Posted by Charles W. Bagnal on April 7, 2005:

Bob Sullivan was a precious man, a man of faith, graciousness, wisdom, caring, courage, a man who loved his classmates dearly, one who treated all with respect and was disappointed when he saw a lack of respect in others, and always had a positive outlook on life. Patsy & I had the good fortune of knowing Bob & Kay while we were still cadets and this developed into a lifelong friendship which we treasure. Patsy reminded me of one story that was characteristic of this great man. On one St. Patrick's Day when the Sullivans, St. Louises, O'Sheis, and Bagnals were celebrating at an Irish pub in Alexandria a young lassie who had just immigrated from Ireland to attend college here was waiting on our table. Bob struck up a conversation with her. At the end of the evening as we were leaving, Bob handed her a hundred dollar bill and told her that he was proud of her and that his Mother had worked in the same manner to educate her sons. A week before Bob's death on St. Patrick's Day we shared our love and greetings to each other by way of song and poetry. One of our favorites is FOUR-LEAF CLOVERS by Ella Higginson: "I know a place where the sun is like gold. And the cherry blooms burst with snow; And down underneath is the lovliest nook, Where the four-leaf clovers grow. One leaf is for hope, and one for faith. And one is for love you know; But God put another in for luck - If you search, you will find where they grow. But you must have hope, and you must have faith; You must love and be strong and so. If you work, if you wait, you will find the place Where the four-leaf clovers grow." Bob is in Heaven now, which is filled with four-leaf clovers, because of faith, hope and love. Bob, we will miss you deeply but remember you often and look forward to joining you one day in Heaven. Our deep love, Charlie & Patsy Bagnal

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