Robert Alford Obituary

Bob was one of my first connections to Kent State through football and living in the same dorm. I will never forget him. Sorry I missed staying in contact. Rest in Peace my Golden Flash brother.

Even though this is the second anniversary of your home coming, it seems like yesterday to myself and all that love you. As your sons shared at the memorial, they are following in your footsteps...big shoes to fill. I've attended many functions during the year and many people sincerely were glad to see me and saw that I was doing well. This my closing message for the guest book. Your spirit is alive and well in my heart. There have been times I would expect you to walk into the room with your big warm smile, yet realizing that won't happen. God's daily presence in my life has given me strength and that one day I will see you again in His glory. Be at peace my soulmate.
Luv you....Babe

Hi Babe
Nothing special going on, just thinking about you, as usual. I stayed home for this past Xmas. Thought about spending it with Aarons family, but was led not to go. Spent time with Campbells and Bells. It was harder this time than the first, but God truly gave me strength. I just returned from Albany, GA for the celebration of your Aunt Nan's 90th birthday. All your relatives were represented. I envisioned you reconnecting and laughing with all that were there. Our son's are hanging in there, but missing you everyday. Trey is sitting with me..stayed home from school sick today. He says, I love you PaPa.
Be at peace that I am doing fine.
Luv you much...ME

Happy 71st Birthday Babe. Well, I am in Detroit for the Notre Dame vs Michigan game. Jessica and Yolanda McKinney flew in from Atlanta and Jerrett and I drive in from South Bend. YoYo and I are watching the game from our hotel room.....didn't want to deal with the stadium crowd (smile). Utah is playing at USC, so we're switching channels. Your presence is felt on your specail day. Luv ya, ME

Happy Anniversary Babe. I purchased some flowers and a wine cooler and sat beside your picture and remembered our special day in 1964. We were so blessed to have had each other for many years.. Love you, ME

Dad,
Just over a year has passed and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't hear your voice and feel your presence. I know that you are watching and guiding us every single day. I hope that we continue to make you proud. Mom and I have spent some good time together. She went on the road recruiting with me for a few days in Florida. It was something that you and I had always talked about doing, so it was great having her there and your presence was felt. Dad, I recall riding on the shuttle bus from the golf course back to the hotel when we were in Jamaica. It was just you and I and we were talking and you said, "son, I just hope that you know that everything and every decision I have ever made concerning you boys was what I thought was best at that time!" You then fell alseep and I just remember sitting next to you and literally staring at you while you slept. I remember being in awe of the man sitting next to me. I remember thinking that I am the luckiest man in the world to have a man of your stature fill me up with love every day. I remember whispering quietly "Dad, I love you and trust you". Well, here I am years later and Dad, I want you to know that I am forever grateful for your life lessons. As much as I miss you every single minute of every single day, I know that you are with Him and In great hands. Dad, I love you and miss you and I am, and always will be, honored and proud to call you not only my best friend, but I am honored and proud to call you Dad!!
Love you!!
Tony

Well, I almost missed the deadline for sending in my thoughts of Robert, but he has not been out of my mind and heart not one day. Robert was as close of a brother to me as his wife Gloria is a sister. We go back to when Robert met Gloria in college, and how over the years we lost contact, but never lost each other. Robert was such a wonderful man, the best friend you could ever wish for, wisdom personified, and boy could he make you laugh. Robert, I have yours and Gloria's picture from our last cruise together, and what a beautiful picture it is. Your big smile radiates love and happiness. Know that I will always be here for Gloria, to cry with her as she misses you so terribly and to laugh with her as we remember the funny and happy times. Sleep my dear brother until I see you in the resurrection. John 11:25. Your sister, Verlene.

