Dear Motsser,
It's with deep regret that I must tell you about the passing of my best and closest friend, Rob Bernardo. I've known Rob for several years and delighted in his postings on the Net, his gatherings held at his home, and the private times that he and I shared together.
Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting Rob in person and all of you know him for his postings. Rob was a *.motss regular who was insightful, humorous, and held strong opinions. Not everyone agreed with him, but nearly everyone enjoyed reading his postings. Rob was famous for holding soirees at his "ranch" in Concord where many Bay Area motssers gathered. He also was a regular at dinners held for visiting motssers who got to taste Bay Area hospitality. Rob loved his horse Oriana, CW dancing, and rodeo. He was a Unix programmer in cowboy boots and hat.
Rob learned of his HIV status a couple of years ago and had been under teatment since then. Up until a few weeks ago his health had been OK. From about the middle of June Rob felt weaker. On July 23 Rob had been given a preliminary diagnosis of PCP and he called me to be with him and to administer infusion medication at home. After a couple of days his condition worsened and I took Rob to the hospital where he was admitted.
Rob had finally received a positive diagnosis for PCP a week ago Tuesday, after having been in the hospital for more than a week. By this time his sister Claire had arrived and we took turns comforting Rob at his bedside. Rob did not respond to the medication given to him and his health continued to decline.
A number of Bay Area motssers as well as some folk from far away were able to visit Rob while he was still responsive. Some people visited on near-daily basis. This meant a lot to Rob as he was afraid that he would enter the hospital and he would feel terribly alone.
The end came peacefully to Rob. On Thursday afternoon around 2:40 pm PDT, he suffered cardiac arrest while in a coma-like state. His sister, his therapist, and I were there holding his hands, stroking his forehead, and expressing our love for him as he passed from us.
Rob is survived by his sister Claire and her family in Great Neck, NY. And by his mother, Betty, of New Hyde Park, NY. A funeral is planned for Monday, August 17 in New Hyde Park. (Send e-mail if you want to attend and need directions.) A memorial service is being planned for Saturday, September 26 to be held at Rob's house in Concord. After a short service, we would like to have the kind of barbeque that Rob was famous for holding at the R Bar JB. More information will be forthcoming.
I will miss my friend greatly.
Chuck
