Name: Weed Corley Fish Parkcrest
Address: Austin, TX

I had no idea Dr. Walter’s had passed until I went looking for him for his magic hand therapy. I was an RN at Seton Mrdical Center from 1978 until 2ooo ad he was high on my list of favorite doctors I admired him for his kindness and integrity. He was a supportive advocate for the nursing staff, always ready to do what he could to help us get through the hospital bureaucracy and he always showed respect to the nursing staff.  He even wrote me the most glowing recommendation,, which he didn’t have to do.. I think of him often when I think of the best physicians I I worked with and most admired.
May God bless him and his family.

Dr. Walters was my saving grace in 1986-88. He was able to treat my wrist injury with expertise, persistence and lots of laughter. He truly cared about the outcome. I have told friends for years about Dr. ‘Bob’. I thought of him today and wondered if he was still practicing and was very saddened to see his obituary. I can only imagine the hole that was left in many lives. May he celebrate eternity in his Heavenly home. Thoughts to family.

Got to know Bob at Childress Hospital in Boston  in 1975.  He was definitely one of the good guys.
Bruce J. Morgan

I was so sad to hear of Dr Walters' passing. He was a gentle giant.  He did 2 surgeries on my arm and hand and did a beautiful job. He was very dedicated to his family and such an all around great guy/physician. He will be sadly missed. 

Eighteen years ago I was a graduate student earning a master's degree in nursing and had the privilege of shadowing Dr. "Bob" for a semester-long internship.  His knowledge and passion were unparalleled, but what I remember most was his rapport with his patients.  Yesterday, I was talking with a colleague who is in OT school, specializing in hand and wrist therapy.  I told her about Dr. Walters and how much I learned from him.  I then looked him up and found this posting.  His passing had to be a huge loss for his patients and the Austin community.  We all carry a little piece of him with us.  

I was thinking of Dr. Walters today. My dad has surgery tomorrow near his office.  I looked him up, just to see what the internet said about him.  I was very sad to read about his passing.  I know I am a decade late to post this, but I just had to let you know how much he touched my life.  Such a wonderful man that helped my wrist pain so much.  I was very scared and Dr. Walters helped me through my fears.   God bless you and your family, as he blessed my life by just being himself. 

Bob and Jane were our neighbors in Wichita. I was thinking of them and found Bob obituary. So sorry to learn of his passing. My condolences to Jane and the children.  

This man was the best dr. I have ever been to!  He was the only one who could diagnose my wrist and wanted to be the first to do a wrist replacement.  He talked me into holding off until they were approved.
He also talked me out of getting it fused to eliminate the pain, and told me if I was his daughter, that is what he'd recommend.  I so appreciated his honesty and caring.
Now, I am ready for that wrist replacement and have no clue who to call?  I don't even know where my records were sent.  If any familly member still reads these, can you please let me know where the records went and who he would have referred me to?  I don't trust anyone else.  I loved Dr. Walters!


My life was better for having known you. My Doctor, my friend. There's non other Docs like you.  So personable, joking. So full of life. When your office called with the news of your passing I went into hysterics. The thin scar on my wrist will be a constant and pleasant reminder of you . Greatest surgeon, great friend. I miss you still after all this time!  Godspeed Bob!!



I lived in Wichita, Kansas, when I met Dr. Walter's at the Wichita Clinic in 1979. An angel, indeed!



Dearest Family, 
This is so what I did not want to find out about Dr. Walters!  My heart is heavy with sadness!  He was an awesome person!

I met him in 1979 at the Wichita Clinic  when I dislocated  my  wrist.  I was a 22 year old red-headed female starting a new career as a semi-truck driver. I was so totally devastated when Dr. Walters called me and told me my wrist would have to be surgically repaired, I screamed and threw the phone. (I wondered if his hearing ever recovered!!)

I'd never been in the hospital, let alone had surgery before, and this gentle man walked me through the whole process.  He knew I was afraid, and he laid my fears to rest.  He drew pictures and made sure I fully understood what was going to happen.

The evening after the surgery, he came to check on me.  He was holding my elevated and bandaged right hand and told me to grab the side rail with my other hand.  I was puzzled by this, until he quickly stretched out the fingers of my hand. With lightening speed, I swung my left fist at him, he caught it and just smiled at me!  He was awesome like that!!