Hello Babe. Well, the last several months have been a yo-yo of emotions. It is hard to imagine that June 9 will be the first full year of your departing us. It seems like yesterday to me. I've had great support from our family and friends. I talk to you everyday and know you are guiding me with your spirit. God has been my constant. I will always miss you. The pain and tears will always come, but trusting in Gods plan until we meet again. I love you deeply and thank you for giving me 50 wonderful years. Your soul mate forever. Gloria (ME)

Good Morning Babe. I wrote to you on your Birthday, but I must have pushed the wrong submit button. As you always said, this tech stuff was beyond us (smile). Happy 70th Birthday. I celebrated your birthday in Utah with your grandsons. You are not physically present, but you are so alive in my heart and mind. You are painfully missed everyday. You taught me so much, especially strength and dignity. I can and will carry that legacy for you. You are the buttonhole to my button, the chair to my cushion, the switch to my light, and the key to my heart. I will write again soon. Love you deeply, ME!!!

Dad - Happy Birthday! This first one without you is so tough but as you continually said to me "this to shall pass". Well it was a perfect night - I sang you Happy B-day and I know you heard me! I Love you!

Bob interviewed me for a job in District 11. I had stayed at home with my kids, so I was a brand new teacher at age 40. He was so kind and guided me through the process. I credit him with starting my career so well! What a delightful, caring man!

Gloria and Sons,
How blessed you have been to have Bob in your lives all these years. What a wonderful man he was. I remember him to be always very upbeat and warm to everyone. I feel blessed to have shared a part of his life and have always had much appreciation in the role he played in my sons lives. He was a wonderful family man and his presence will always be felt through you Gloria and your sons. May you all find strength in each other in these years after, that help you to smile, laugh (as Bob would have you do). Take care of yourselves!

Mr. Alford,
Thank you for being there for me in so many ways.
You offered sage advice to us pubescent boys in the neighborhood on how to be men and stay out of trouble.
You taught us boys how to get along and love each other in a world where that does not always seem to happen.
You fixed my bike (and my knee)when I wrecked it.
You taught me about the game of football as I sat on your couch and drank your kool-aid and ate your food.
You were a friend to my mother.
You told me it was time to grow up and get a job. And you were right...
Thank you
You can not be replaced but you will be missed.

Bob, you were a Super gentleman and God bless.

My heart goes out to the family. You all were so comforting and loving throughout the years. I will always remember the cheer activities you were part of. Mr A I am so sorry for you loss.

Alford Family, Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you during this difficult time and we send our best to you all. Knowing what a strong family you are is a tribute to the man that Robert was and we can only imagine the influence he had on all of you. In a very real sense he has had an impact on us through his son Aaron. God Bless you all and may Robert rest in Peace until you all meet again!

GLORIA AND FAMILY,MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DOING THISTIME.I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE TIMES I WAS AROUND BOB,THE BIG SMILE AND THE FUN PERSON HE WAS.BOY FRIEND R.I.P .I SHALL NEVER FORGET YOU.YOU WILL BE FOREVER ITCHED IN MY HEART.MARY EMBRY(GREENSBORO,NORTH CAROLINA)FORMLY CO.SPRINGS I LOVE YOU.

Dear Mr. Alford,
I'll never forget how you treated me in high school - you treated all of your students wonderfully and because of that, I always liked being around you and in your classes at Roosevelt. I think all of us who were students of yours looked up to you & looked up to you. Thank you for making us feel that we were all important to you. May you rest in peace and may your family be comforted during this difficult time.

Dear Gloria and Sons,

There are no words to describe the loss of a husband and father. Just one year ago, I loss Joe. I really enjoyed working with Bob, and getting to know your family while you were in Kent. We had some great times together! May God continue to shine his light around your family as you mourn the passing of a wonderful man! My thoughts and prayers are with you. Just remember we loved Bob, but God loved him best, and that there is no more pain!

Please keep looking upward and onward, the Lord will see you through these difficult days and months, and will wrap his loving arms around you, trust me, I know!!

As Always and with my deepest sympathy,

Muriel J. Edwards,(Sam)Roosevelt High School and sons Todd, and Bradley.

To the family of Robert,
He fought a hard fight. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Take comfort in knowing he has gone before you to prepare the way for us all to be together again someday. God Bless You!

