask and gloves in the room…this is to prevent the spread of these nasty infections/bugs that he has.  The only caveat is anyone that is at risk for infections or poor immunity should probably say hi and wave from the doorway.  Bob has received THE BEST medical care in the world here, his docs have known him for years and have been patching him up after many travels, through rounds of cancer and kidney problems.  They have kept him going.  Bob is so thankful that we got him home and that he is surrounded your love.  Please know that Bob loves each and every one of you and is so appreciative of time spent with you, your kindness, thoughts and prayers.

May peace be with you,

Tim

Ps…Save the flowers and stuff for later.

So the details: 

Bob is here:

St. Joseph Hospital

Room 445

360-734-5400 and request to ring into his room…I or someone will be with him.

July 15

Dear Family, Friends and Fans

Yesterday and today Bob has been having significant pain in his stomach area. The doctors note that it is likely do to a flareup of one or several of his infections that have been living in his stomach cavity.  This flareup has occurred despite an aggressive antibiotic treatment. They also note that Bob would not survive another surgery. When visiting Bob early this morning, he noted “I’m not getting any better… I don’t have any strength or determination.” So after some tears and a bit more discussion, Bob and I decided to make his remaining time as best as possible. In consultation with his treatment team, aggressive medical care was changed to palliative or comfort care.  Palliative care was initiated this evening at about 6 PM.  What this means is they are now trying to make Bob as comfortable as possible and yet be able to visit with family, friends and fans.  I inquired about how much time Bob may have left. Of course staff was not able to make any predictions.  However because of Bob’s poor condition, the withdraw of antibiotics and the stopping of dialysis it is my anticipation that Bob has very little time.

On Thursday morning the 16th I will be meeting with his medical team and staff from the hospice house.  Bob will be moved to the hospice house here in Bellingham later on Thursday or perhaps Friday.  As soon as details are available regarding Bob being at hospice house I will post an update about the details. 

So this morning after a few tears, true to Bob being Bob, he said “we need to set the time and place for this party”… And I told him he needed to come up with the guest list and the theme for this party…he cracked a little smile.

So with a heart full of love, The PARTY IS ON!!!  Come and say hi, share some stories and wish Bob...Fairwinds, Tall Tales and Safe Passage for his next big travel adventure…LOL.

Tim

July 13

Another update from Tim:

Hi All,

Also apologies for my tardiness.  I've seen Bob daily, and this morning and the past few visits he readily arouses, recognizes me and says hi and seems appreciative.  However he is also moderately confused at times.  Like yesterday, he wanted me to call the kidney center to make an appointment for dialysis and did not quite recognize that he was in the hospital and getting dialysis.  And today, when I ask how he was doing, his response was "I'm going to Bellingham...(long pause)...I got some things I need to arrange on the calendar." 

And at other times, Bob is reasonably lucid.  I think Bob could use some stimulation/visits...because folks that are isolated tend to loose it abit.  We all need some reality to keep us engaged.  Bob noted he would like some visitors...but we don't want to  wear him out.  So if Bob seem abit out of it...just gently re-orient him.  Just know that he readily drifts off and then in a few minutes...wakes back up. 

And yes I want to and will plan on meeting with the docs and give you all an update.

Tim

July 12

Here's a report from Brian C:

Hello all,

I had a pretty busy week so I apologize for the lack of communication. I

have visited Bob a few times in the past few days and he has been on an

upswing. He is definitely more alert, the doctors and nurses are saying

that his infections have been disappearing (not sure about all of them

being 'gone' but definitely much better in this department) and there is

noticeable improvement from last week's report; which was definitely the

lowest point at which Bob has been. Today's dialysis nurse said she was

amazed at how much better Bob was since she last treated him on July

3rd. I don't think I can say that Bob is out of the woods by any stretch

but he still seems to have some fight left; which quite frankly amazes

me. There is a doctors' conference on Monday and I hope to have a more

specific update then. Bob's nephew Tim will hopefully get a chance to

meet with doctors as well.

Bob still wants the visiting to a minimum - when I check in I sometimes

just sit with him while he sleeps. I did share a bit of news (borderline

gossip actually) with him on Friday and that certainly sparked a

reaction. Sometimes those juicy little tidbits can go a long way. Not

sure that the lesson here is 'gossip heals' but it certainly didn't hurt

in this instance.

I hope everyone is enjoying a weekend with great weather - Bellingham is

perfect today so we will enjoy it while we can.

Brian

July 10th Update

Here's today's update from Tim...