At my 6 week check up when the cast came off and xrays were done, I am not sure who was more devastated, me or him.  He told me the 'knot' of the ligament/tendon had come undone, and the surgery would have to be repeated!  We both cried!!  But again, he got me through it.  He was awesome like that!!

A few years down the road  (mid 80's), I was at Seton Hospital in Austin, visiting a family member.  I recalled that he had left the Wichita Clinic and moved to Austin, so I gave him a call.  It was good to visit with him, he remembered me, and that made me feel great!  He was awesome like that!!

I have moved to Texas Hill Country 2 months ago, and I was really hoping to see him again, and to have him work his magic on my now arthritic thumbs.  I honestly don't know who I will see, but I sure I will find someone. I  know no one will measure up to him......he was awesome like that!!!



For some reason today I was thinking about some of the great doctors we have had here in Wichita, KS and Dr. Walters popped into my head.  He did surgery on my hand in the 80's before he left Wichita.  He was a wonder surgeon, very caring and kind to his patients.  I am so sorry to see this even though it is 7 years after his death.  He was a wonderful contribution to medicine all those he treated.  May his soul rest in peace.  He surely is in God's hands.



The best doctor I have ever had or could hope to have. The injury ended my football career but he helped me realize that there was so much more to life. Thanks to Dr. Walters my wrist may not be as great as what God blessed me with but I can say it is the best that man can do. I remember him calling me to visit even after my wrist was as good as it could be. He simply wanted to take more X-rays and to check my mental state. Forever I will be grateful for his love and care. 



I just found out I have a mild case of carpul tunnel.  The first thing I thought was that I would go see Dr. Walters because he saved my hand in 2006.  I am so very sad to find out he passed away.  He was extremely kind and an amazing doctor.  I had a mysterious infection under my fingernail.  After several rounds of antibiotics he told me in a very caring way that I would need to have my fingernail removed so the infection could be biopsied.  I was really scared.  He did an amazing job and made sure I had the right infectious disease specialist who correctly diagnosed and successfully treated the infection.  He then made sure I had an exceptional physical therapist who made sure my nail grew back perfectly.  Dr. Walters even gave me his cell phone number in case I needed to talk to him.  I am forever grateful both for the excellent care I received and for his kindness.  I am so sad he passed away - this is a very big loss!



I was a patient of Dr. Walters , probably 4 or 5 visits over four or five years. The last two or three times I saw him had to do with a "trigger finger". 
He injected a steroid into a very inflamed area of my hand. He told me that it was going to hurt, and it did! I held my hand dead still. When he  was done, I looked up at him and he had a tear in his eye. 

A doctor that feels the pain of his patient.

Bob McElhaney



I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Walters when he was a physician at the Wichita Clinic. I was a medical records clerk assigned to the Orthopedic floor. Some of my fondest memories of working at the Wichita Clinc are those of climbing in and out of the back of Dr. Walter's station wagon looking through piles and pile of medical records. He was so dedicated to his patients that he used all of his time at the clinic seeing and caring for patients and took his paperwork home to complete. I loved working along side of him as he never made me feel lesser than an equal. What a wonderful man.



Our beloved son John, then only six years old, was Dr. Bob's patient shortly after he opened his Austin practice.  John had Proteus Syndrome which caused abnormal growth of tissue and bones.  Two fingers of John's right hand were grossly enlarged and immobile.  Dr. Bob devised a surgical plan to almost remodel those fingers so that they would appear more normal.  I will always remember how kind Dr. Bob was to John and to us.
 I was thinking of him today and how important he was to our son and now I am saddened to learn of his death three years ago.  Our son John died September 10,b2010, just a few month before Dr. Bob's death.  We remain heart sick without him.  I pray for John every night and will add our dear Dr. Bob to my prayers.



I was just updating my medical records and discovered that Dr. Walters passed away.  He performed surgery on my hand in 2008. While visitng him for hand therapy post surgery, I found out I had breast cancer.  Her was so kind and caring.  I could tell he was a wonderful family man with all the beautiful family photos in his office.  My condolences to the family.



