On August 29, Robert S. Schindler, Sr., father of Terri Schindler Schiavo, passed away from heart failure at the age of 71.
Statement from Wisconsin Right to Life:
Wisconsin Right to Life joins with right-to-life supporters throughout the nation in mourning the death of Robert Schindler, Sr., the father of Terri Schindler-Schiavo. Mr. Schindler died this past Saturday morning in St. Petersburg, Florida.
"Robert Schindler will remain a constant source of inspiration for us," said Barbara Lyons, Executive Director for Wisconsin Right to Life. "He and his wife Mary, along with with their children, showed the nation what it truly means to be pro-life. The death of Robert Schindler is a profound loss to the right-to-life community."
The Schindler family fought courageously to defend the right of Terri to receive food and fluids despite numerous legal setbacks. Their brave and constant struggle ended on March 31, 2005 when Terri died as result of a court-ordered withdrawal of food and fluids.
After Terri's death, the family founded the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation in order to advocate for patients with disabilities facing circumstances similar to Terri's.
Barbara Lyons writes on Life Voice Blog:
Everyone should have a father like Robert Schindler, Sr. It would be the greatest gift imaginable.
Mr. Schindler did not aspire for celebrity, status, or importance. He merely loved his family exquisitely and unconditionally. None can forget what this unassuming and noble man endured in his family’s quest to save his daughter, Terri, from public death. The Schindler family surely labored together to save Terri, and it was Robert who supplied the rock-solid strength which fueled the super-human effort to protect Terri from her unspeakable death.
Robert may have believed he failed his daughter in her greatest time of need. But, in his quest for justice, Robert is and always will be a legend for life and humanity. Rest in peace, great and gentle man.
Barbara Lyons
Here's the statement from Bobby Schindler, regarding the death of his father, Robert Schindler:
I am heartbroken over the loss of my father and yet I know at this moment he is rejoicing with my sister, Terri. My dad was a man of integrity, character and compassion who was blessed with a close and loving family. He taught all three of his children to respect and value life and to love our fellow man.
Even at the height of the battle to save my sister Terri’s life, when his patience and temperance was near exhaustion, he managed to display a gentleness of spirit. Yet it was his unfathomable strength that allowed him to shoulder up his own heartache and lead us through our darkest hour.
What greater legacy could a man leave behind?
Robert Schindler wasn't a powerful world leader. He wasn't an elected official. He didn't have political clout. But he was a great man.
He lived his faith and he loved his family.
In his fight to save his daughter, Terri, he became a champion of the weak, the vulnerable, and the innocent.
Robert Schindler set a beautiful example of what it means to be a loving parent. I am thankful for the tremendous inspiration he provided.
As so many times before, my prayers are once again with the Schindler family.
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