Robert L. Wilkins

Robert Leroy Wilkins was the second child born to Elza H. and Ruby Benson Wilkins on April 21, 1954 at Cooper Hospital in Camden, New Jersey. “Bobby” spent his childhood years in Cincinnati, Ohio prior to moving with his mom and sister, Linda, to Kettering Ohio. He attended Dayton Junior Academy and in 1972 graduated from high school at Spring Valley Academy.

Robert studied respiratory care at the Kettering College of Medical Arts in Kettering, Ohio. He earned an Associate in Science degree in 1974. On September 15, 1974, he married Kristi Jean Boas at the Kettering Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Following a short honeymoon, Bob and Kris moved to Iowa Falls, Iowa where Bob started a respiratory care department at Ellsworth Community Hospital.

In the summer of 1976, Kris encouraged Bob to continue his education at Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1978 and immediately joined the LLU medical center’s continuing education department, beginning a 30 year academic career in cardiopulmonary science education.

Tyler Robert blessed Bob’s life on December 11, 1981 and Nicholas Ryan joined his older brother on February 20, 1984. Bob provided his sons with numerous enriching opportunities and he in turn re-experienced childhood and God’s love through their eyes.

Bob completed a Master of Arts in Education at La Sierra University in 1986 and finished his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Southern California in 1996. He served as faculty in the Cardiopulmonary Science Department at Loma Linda University from 1979 to 2006. Bob was recruited by the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Respiratory Care department in 2006. He served as department chair until his semi-retirement in May 2008. He was a part-time professor in dental education services at Loma Linda University, School of Dentistry from 2008 until his death.

Bob was chief editor of four respiratory care textbooks: Egan’s Fundamental of Respiratory Care, 8th and 9th editions: lead author/editor of Clinical Assessment in Respiratory Care, six editions: Lung Sounds: a practical guide, two editions, and Respiratory Disease; a case study approach to patient care, three editions. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care and Honorary Member of the Lambda Beta Society for his lifetime contribution to the science of respiratory care.

On June 14, 2010, Easton Tyler Wilkins joined his parents, Tyler and Lindsey (Lugo) Wilkins, adding smiles and tears of joy to Bob’s last days. Son, Nicholas and his fiancée, Katrina Stoneback are to be married in Redlands on November 14, 2010.

Bob’s fifteen year walk with battling lymphoma and life’s challenges provides his family and friends with the courage to “continue” their own journey.

Arrangements under the direction of Montecito Memorial Park & Mortuary, Colton, California.