I just wanted to take a moment here to honor a man who was a mentor to me during my days in the Aerospace Industry.

His name was Robert L. Duvall, III, a Godly man with passion, integrity, sincerity, gentle heart, giving, caring, and almost everything positive you can imagine, he was it.

I first met Bob at Hughes Aircraft where I worked for him as an Administrator on several projects he managed. We hit it off immediately.

He didn't behave like normal managers do... you know, where you were beneath them and left you alone and only spoke to you when they needed something. Bob was special.... he cared, he cared who I was and what I was about. He would even send me home early when there was nothing to do, and he was very understanding when I came in late and anything to do with my kids. Whatever it was, Bob cared about your well-being and that's all that really mattered to him. Even when we would work all hours at night and into the morning, Bob was still concerned. He didn't care how you did the work, so long as you got it done on time and correctly. And even if you did a few mistakes, he wouldn't bark all over you like you committed a crime or something.

Yes, Bob was a humble man. There were times where he would offer to do my work or to fax something because he saw that I was busy myself. With that, even if it was not my job description, I would fetch coffee for him instantly. Whatever it was I would do with pleasure. He treated me as a person and not someone who worked for him. I was his equal. I remember him just coming in to work, opening his door and say hello to me and ask me how I was doing. He even gestured for me to stop what I was doing and sit down with him to just ask me how is my homelife, kids, and basically how life was treating me. Even his wife Shirley opened her arms and welcomed me to their home. A great family with normal problems like everyone else, and they looked to God for their answers and guidance.

Bob's professional background includes working for Hughes Aircraft, Raytheon, and DRS Sensor Systems. He holds a degree in Systems and Mechanical Engineering as well as having several patents that can be found at the Raytheon facilities in El Segundo, California.

Last week, on May 24, 2006, while on a company business trip in Melbourne, Florida, Bob and his best friend JP Kraus were in a tragic traffic accident were Bob was killed instantly and JP left in critical condition. You can read more about it here.

Bob was everything to everyone. And he will be greatly missed by all. He leaves behind his wife Shirley, his son Mark, his daughter Michelle, his sister Sandy, along with everyone else who knows him both professionally, and personally.

I attended the memorial today in honor of Bob Duvall at the Rolling Hills Covenant Church in Rolling Hills Estates, California, where many of his family, friends, and co-workers joined together to celebrate his life. Many spoke of their fond memories of him, including his son who almost broke out in tears while reading a message from his family.

Everyone seemed to be in good spirits including his wife Shirley. I thought for sure she of all people would be having a nervous breakdown. I asked her how she was doing and she said that she was just glad that God did not allow Bob to suffer and survive the horrific accident he was in. I can see that God is watching and blessing them through their time of sorrow.

I would also like to extend my thoughts and prayers to JP Kraus and his family. He too was a mentor to me. He would always try to help out and help me to achieve my best and hang with the big corporate guys. Between Bob and JP, it was always positive stuff coming out of their mouths. And to them both, I was top notch in my field of expertise. They were always highly speaking of me to whomever they know and where I felt so compelled to not let them down.

They were the best at what they do and everyone knew it and highly respected them. They were two peas in a pod. Wherever Bob is, so was JP. I remember JP would always whisper to me and say that he has to take care of Bob and make sure he's ok.... cause who else will. He said "I gotta watch out for this guys, you know". That's JP, always looking out for Bob and his best interest. JP is the type to have high expectation, but only because he knew what you were capable of doing. I can only pray that he comes through and recover from his ordeal.

JP is also a man of integrity, compassion, honor, and a great father. He only hopes for the best for his children. He was also always very proud and admired Bob. It just makes me cry to know what grief JP will have to deal with when he comes out of his induced coma.

I know many of you reading this do not know either of them, but if you feel compelled to do so, Bob's wife Shirley has requested that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made in the name of FOCUS ON THE FAMILY. Shirley is also interested in establishing a scholarship fund for UCLA students intending to study engineering.

Checks can be made out to
FOCUS ON THE FAMILY or
DRS (Robert Duvall Scholarship Fund)

the Checks can be sent to
DRS Sensors & Targeting Systems
10600 Valley View Street
Cypress, CA 90630

I thank you all for allowing me to take this moment by sharing one of my fondest memories of Bob Duvall.

May you rest in peace and God bless you always Bob and I'm sorry I never got a chance to tell you how thankful and lucky I am to have been blessed with your presence in my life.

Love always,
Konni
(aka Diva Webmistress)