REFLECTION

Monsignor Robert Bacher died on April 12, 2008. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1948, and I was ordained in 1949. In 1954 we were both assigned to teach at Borromeo Seminary in Wickliffe, Ohio, and it was there we became good friends. Bob was the principal of the seminary high school and I taught English and Latin.

In late evening Bob and I would often get together in his apartment to talk over the events of the day. When I arrived, he would be reading a book or listening to classical music.

Physical therapy sessions prevented me from going to Bob’s funeral, but Anita and I paid our respects to him at the Dunn-Quigley funeral home in Akron. Lou Trivison told me he attended Bob’s funeral Mass, and all four bishops of the diocese attended as well as 250-300 priests.

Here is what one of Bob’s former students said of him:

He was one of the good guys. I remember a time when we asked him why he never took part in any games or events with the students in the manner in which some of the other faculty members did. He would only watch. His response was to quote Paul's famous dictum, "When I was a child..."

Literate, cultured, a gentleman through and through.

These few words sum up a life of dedication and service. Rest in peace, Bob, and thank you for your friendship and example.

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