I was so sad to read this two years later. 
     You all were such pleasant memories of our Austin years.  From reading the obit, it sounds like your beautiful family is all grown up and doing well.  
      I will pass this on to Joe.  Bob was so nice to Joe when he was trying to go to Medical School.  He gained a lot  from his talks with Bob.  God bless you Jane. I would love to hear from you any time. Love,  Patti Davey 



What a pleasure to have known and wirked with this man!



I just learned of the passing of Dr. Walters this afternoon from my GP. I was shocked to hear this. Bob performed 4 operations on my arms in 1996, and 1997.  He was an amazing doctor. When I told people at the time of the surgeries who my doctor was, all I heard was, "you've got the best doctor in Texas for my condition" It was true. He was so kind, and thoughtful of his patients. He is greatly missed. So sorry for his family's loss.

Barry D. Wright



I just learned of Dr. Walters passing after making a referral to a friend and just wanted to pass along to his friends and family the thanks of a grateful patient.  Dr. Walters was a wonderful person, skilled surgeon and carried a presence and manner with him that was so warm to all who knew or met him.  
I have use of my right hand today because of his skilled reconstructive techniques.  
I feel a deep sense of loss that I know you have to feel, not because of his great surgical skills, but because of his deep and glowing humanity.  Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Glenn Garland



Today would have been Dr. Bob's 70th birthday.  His birthday was the day after our second son's, and so we always had two days in a row of celebration.  We celebrated with Brian last night, and this morning we visited Dr.Bob and then went to brunch together.  It was good to acknowledge his birthday and to share time together remembering him  Each of us misses him in our own way, and we all struggle to learn to live without him.  One thing we know...there will never be another like him!  He was an incredible husband and father who loved and was loved beyond measure.



I was having physical therapy yesterday on my left shoulder and left elbow and my therapist noticed some slight scars on my right hand and wrist.  She asked me what happened and I told her the story of the man who saved my hand, Dr. Robert Walters.  She did not know that I was unaware of his passing and said "Oh is he the famous hand doctor who unexpectedly passed away?"  To say the least, I was instantly in tears thinking it might be.  It wasn't until this morning at 3:30 am that I told my husband in tears that Dr. Bob might be in Heaven and we know now that he is.  We met Dr. Bob in 1997.  I had a severe case of Raynaud's Syndrome in my right hand.  I had seen several doctors and had been hospitalized and noone could tell me what was wrong with my hand.  I am also a spinal patient and most of the docs thought my pain and white fingers that would turn cold was due to my neck injuries.  Dr. M. Dorsen referred me to Dr. Walters for a consult and he took one look at my hand and said "Darlin', we have to get you into the hospital to save your fingers."  He was kind and gentle and my husband and I were terrified but had every confidence in Dr. Bob because he was just so loving and concerned and it was real.  He told me that I might loose 3 of my fingers due to the severity of the deseased hand.  Two weeks later, I was in Seton Hospital in Austin, TX in a surgery to save my fingers.  It was an eight hour surgery and a lengthy rehab, but Dr. Bob saved my fingers by doing a digital sympothectomy.  I have no pain or shocking of my fingers in my right hand and will never forget the words of wisdom that he left me with..."Use it or loose it."  
 Dear loved ones who are missing him now and forever, Dr. Bob was like a father to me.  He gave me faith that a man could be a doctor and be loving and kind and have true compassion at the same time.  This is a rare quality.  My husband and I were blessed to know him and we will see him again as you will. God bless you all in your time of grief.



Dr. Walters helped me in innumerable ways.  I am a violinist and when I realized I needed hand surgery, I was quite scared.  But thanks to him, I came through the surgery and regained function in my hand.  He also kept in contact with me for awhile after the surgery to ensure everything went back to normal.  

I felt comfortable calling him about any hand problem I was having.  He was a truly sweet man.  I know I'm not alone in saying that he will truly be missed.

Thank you for everything, Dr. Walters.  Rest in peace.



I just found out...
Dr. Walters was a truly GOOD person, an expert in his field who was full of goodwill and caring. He quickly became "Dr. Bob" to my wife and me as he set about curing us of carpal tunnel syndrome.
A true professional and a fine man with a heart of gold. The world was a better place when he was in it.



