Deceased February 6, 2016

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50th Reunion Book Entry

In Memory

Bob Gardiner passed away Feb. 6 in Centerville, Mass., where he had retired in 2002 after having been a Congregational/Unitarian minister in Wellesley, Mass. (five years); Pittsford, Vt. (10 years); and Southampton, Mass. (20 years).

Bob was born in Newton, Mass., and attended Williston Academy prior to Amherst, where he belonged to the Lord Jeff Club. After graduation he served in the U.S. Air Force for three and a half years. After his military obligation, he attended Tufts, where he received a B.D. and then went to the Newton Andover Theological Seminary, where he received an S.T.M.

In our 50th reunion book, Bob wrote the following: “Was/am outspoken on matters of war, racism, economic justice, gay rights, feminism and environmental issues. … I wrote and published a book on nuclear weapons policy (1974).”

His son, Matt, forwarded the following beautiful eulogy:

“My father was the kindest, gentlest, most compassionate and most forgiving man I have ever met. No one embodied the tenets of Christianity more. He walked the walk. As a young boy, I remember going with him to see the infirm (whether homebound or in the hospital), walking with him through the trailer parks to deliver food, meeting head on and not looking away. More than anything it was love and kindness that he taught me. Never be afraid of helping or getting dirty. Once, as a child, he and I were playing in the sand and I accidentally killed an ant that was crawling by. Without guilt or remonstration we talked about it—its life, its value. We even made a little marker for it. It was that love of everything living—that had worth and deserved justice—which he imparted to me.”

Bob Abrams ’54

50th Reunion

From the Academy to Boot Camp. Served three and a half years in the U.S Air Force. Did not get killed, court-martialed, or otherwise grossly inconvenienced.

Thereafter, spent much time in the pursuit of higher learning: Ministry, Social Ethics, and Environmental Ethics. Earned two post-graduate degrees. Gained much knowledge; possibly even some wisdom (the knowledge was the easy part!).
Spent some 39 years in the ministry (Unitarian/Congregational).First church, five and a half years; second church ten and a half years; third church, twenty and a half years. Survived all three. Prospered, in fact. Was lionized by many for sermons that kept people awake, inspired, and occasionally angry.

Along the way, picked up a great wife, in due time a son, eventually a daughter-in-law, and more recently a couple of little grandchildren. Son and daughter-in-law both doctors.

Was/am outspoken on matters of war, racism, economic justice, gay rights, feminism, environmental issues, and similar concerns.

Wrote and published a book on nuclear weapons policy (1974), plus occasional journal articles on other matters relevant to religion/ethics.

During the mid-eighties, began writing hymn texts for many of our Sunday services. Won two honorable mentions, and one first prize, in national contests.

Also in the mid-eighties, began writing comic poetry to entertain my congregation-.  And, of course, myself.

Retired in 2002. Moved to Cape Cod.  Built a house.

Comments: Retirement is good. I recommend it. I do not miss going to the office, or attending nightly committee meetings, or being on call day and night. I am not bored. I do much reading. I write hymn texts and poetry. I walk and exercise more or less vigorously. I even get to preach now and then. Lorraine and I baby-sit our grandchildren. We sing with the Cape Cod Chorale. During the summer months, whenever the sun is visible, we may be found, with stunning regularity, on the beach. Life is good.

The world, on the other hand, is a mess. So-as one might say-what else is new?

 

Robert Gardiner