— from Lisa Karstetter —
We have safely made it back to the East side of the state, but not before leaving a small piece of each of our hearts on Orcas. Uncle Bob was a treasure to his family and we loved him very much. We knew he wasn’t without faults but then he never pretended to be without. He was human. Unfortunately for his family we didn’t get to see him as much as we would have liked because he never wanted to leave his beloved island, but after being there this weekend we can all see why.
You all live in a place where conversation is more important then convenience. I live in a world where it’s all about urgency… we do drive-thru coffee stands and fast food. You live in a world where you take time to sit and converse with those around you over a cup of coffee…..often daily. Unlike you, I spend so much time looking ahead that I often don’t take time to enjoy what’s right in front of me. I also live in a world where I rush from project to project. You live where time moves slower and is savored…….just as it should be. You have it right…. I have it wrong.
I would like to think Uncle Bob naturally inherited his prodigious personality (so his kin could all claim it in our DNA as well) but in all honesty I think he acquired it from his 40+ years on the magical island of Orcas. You all contributed to that with every hug you allowed him to give you. In the many conversations you allowed him to have with you. For every dog biscuit you allowed him to give your dogs. For every copper bracelet he gave out and you wore. Maybe it was working along side of him on a job or sailing with him around the Sound. For every time you let him ramble on about his beloved Cougs. Perhaps you were part of his motorcycle group….and rode with him. Maybe you shared his love of music and shared a dance or two with him. With your every wave, every hug, smile or conversation you had with him…..you helped mold the man he was at the end. The man we loved and will miss.
In closing, thank you Orcas for loving my Uncle Bob. We were seriously blown away by each and every story we were told about Uncle Bob while on the island. It meant so much for us to hear them. It gave us a sense of closure (especially for his sister) and also helped us understand why he didn’t like to leave the island much. Your shared love affair meant so much to Uncle Bob especially towards the end of his life. The cards, calls, visits and posts telling him what he meant to you all helped him feel at peace. For that we, his family, will always be thankful.
Continue to carry on his legacy. Live simply. Hug. Dance often. Sit and listen to a friend. Help a stranger. Continue to tolerate and love each other.
With an incredibly grateful heart,
Lisa Karstetter, Quincy, WA
(Niece to Bob)
Lisa, thank you for your letter, and for embracing us as part of Bob’s extended family. I am so happy to say I hugged, kissed, and danced with Bob; and as a fairly new motorcycle rider, learned many tidbits about riding safe and always wearing the right gear from conversations with him. He also volunteered at our office fundraisers.
The tavern was burgeoning with so many who shared a Bob fondness at his memorial. I am very happy you and yours came to spend some time with us on Orcas to witness our lifestyles — I am certain this made Bob even happier.
Love and peacefulness to you, we all hope you and your family come back to visit often.
XOXO
Aaimee
One of the Vietzke boys, Tom Vietzke was married to my older sister. RIP, Tom. We are all Ellensburg natives and we remember the Vietzke family as they all were – funny and down to earth people. Bob will be especially missed. He always had a big smile and greeting for me on Orcas whenever I came into town for coffee at Enzos. Just a wonderful person.
What a beautiful letter, Lisa. Please come back to Orcas as often as you can, and bring Bob’s sister and all of the family, and hear some more Bob stories!
Hoping you’ll get to meet those of us who didn’t “officially” meet you or speak with you at Bob’s celebration at the Lower.
Bob touched everyone he met, and brought so many smiles and warm feelings to us all. We’re all so grateful to have known him! We will carry him in our hearts. How he conducted himself in life really stays with me. Integrity, gentleness, fun, and a grace to his being.