Robert E. Grieves

MADISON--Robert E. Grieves, age 75, died on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2009. 

He was born in Newcastle, a small town on the dry plains of eastern Wyoming. In his youth he fought to overcome serious physical illness and other challenges. As a young man he rough-necked in the oil fields of Wyoming and then held various other jobs in the Southwest. It was here that he met and married the love of his life, Penelope.

He began to read philosophy, which would become a lifetime passion, and at age 30, enrolled in college earning a Master's Degree in Philosophy and a PhD in Psychology from University of Wisconsin. He worked initially at the Mental Health Center of Dane County and was also one of the founders of Madison Counseling Services, a private practice at which he worked for twenty-five years.

After retirement he immersed himself deeply in music (especially his buddy, Mozart), poetry, philosophy and science. Bob was a loving husband, gentle and trusted friend, wise and caring therapist, poet, teacher and avid sailor on the Madison lakes and in the Caribbean. He gave of himself in ways few do. At the same time, he fought personally for many years to survive illnesses which would have daunted the courage of most of us.

He died from complications following heart surgery surrounded by loved ones, and having faced his death consciously and spiritually awake. He will be missed acutely by many who drew strength, comfort, courage and humanity from him as clients, colleagues, friends and family. We will not see his like again, but his example will continue to live with us.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Penelope; his loving brother, Jim (Wyoma); nephews, James (Tracy) and Paul of Maine.

Memorial donations may be made to the Literacy Network or Access Community Health Centers, both of Madison, Wis.

                                                          To Mourn

                                                          When  death  takes  the rose,

                                                          Loss forgets  the  thorn,

                                                          For  to lose what beauty knows

                                                          Leaves all alive to mourn.

                                                                                 Robert Grieves

                                                                 CRESS

                                                 Funeral & Cremation Service

                                                    6021 University Avenue

                                                 Madison, Wisconsin 53705