NRL News
Page 13
September 2009
Volume 36
Issue 9

In Memory of Robert Schindler, Sr.
Goodbye, Dear Friend

On Saturday, August 29, the world lost a tremendous man and the right-to-life movement lost a wonderful friend. Robert Schindler, Sr., the father of the late Terri Schindler Schiavo, died from heart failure in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was 71.

By all accounts, Bob Schindler was an ordinary man who never sought anything more than the happiness that comes with living the “American dream.”

Born and raised in Philadelphia, he married and together with his wife, Mary, had three beautiful children. A man of tremendous character, Bob worked hard to help support his family. He took great pride in his children’s accomplishments. Like all of us, he enjoyed time with family and friends. He was always quick with a joke. A kind, gentle, and loving soul, Bob shared his faith with his Terri, Bobby, and Suzanne, and instilled in them respect for the dignity of every human life.

When his oldest daughter, Terri, collapsed on February 25, 1990, Bob and Mary put those values and faith into action at Terri’s side. And for 15 years, that’s exactly where they remained—fighting unceasingly to defend their daughter’s right to life. Their actions gave life to the phrase “unconditional love.” Their heartfelt struggle garnered the attention of the national and international media, legislatures, the governor of Florida, Congress, and the President of the United States.

As their case bounced from the courts to the Florida legislature to the United States Congress and back again, and as the media frenzy created a circus-like atmosphere outside of the hospice where Terri lived, Bob drew strength from his faith, which had been shaken to its core, and remained a rock for his wife and children.

The Schindlers’ brave struggle to save Terri’s life ended on March 31, 2005, when she died of a court-ordered withdrawal of food and fluids. For most of us, our fight would have ended there. But not for Bob. When most other fathers would shrink back to grieve the loss of a child, Bob stepped forward.

Indeed, what made Bob Schindler so extraordinary was his strong desire to see that what happened to Terri didn’t happen to someone else’s daughter or son. The family created the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation to advocate for other medically dependent and disabled patients facing denial of their most fundamental right to life.

Through the Foundation’s work, Bob’s legacy of compassion and kindness will live on.

We were blessed to call him “friend.” And, though we take comfort in knowing that Bob has been reunited with Terri, Bob’s death makes our pro-life world a little smaller, and a little sadder.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation, 5562 Central Avenue, Suite 2, Saint Petersburg, FL 33707, (727) 490-7603, or at www.terrisfight.org.