DJP Update 10-16-2011 Eulogy for Robert E. Ruel, Jr., MD
Bob will be missed by many. His funeral was yesterday and Robin presented our eulogy at the funeral to those gathered to remember, mourn, and honor Bob .
With respect and in honor of Dr. Robert E. Ruel, Jr., MD.,
Donald
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Eulogy for Robert E. Ruel, Jr., MD
A Friend of True Worth to Family, Friends, and Medicine
INTRODUCTION
I am Robin Palmisano. My husband, Donald Palmisano, and I extend our deepest sympathies to Sally, the children, grandchildren, other family members, and friends for the loss of Bob.
Regretfully, Donald was unable to attend the services today because he had a prior obligation in Florida involving numerous speeches for which a substitute speaker was not feasible. But, as Donald often does to organize his thoughts and even to mourn the loss of those dear to his heart, Donald took pen to paper and wrote a Eulogy for Bob that Sally and the children were kind enough to suggest I share with you as part of the services.
Donald titled his Eulogy “Dr. Robert Ruel, Jr., A Friend of True Worth to Family, Friends, and Medicine.”
Eulogy
Bob was husband to Sally and father to Robbie, Jan, Scott, and Kristen. He was blessed with grandchildren. He was very proud of all of you and told me so on many occasions.
His passing leaves a painful void to all. Robin and I offer you our sincerest condolences on your great loss.
He was a dedicated talented orthopedic surgeon, compassionate and kind to all. So many people live better lives because of Bob’s caring and courage in fighting the medical ills of his patients. My wife, Robin, was one of Bob’s patients and often spoke of his competence and compassionate bedside manner. My oldest daughter, another patient of Bob’s, said that Bob always treated her like a princess.
I had the privilege to meet with him for lunch on a number of occasions during his illness. He remained optimistic and fought his illness with courage. No matter how ill and no matter the stress of travel for treatments, Bob always stayed in good humor and he could make you belly-laugh. As most of you know, he would start a story and just before the punch line he would break into hardy laughter. His laugh was infectious and you always felt better after visiting Bob. Rather than focusing on his illness, he never failed to ask me if there were any medical liability cases I was reviewing for the defense. Over the years, he gave great assistance to me in many cases and refused any payment for his time. That is just one of many stories of his generosity.
Bob was what I define as a Friend of True Worth. I explained it in a poem.
In man’s journey upon this earth,
a few are blest with friends of true worth.
Ah, but the rub is to know who is friend
and who is foe
and who is neither.
It will never be known to the casual reader,
nor will it be known in times of plenty
when apparent friends abound.
But sometimes there comes a blessing in disguise
that can lead to a priceless prizeof identity of friends. 1 — Friends of True Worth.
A story will demonstrate what I mean.
Once, many years ago, I had an urgent need to sell a piece of land I owned across the lake so that I would have funds for my obligations. I put the lot up with an agent but no one was interested. When the listing ran out, I made an ad on my Macintosh computer and the next morning I stuck it on the bulletin board in the doctors’ lounge next to the operating room. Then I went in to operate. When I returned to the lounge to dictate the operative procedure, Bob was in the lounge getting a cup of coffee.
He said, “Why are you selling that lot?”
“I need the money,” was my reply.
“Hmmm”, he said. “You are asking $60, 000. You know I don’t like to pay retail or asking price. Will you take $59,000?”
“Yes, I exclaimed.”
“Good, then we have a deal.”
Two weeks later the transfer was done. He didn’t need the land. He wanted to help. That was Bob Ruel. A helping hand at all times and just one example of why he is considered by me as a Friend of True Worth.
I was so blessed to have had Bob as a friend. It was a privilege to work with him in the operating room on trauma victims night and day over the years. He was a Friend of True Worth to many. The world is a better place for his having spent time here.
And so, Bob, my friend, May your days be filled with mirth,
and your nights with restful slumber in eternity. We stand with
joyous anticipation of your dreams for us.
We miss you. We love you. Until we meet again, Farewell, my friend!
Donald J. Palmisano, MD, JD
1. Excerpt from poem, A Friend of True Worth © 1987 Donald J. Palmisano
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