Dear loved ones and friends of RJ, as I knew him, please forgive this belated note. I just learned of Bob's passing in search for his correct mailing address because my annual family-photo Christmas card last year was rerouted back home after couple of months.

RJ and I were in boot camp together and together served on the USCG buoy tender Sweetbrier out of Juneau AK for two winters, lucky us.  We were "in touch" ever since. In ways we formed up together on the Sweet-B. That service wasn't the high tech, spandex military seen today on TV, rather we wore torn jeans, torn jackets decorated with our drawings, dirt grimed everything, paint spattered too. Frostbite, both hands, also true icicles hanging from the bill of my hat. We were "deckrats," seaborne workers who kept stealing the vessel's two pair of weatherproof mittens from each other. 

Anyway, RJ and I hooked up again at his lifeboat station in New Smyrna while I was in flight school in Jax, at his trailer near JAX where his German Shephard Mercury grudgingly allowed me to leave to set up graduate school at the University of Florida, and here and there all along like lunch or dinner at St. Augustine Beach. And times in between. He was a buddy of the lifelong sort.

RJ sure loved a good cigar as seen in the many wonderful photos posted in this Legacy. Even got me to smoke one or two. Wine? Well, OK, I prefer good beer.

This obituary is a body blow. Maybe selfish, RJ and I traversed life together. Reading your thoughtful reminisces helps. Take care.

To Bob's Family and Extended Family.  Please accept my heartfelt sympathy and condolences on the loss of Bob.  Was completely shocked and saddened when I heard the news since it was totally unexpected.  Bob and I met over 40 years ago while playing tennis at a local club here in Jax.  He was a very fine player with a trademark, powerful serve and groundstrokes.  Scary, good!!!  Knew he was working for the Florida Marne Patrol, but did not know all the things I learned about him  years later when our friendship was renewed after losing touch for many years. A few years ago,  we and several other old tennis players started meeting routinely for lunch.  Learned quickly that Bob was also an extremely robust and caring person in many ways. He had a robust physique and zest for life.  He had a robust smile, laugh, good humor, story telling, love of reading, hunting and fishing, good food, wine, travel, and especially knowing how to make others feel good too.  His Celebration of Life captured his spirit and kindness perfectly.  He is, and certainly will be, missed by me and many others.  RIP, Bob.  Sincerely, Allan Clark.

We love you Bob! So many great memories and so much fun. We miss you….

We lived across the street from Bob for nine years, and instantly we became close friends. We would have him over for my skirt steak and chimichurri, breakfast casserole and he loved my lasagna. So if I was making it, he was always getting a slice. He was bringing us his fresh catch, king crab, fresh-squeezed orange juice and his homegrown tomatoes which was all delicious!  When my father died, he drove out to the national cemetery for his funeral to support me. He was a guest at our son’s wedding, and always asked for our daughter’s volleyball schedule. Even after we moved away, we remained close and shared dinners, drinks and made more memories. He was so much more than a neighbor; he was family and we are heartbroken he is gone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Rob, Doug, Steve, Bobbi and your sweet girls. ♥️

Martha, Rob and Doug: My sincere condolences. I have fond memories of being at Aunt Eileen’s one summer when Bobby was home and I was over playing with the Bollick girls.
Thanks to Marilyn I found out.
Bob’s Canadian 1st Cousin
Carol Johnston Montgomery and her brother’s Lawrence,Victor and Philip.

So many memories, too little time.  I miss you my love

It was great sadness to hear of the passing of Bob. I had the opportunity to work under his supervision with the Florida Marine Patrol for many years. I first met Bob when he conducted my background  investigation. I found him to be a pleasant person. During my time at the academy, Bob was a firearms instructor where we once again had the opportunity to talk and build a lasting friendship. After graduating from the academy and being assigned to south Florida, my desire was to one day work with him. I finally transferred  to Jacksonville where I was allowed the privilege to work under his supervision.  Bob always instilled confidence in everyone he encountered and was a great mentor. He will be greatly missed.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Robert John Van Der Mallie

23 mai 1945 – 16 avril 2025

Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home

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