When I first met Dr. Bob, I couldn't believe that I found such an awesome gentleman who genuinely cared about his patients the way he did.  He made each and every one of his patients feel like he or she was the most important person in his life.  He didn't rely on someone else to do the work for him.  He invested his time and love in what he did.  He was an artist in his work.  He was a perfectionist in his work and I am sure that all of his patients appreciated that.  I loved his sense of humor.  I used to tell him that my hand would hurt like a mother dog and he never forgot that!  Every time I saw him, he would ask if it hurt like a mother dog.  That shows how connected he was to his patients.  

When it came to his family, he loved you all dearly!  He spoke about you each and every time I went in there.  He was so proud of all of his children and his wife.  You all were blessed to have him in your lives.  

May God embrace each and every one of you during this tough time.  I know that he is sitting right next to our Savior because he was a strong believer and an angel on earth for so many.  

Austin lost the most incredible hand surgeon and God gained the most incredible angel.



Family of Dr. Walters,
 I was so sorry to hear of Dr. Walters death. Unfortunatly I was out of the country at the time and am just now getting the information. I was always so impressed with Dr. Walters not only as a doctor but also as a person. He was always so kind and very thoughtful.. I appreciated the way he treated me as part of my care team instead of just doing to me. I always felt he truly cared. I thank God that I was led to him as part of my medical team. Again please accept my sympathies at this difficult time.
                                                      Lois Matthews



Mrs. Walters, Children and Grandchildren

It was with great sorrow that I received the letter from Dr. Walters office today informing me of his untimely death.

In February 2008 I met your loved one for the first time to find out whether he could repair my middle finger which over a period of five years had turned completely toward my little finger due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. After calling me into his office, HIMSELF, taking x-rays, again HIMSELF and drawing my hand (which I still have) he assured me he felt he could correct the problem with implants.  As an example of his caring and truly wanting to be of help, he gave me his cell phone number and stressed that I use it should I need his help.

Surgery was set up and even though he found more problems then he expected, it was through his expertise and the wonderful Therapists at Select Hand Therapy that the surgery was a complete success.  I remember when I went back in 2009 just to make sure everything was as good as I felt it was, he immediately whisked me into the Select Hand Therapy office to show off my very workable finger.  He just beamed with pride and his wonderful smile at all their success.

Yes he truly was one of a kind as a Doctor, Friend, Husband, Father and Grandfather.He always spoke of all of you with much love and pride.

May God Bless and Keep each of you in His care.

Patty Schaar   Victoria, Texas     Patient  april 2008



To the family of Dr. Bob Walters:

My wife and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather.  He was an exceptional man and a wonderful doctor.  I know that there is nothing I can express that will fill the void of his passing and no words can express the deep sense of loss that you feel.  For what it is worth, upon receiving the letter from his office notifying us of Bob's death, my wife and I feel that we have lost a truly close and caring friend.  

Bob performed five hand surgeries on me over the course of four years.  During this time we would consult with Dr. Walters not only regarding my hands, but also on matters concerning my wife's health.  His guidance and counsel included what surgeon she should select when she had a cancer that needed to be removed from her face to a recommendation of an orthopedic surgeon when she fell and broke her hip and needed a hip replacement.  We came to depend on his expertise and wisdom on health-related issues.  He was always kind and generous even though our issues had nothing to do with him or his practice.  This is a rare commodity in today's world.  

I could go on and on relating stories of Bob's kindness to us, but it is probably enough to simply say that Dr. Bob Walters was a unique, caring, intelligent, and Christian man.  My wife and I are better for having known and associated with him and the world is less without him.  

God bless you all for sharing this wonderful man with us and know that our prayers and love are with you. 



I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Walters passing. He was the most caring doctor I have ever known. He did surgery on my hand and ministered to me and my family during the healing process. He loved his family very much. We talked about our many blessings, which included our spouses, children and our beloved grandchildren. They all gave us much joy. I pray for peace that passes all understanding for his family. Dr. Walters truly was one of God's angels on earth. Thank you to Dr. Water's family for sharing him.

