G. Robert Hohler's Memborial Service held June 28th, 2011. Written for CRAFT members who could not attend.

Bob Hohler's memorial service was held in Boston, MA, yesterday, June 28 at the famous Arlington Street Church.  In the 1960's he was the first lay minister to serve that church.  It was fitting to have his wonderful memorial ceremony there.  Mary Kessler, Greg Worden and I attended the ceremony to offer our last respects and to support Karen in any way we could.  She was greatly appreciative of our attendance.  She insisted I sit at her right hand as she clutched her daughter's hand on the left. 
 
For those who didn't know Bob well, he had a lifelong burning mission to stamp out injustice everywhere.  His son, Bob Hohler of the boston Globe spoke eloquently on this life long dedication of mind, boby and spirit.  An excerpt from a WNPR "Where we live" interview was played which Bob did in 2009.  A reflection on "Bob and Justice" was given by Jack Mendelsohn, Minister at Arlington Street Church, Retired. The theme of other noted speakers was, "Reflections on Bob and Justice for the Most Vulnerable."  These speakers were Ann O'Hara of the Technical Assistance Collaborative, Nan Roman of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, and Stephen Melville of the Melville Charitable Trust.  Carla Javits of The Roberts Enterprise Development Fund kept the service running smoothly.
 
Music highlights included pieces played by the Longwood Symphony Chamber Players, Tony Parkes performing from Gilbert and Sullivan, and beautiful song "One Voice" preformed on recording by Straight No Chaser with Barry Manilow.  These lyrics seemed written with Bob in mind.  Program highlights included a reprint of a Reader's Digest "First Person" award given to Bob entitled "My Father Played for Me."
 
Other family members spoke and afterwards all were invited to talk, mingle and reminisce over vegetarian food just as Bob would have wanted.  In the fellowship hall, Karen had assembled a wonderful chronological photo montage of Bob's life including loved ones that he had touched.  What a tribute and a grand send off.  Good-bye Bob and may you find peace. 
 
 
Respectively submitted,
Donna Milstein