Submitted by: Dan Rich

Robert Lenn Oare Jr.

May 19, 1947 - Oct. 9, 2001

South Bend Tribune 10/12/2001

Robert Lenn Oare Jr., 54, born May 19, 1947, in South Bend, Ind., passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 9, in Florida. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his two children, Lisa Oare of Tampa, Fla., and Rob III of Gainesville, Fla.; a sister, Nancy Butler of Niles, Mich.; and by his brother, Ernie Oare of Warrenton, Va.

Growing up in South Bend, Robbie is the grandson of the late Ernest M. and Ella L. Morris and Lenn and Edna Oare. He is the son of the late Robert Lenn Oare and Mary Morris Leighton, and stepson of Judd C. Leighton of South Bend. Robbie, as a young child with diabetes, went to the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, Mass., where he learned to manage his disease. He said many times that because of his education from the Joslin Diabetes Center he was able to live healthier with diabetes. Because of other health problems that came his way through the years, his knowledge of the body and medical concerns was vast. His family often called him "Dr. Oare." Robbie's interests at a younger age included NHRA drag racing, where he raced against some of the greatest in the sport. After college, he moved to south Florida with his wife, Carol, where their two children, Lisa and Rob III, were born.

As an avid football fan, his favorite teams included Notre Dame and the Miami Dolphins. Robbie owned and operated a real estate agency for many years in south Florida, and was very active with the board of realtors. His interests then turned to motor homing. He and his family took many trips all over the country, each turning into an adventure and a funny tale to tell for years. Later, he and his wife Carol moved to their home in north Florida. With Robbie's perpetual desire to own and conquer every gadget available, he undertook the project of building a large personal storage building, which the family calls "The Warehouse." The Warehouse, which was years in the making, was storage for his motor home, which he continued to upgrade to be sure of having the latest and greatest technology. Robbie's greatest interest in life was that of his family and friends. With a great desire to truly "know" people, his acquaintances were few, but his friends were many. Robbie's best attributes were his sense of humor and his desire for fun.

With many of friends and family remaining in the South Bend area, a memorial service will be held at the family's Centre Meeting House in Niles at a later date. Private services are being held today, Oct. 12, in Palm Coast, Fla. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Joslin Diabetes Center, One Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215, 617-732-2400; or to the YMCA for Camp Eberhart, 1201 Northside Blvd., South Bend, IN 46615.