Jo Ann Ashford



My heart is broken on learning of Dr. Walters' passing.  He remains the nicest, kindest person I have ever known.  After my second hand surgery while still at the hospital, my IV started leaking into my arm in the middle of the night (around 1 a.m.).  The nurse was unable to  re-do my IV and had just told me that I would just have to do without my medications until morning when in walked Dr. Walters (at 1a.m.!).  He was still at the hospital in his scrubs!  He immediately put in a new IV.  I never feared my hand surgeries because I felt certain that an angel (Dr. Bob) was operating on me.  At one of my office visits after surgery, my college age son had driven me to my appointment.  Dr. Walters greeted him as if he was royalty!  He brought him a soft drink with a napkin and asked him all about what he was studying in college, told him all about the unique fish and creatures in his salt water aquarium.  Dr. Bob was an angel living amongst us.  He will be missed more than I have words to describe.  



Dr Walters was a very kind, caring  man.  I worked with him for 15 years at Seton Medical Center. He was a joy to work with.  Made us laugh all the time. He was the best hand Doc around.  I know this for a fact because he saved my hand and my life after I had an accident (accidentally shot my hand full of rubber cement).  Dr Walters will be missed. I send my deepest sympathies to his family who he talked very lovingly about.  My prayer for them is peace and comfort thru our Lord, knowing someday we will all see this wonderful man again in Heaven. 



To the family of Dr. Walters:
I still can't absorb this awful news I received in the mail yesterday telling us of the passing of Dr. Walters.  He was one fine gentle man -- one extraordinary doctor and there will never be another like him.  Gosh, I will miss him!  Every time I see the scar on my left hand I am gently reminded of his excellent surgeon skills and his warmth and kindness.



My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr.  Walters.  He was that rare doctor who spoke in clear terms and carefully explained all aspects of the situation.  I loved his drawings (I, too, am an artist!)  No doubt he will be greatly  missed by both family, friends and patients. 



I was deeply shocked to hear of Dr. Walter's passing. He was one of the highest level professionals and finest men I have ever met, and I am eternally grateful to him for the treatment he performed on my troubled finger. He explained the condition as if I were a student in medical school, and gave me confidence in his ability which was borne out by my quick and marked improvement. 

I will always think about him when I play music. 

My condolences to the Walters family on this tragic loss.



Dr. Robert M. Walters cared for both my left and right hands for three problems.  He was recommended to me by a physician who told me that if I were his wife and needed treatment he would send me to him.  We had recently moved from Hawaii and I was glad for the recommendation. 

I was first impressed with the simplicity of his facility:  It was functional, adorned with Dr. Bob stuff (My husband is also a Dr. Bob, also a Robert M.)--some even comical and nothing pretentious.  I felt right at home even before we met and when I did, I liked the man immediately.  Infact, he was so warm and gentle and he conversed with me not in the usual doctor to patient manner, but as person to person.  What a treat.  It made my treatments of cortizone painless, so much did I enjoy being with him.

On my last visit, I joked about his TV competition and even felt comfortable enough to ask him when he was going to retire (he and I are almost the same age) and he told me "Well, when the kids are finished with college--" 
I figured his children were grown but who knows, maybe he was setting up funds for the grandkids, maybe he just knew he was so needed.  Well all his patients, knew he was the best,  there was no other like him, anywhere.  
 
 I know he just must have loved his work.  He was a true physician.  Not someone out for prestige or financial gain.  He was a doctor of the highest calling; infact, I bet he would even had made house calls if he could!  He had that old fashioned work ethic, at tender heart, a marvelous sense of hunor and this is the reason we all loved and respected him so.  A Doctor's Doctor I would call him.

May the Divine Physician embrace him and may his mourning  family be comforted,  Jesus said: "Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  I hope that even in your great loss that you are.











Dr. Walters was THE nicest doctor I have ever met and probably ever will meet.  He fixed my husband's hand last summer and was so nice to both of us.  You could just tell that he had a love for life and passion for helping others.  Even before we received this sad news, we were always talking about Dr. Bob and how much we liked him.  Dr. Walters touched more lives and put so much goodness into the world.  This is truly a tremendous loss.



Dr. Roberts - Thank you for fixing my Dad's hands so that he had many years of use he wouldn't have otherwise, and for saving my broken little finger. Your care and brilliance is amazing! 

May your family find comfort during these trying days. 

God Bless You! 



I was deeply saddened when i received the letter today that we lost a wonderful doctor and a very dear person.  He was very adept at his craft of mending bones and making hands and wrists work again, but now my heart is broken to hear of his passing.  My sincere condolences to his family. 




