To Robert's Family....I grew up with Robert in Manhattan and we were very close friends as young boys. I thought of Robert and decided to do an Internet search. All my memories of "Rob" are sooo positive and warm. My love to his family. My love to Rob....A special friend who I closely associate to my youth.

Professor Ratner, 

Although these words I'm about to ramble don't do your wonderful spirit justice, I want you to know that your witty, ingenious mind  did more for me than I can ever repay. You were the greatest, nuttiest, and kindest professor in my last four years. You said in one of your lectures that the "job description of a professor is to corrupt the minds of students" - the objective is to get students out of a routine in order to reach deeper cognition. You taught us how invaluable it is to be intellectually self-reliant, and I am grateful. Your lessons not only educated us on literature but also on art, culture, and life. I am a better person because you were my professor. You taught me how to discover the ideals and values I embodied but didn't consciously know I had.  As you used to say, "writing is self-discovery", and I'll never forget those words. They are just as you were - truly unforgettable.

It's really something that I happened to be thinking about my Approaches to Literature class that I took in 2012 with Professor Ratner today. Actually I think about the writing that I did in this class very often. Today I decided to google Robert Ratner and I came across this guest book. I noticed that this guest book will remain open until tomorrow which I also think is a crazy coincidence. I have a couple of things that I wish I could have expressed to him before his passing. He was the most memorable professor I had in my 4 years at FIU. I won't ever forget him telling us about the 4 inch binder that we were supposed to fill by the end of the semester and the reaction of all of the students. Most were terrified! but I was so excited about this. I love to write and I was excited to have the chance to do so all semester. He taught me a lot about myself through poems and writing. He left such a strong impact on my life and I aspire to leave an impact on lives as he did on mine. I really felt like expressing this about professor Ratner and I hope that someone gets to read this. I am truly sorry for your loss but he will live on forever.

Nancy,  I am sorry for your loss.  I was looking online to see how you were doing and found out about your husband.  Please email me at duniesky@yahoo.com.  Regards, Duniesky Sarmiento

Professor Ratner, you are present in my thoughts every time I write in my journal. I didn't know much about you, but you were the person who inspired me to write. Thank you for encouraging me.

I am very sorry for this horrible loss, may he Rest In Peace...xo

-Noah and Maria Canler

I am so sorry for your loss. That soul is nutty, weird, knowledgable, beyond well read, persistent, softly demanding, caring, and good. That soul was truly good. I wish to meet with him again someday. I know whatever we would talk about would be truly interesting and softly riveting. He made an impact.

My condolences. May you find comfort knowing that God is near you and is a refuge during this difficult time.
 Psalms 9:9

Dear Ratner family, 
I would like to express my deepest sympathy at the loss of your beloved husband and father. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers. 
Sincerely, 
Mrs. E. Garrote, Jane S. Roberts K-8

OBITUARY

Robert Daniel Ratner

21 July, 1951 – 17 January, 2015

Riverside Gordon Memorial Chapels at Mount Nebo/Kendall Memorial Gardens

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