Brother Alford, on behalf of your beloved Alpha Phi Alpha, we wish you God Speed and rest as you enter Omega Chapter. May God continue to provide peace and comfort to your family.

Dear Mrs. Alford and sons,
Please know how heart broken I am for the loss of a wonderful man who helped countless people both professionally and personally. You all are in my prayers during this difficult time. One thing we all know and that is Mr. Alford is at home safe and sound with our heavenly Father! I love you all.

MR. A will be in my heart for all times. Thank you and your family for enriching my life and many others. You will be missed but never forgotten for all that you have done especially being a great friend and mentor.

Bob,
We will miss your smiling and personable face. During the years we worked together, I always knew that ours was a partnership of trust and loyalty. I loved your sons.

I remember how much Bob genuinely cared for students--and staff--at Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio. I am grateful to have known him and worked with him. Additionally we had conversations about parenting that were valuable to me on my parenting journey. You, the family, are in my prayers that God may comfort you in your loss. Know that Bob will always live on in his influence on you.

Blessings,
Janet Wojnaroski

-*MR ALFORD;
MAN I CANT BELIVIE YOU ARE GONE; YOU WERE A GREAT SUBSTATUTE TEACHER DURING MY MIDDLE SCHOOL [&] HIGH SCHOOL YEARS; YOU KEPT A SMILE ON MY FACE [&] YOU ALWAYS USE TO TELL ME THAT I AM A STRONG YOUNG WOMEN [&] I THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE COURAGE TO JUST KNOW I CAN DO IT IF I TRY; IT REALLY HURTS KNOWING YOUR GONE BUH YOU SPIRT IS ALWAYS HERE TO LEAD ME ON WHEN I NEED YOUR HELP WITH SOMETHING; I LOVE YOU MR ALFORD AS A TEACHER [&] AS A GRANDFATHER WHO HAS ALWAYS HAS BEEN HER FOR ME EVERY STEP OF THE WAY; YOU ALSO KEPT ME FOCUSE AND M HEAD IN BOOKS TO REACH ALL MY GOALS I HAVE SET FOR MY SELF IN LIFE AND I REALLY WISH I COULD TELL YOU HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE YOU ALWAYS BEING HER FOR ME ; YEAH ILL MISS YOU BUT I WILL ALWAYS BE ABLE TO TALK TO YOU; YOU ARE IN A WAY BETTER PLACE MY ALFORD IM TELLING YOU! YOUR IN GODS HANDS AND I KNOW I HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT BECAUSE I AM POSITIVE HE WILL NOT LETT ANYTHING HURT OR HARM YOU ANY MORE ; WELL I GUESS THIS IS A GOODBYE FOR NOW;
I LOVE YOU MR ALFORD ;[&] forever will miss you; =*(
LOVE ALWAYS [&] A LIFE TIME;
ADRIANYA BEAN*

Mr.A you will be missed by all who knew you. My daughter Ryane remembers the time you gave her candy at a 4th of july party and how mrs.A got mad because you did not ask us. That is a memory that i dont think she will ever forget,mostly because of the candy. We all miss you and love you God has recieved an angel.

My deepest condolences to Mr. Alford's family. He was one of my phys ed teachers in high school, and I remember him as a kind and gentle man.

Dear Mrs. Alford and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this troubled time in your lives. I have the upmost respect for Mr. Alford the coach, the educator, the teacher, the mentor, and the friend.

As we grow older, there is a tendency to become more familar with those that were once in a position of leadership over us as children. The Mr. Alford would become Bob in many people's eyes, and I am not making a judgement of that. But in my mind, it always has been and always will be "Mr. Alford" - my way of being respectful to the highest level.

I remember fondly the many times I was a guest in your home as a young coach. The conversations and welcoming were very important to me and I thank-you for your hospitality. Peace to all! Jim Purtill Kent Roosevelt '74

Thank you Mr. Alford for EVERYTHING! I love you and will miss you dearly. Love, Freddie Muraview