What a wonderful man! What a sad letter! I feel like the world is truly at a loss, but God has called one of his angels home.

Dr. Walters was a fabulous doctor who brought skill, integrity, compassion, humor and much more to all of his patients.  If only we had more doctors, nurses and health care workers just like him...

God please grant peace to his family and friends as they mourn his loss.  He will truly be missed by so many!



A letter received today notified me of the passing Dr. Walters.  In 2009, he saved my hand and my career as a nurse.  What a wonderful man, fabulous doctor and genuine human being.  It's a priviledge to bear the 10 inch scar on my right arm, and I'll never forget the compassion and humor with which he treated me.  Sincere condolences to his beloved family.  
Rest in peace, sweet Dr. Walters.  Your smile was such a welcome sight at Main.  How much your gracious presence will be missed.



Wow! Am I sad! I am so sorry that one of the best surgeons, and sweetest people I ever met, is gone .....Way Too Soon! Got a letter from his office today and had to sit down before I fell down! My heart goes out to Everyone that is missing him and to all the people he won't have a chance to help! May he truly rest in peace!
Love,
Deirdre
(mother of two wee ones, who's hands Dr. Roberts saved, so I could go taking care of them)



Since August 2004 through September 2009, Dr. Walters performed 12 surgeries (6 on each hand) and  I cried when I received the letter today saying that he passed on.  I have the use of my hands because of him and I was very blessed to have him be my doctor.  He always had a smile and would never talk down to the patient.  He explained everything in  drawings with his sharpies and I have saved every drawing he made for me.  I don't know who I will go to for further work on my hands.  God bless the family and many condolences.

Carol Wentland



We want to express our sadness for Dr. Waltersâ€™ passing.  We just learned an hour ago.  He had real unique and wonderful way of treating his patients.  He was very caring and would draw your hand in a very explanatory way.  He was a strong and smiling at all times.  He would give you two or more telephone numbers in case you needed him.  He was genuine doctor who cared for his patients.  We know he is now in Godâ€™s Kingdom.  Our prayers are with his family and all who will miss such a wonderful Dr. Walters.



We will miss you Bob.  We have all learned from your easy, gentle and kind bed-side manner, your wholehearted good spirits, your eternal soul.  Thank you from all of us.

Al Duska, MD



I was so sad to receive a letter from Dr. Walter's office notifying me of his passing.  What a wonderful man, and caring doctor.  He performed surgery on my hand last year, and I found him to have amazing warmth, a wonderful sense of humor, and a real sense of how to communicate effectively with his patients.  I remember how caring he was when he came to the physicial therapy facility where I was undergoing rehab, and the staff there could not say enough wonderful things about him.  A real loss to the Austin medical community! I hope the tributes to him on this site just confirm what his family and friends already know.



I sure am sadding to hear about DR. Walters passing.
i just got a letter to day 1/31/2011 could not belive it.
he was such a caring soul, he did surgry on my right
hand.
and i was going to get the left done.
 last august i called DR WALTERS and told him that i was going to have to
put it off awhile longer and he told me to take care of the home stead first.
he wasnt going nowhere, God you took yoiur angel home now what is his family and patient going to do.
I dont guess i will never get my left hand done now
we will all miss you DR WALTERS








Dr. Walters was a great person who seemed to really love his family.  I always enjoyed looking at all his lovely grandchildren's pictures in his office.  I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him.



I just learned of Dr. Walter's passing yesterday. I referred a friend to him and she told me that he had passed away. I only met Dr. Walter's breifly after a hand injury, but he left a lasting impression on me and my husband. He was so very kind and informative. he seemed to truly love what he was doing. I can say from many other experiences with other doctors....that is really hard to find. His spirit was precious and even though I maybe spent 30mins with him...I will never forget his amazing personality.  To the family and friends of Dr. Walters, I am truly sorry for your great loss. I pray for peace for you all.



I am saddened to hear of the news...Dr Robert Walters was a genuine and intelligent doctor! His bedside manner was one of a kind along with his drawings. He made you feel important and like family rather than a patient. This fills my heart with sadness but I am glad to know that he is in Heaven with our Lord. My prayers are with all who will miss such a wonderful man!



