Loss of 57-Year Auxiliarist

Monday we lost a friend and Auxiliary shipmate - Robert Rose. Diane and I had the privilege of being with him for his last hour or so as he took his leave of this world.

Bob was 90 years old... an age that few reach in any condition. He was feisty up until the end - and clear-headed as well until just the last few weeks. What a life he led... photojournalist to 4 Presidents (Truman through Johnson) and thus a world traveler, a boater, an Auxiliarist, and a lover of history and its documentation. Bob was an Auxiliarist longer than I've been alive, having enrolled in July 1953. He was extremely active in the organization and its leadership until about the last 4 years of his life - especially the last 2, after the house fire that claimed his wife of 65 years, Alma, a 25-year Auxiliarist herself.

Upon hearing the news, USCG CAPT(ret) Bill Griswald (a former Chief Director of Auxiliary) wrote, "Bob was the ultimate Auxiliarist." High praise indeed from someone who should know... and who is an incredible Auxiliarist himself. I aspire to someday reach the level of accomplishment in the Auxiliary of either of those two men - but that's a long way off yet.

Fair winds and following seas, my good friend Bob. We will miss you.