Saw Bob this morning he was alert and oriented in doing much better, has good color, moving around a bit and eating ice chips. Easily awakened responded it was short simple sentences and clearly understood questions.   It seems that he was not quite aware of the past few days and how out of it he has been.  He denied being in pain, however the nurse said that when they move roll or move him, he’s definitely has some pain; and his pain is being managed with Tylenol.  The infections seem to be definitely resolving. I ask him if he would like somebody from St. Paul’s church the come and visit and he said to call and leave a message for them to come visit. I also asked him about what he would like to do with his “Book of Mormon” ticket for a Broadway musical at the Paramount in Seattle… So he’s thinking about what he would like to do with that ticket. I also told him about his brother Don trying to make arrangements to come out and see him and he he kind of rolled his eyes…was unsure.  Thus it seems that he is doing the best he has for the past 10 or 12 days.  When I ask about visitors, he indicated he was still too tired to entertain visitors.

Update from Tim: July 9

Here's an update from Tim...

So I've been seeing Bob daily, he continues to be quite lethargic and sleepy with brief episodes of being awake, cognizant with simple responses and nods of understanding and recognition.  His general medical condition remains in limbo and his labs have improved and the infections have somewhat resolved in response to the antibiotic cocktail.  Thus he is stable, is just again starting to have little sips of liquid, he continues on 1:1 nursing and requires total assistance, contact precautions, has peritoneal tube feeding and is doing "range of motion" physical therapy.   

Bob Keiper Updates

As many of you know, Bob suffered an injury while on his latest vacation, and has been in the hospital ever since.  This blog has been set up so you can monitor his progress.

THE BACKSTORY

If you know Bob, you know that Bob loves to travel.  And last month, he was doing just that.  He and a friend decided to take a pretty fancy cruise, with ports of call that included Amsterdam, Estonia, Helsinki and St. Petersburg.  Unfortunately, it was in St. Petersburg where Bob fell and broke his shoulder.  It was decided that surgery should be done in St. Petersburg to repair the shoulder, so Bob was admitted to the hospital.  And while the surgery went well, his body's reaction to the surgery did not, and an infection formed.  Bob's body did not handle the infection well, and a decision about where Bob should be treated had to be made.

After a great deal of thought, it was decided that the best option for Bob's recovery would be to have him brought back to Bellingham, and the only way to do that would be by private medical jet.  So, nearly two weeks after his initial accident, Bob was flown back home to Bellingham.

WHERE WE ARE NOW

Since his return home, he has had ups and downs, but has not improved as much as his doctors would like.  He underwent abdominal surgery to treat an ulcer that was bleeding into his stomach, as well as some other abdominal issues, including a large amount of toxins that have built up due to the fact that Bob has been on dialysis for some time now.   

Bob's nephew, Tim, and friend Brian C have been providing updates every few days.  The latest update is from July 4, and reads as follows:

Today Brian C and I met with Bob’s attending doc and surgeon for about 20 minutes.  Medically, Bob is in a limbo condition. He is not getting better and not doing particularly worse - but as stated, NOT getting any better. The treatment team feels at this point that they have done about all that they can do.  And if something significant or major occurs Bob will not be able to survive another major medical procedure. Currently Bob has three critters growing inside his stomach cavity; iirc (a fungus), an intestional bug and C.R.A.B., thus he is being treated with a precise anti-bacterial cocktail. Unfortunately, a side-effect of this cocktail results is him being lethargic and needing to sleep. Additionally Bob has aspirated pneumonia which, by comparison, is relatively easy to treat, but adds more antiobiotics and contributes to the overall lethargy.  The summary result is that Bob is very limited in his ability to participate in regaining strength. Thus, considering Bob’s current medical condition and his limited immunity capacity (if there’s any left) his prognosis, at best, is very sobering. That is, 1 to 2 more months in the hospital and then upwards to one year in a skilled nursing home with rehab before he would be in any condition to live at home; this also includes hemodialysis at least three times a week. And this assumes that no other events or infections would knock him off the razor’s edge to recovery. 

We also met with Bob and he was elevated in his bed and he looked comfortable. He was easily aroused, clear in his brief responses and coherently understood.  I summarized the Docs' discussion and asked him how about how much fight he has left. His response was that he didn’t have any strength and “I don’t know.”  Clearly Bob is struggling with what to do. He is aware that he has a huge hole to crawl out of and that his wings have been clipped concerning future travel shenanigans.  We told Bob that we and many others love him and support him. The Doc and surgeon noted at this point in time, Bob is not at an imminent medical event but in limbo and that it depends on him and how much fight he can (or wants to) put into this.

So not much else to say but Bob does love you and appreciate all the prayers, kindness and thoughts.  And take a bite of hamburger, corn on the cob, watermelon and potato salad or whatever for Bob...cause he would kill for such a taste.

Tim and Brian C

Please check back to view the latest updates.  We are hoping that this will be a more convenient way of sharing news about Bob than trying to remember email addresses.