What a tremendous loss to the medical profession. He operated on my daughter. He was the best. Loved his bedside manner. Wish all doctors were like him. He went beyond the call of duty. He was the current day's version of Marcus Welby, MD.  We all were very fortunate and blessed that our paths crossed with Dr.Walters.



I went to refer a friend to Dr. Walters and learned of his passing.  How strange that I sit here in tears over a doctor I only knew briefly as a patient several years ago.  For those who know him this may not seem odd.  He was like a ray of sunshine that touched the lives of many.  To say he was a skilled surgeon is an understatement, but what set him apart from all the other doctors was the way he related to his patients.  His passing is a great loss for the medical community of Austin.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  



 I just recently found out about his passing because I was out of town. I still am in shock. I always called him Teddy Bear because when he came up to the  floors to see his patients he was a bigger than life happy person and made everyone feel good.  I within the past year became a patient of his because of osteoarthritis of my thumb.  Another MD had told me that if I waited too long to do the surgery if would be too late and I could not financially commit to the time off work.  He and others told me that if he was the one to do the surgery it wouldn't matter.  He gave me his cell phone # and said if I had any worries or questions just to call him anytime. He was very reassuring. I felt like I was talking to my own father.  He will be sorely missed.   I wish now that I had gone ahead with the surgery so he could have been the one to perform it.



To Jane and the whole Walters family,
I was stunned and deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Bob's passing yesterday.  He has done so much for me. Twenty years ago, shortly after I had completed my doctoral studies in piano performance, I had two serious fractures in both of my hands.  The first one was a double fracture of my left thumb (and I am left-handed!).  He expertly restored my use of that hand, yet the following year I fractured a finger joint in my right hand!  Again, Dr. Bob came to my rescue, joking that we should "stop meeting like this" in the ER, and today my playing ability remains unimpaired.  He performed surgery on each of my hands with expert technical skill, but it was the warmth of his care and support during every phase of my treatment that I will always remember with the utmost gratitude. He helped me through a very frightening and challenging period in my life.  Please know that his loving, positive energy remains with all of his loved ones forever. 



I was deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Walter's passing when I called his office and heard the voice mail.  Dr. Walters performed surgery on me about 7 years ago and I just fell in love with his warm bedside manner, and genuine love for his practice and care for his patients.  I've never expierenced that with any other Dr.  At my first visit, he took x-rays of my hand, drew pictures and explained the problem in great detail.  I ended up having surgery and after surgery Dr. Walters gave my husband his cell number in case we had any questions or problems.  We were both amazed!  Last year I had some numbness in my right arm and I knew Dr. Walters would know what it was so back to him I went.  He referred me to another Dr. for a second opinion and asked me to call his cell after I saw that Dr.  I wished I had not procrastinated because I had no fear under Dr. Walter's care.  As a patient, you just knew you were in good hands!  

One cannot put into words the loss the medical field and so many patients will experience by his sudden passing not to mention his family and friends.  

My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family.  His patients saw the loving side of him that we wish every Dr. portrayed and yet his family saw all the other sides of him that were equally as wonderful!  

Life is so short, so precious and I will greatly miss you Dr. Walters!  God Bless you for all the lives that you touched!  



I recently heard of the passing of Dr. Bob after visiting another Dr. in the building.  I am stunned and saddened by this news.  After knowing him for over 5 years, 2 surgeries, lots of office visits, conversations and phone calls, I can honestly say that he was the most professional, genuine, humble and gracious doctor and human being that I have ever known.  Anyone who has had the honor of meeting him can remember him for all of those things and more.  He had such compassion for his family, patients, co-workers and friends.  I could only dream of impacting so many peoples lives and to be as caring as he.  His laughter and light-heartedness will forever be heard and Dr. Bob will always be remembered, never forgotten.  He will be held in our hearts forever and may his family be at ease to know what a truly wonderful man he was to everyone!  Thank you to his family for sharing him with us all!  My sincerest sympathy goes out to his wife, children and family.  

God Bless,
Shannon Kloesel



The world and the medical profession has lost an amazing person and physician. I thank Dr. Walters for his help in preserving my wrist without surgery and for his time and effort in treating me. My condolences to his family for their loss, and thank you for sharing Dr. Walters with all of his patients. 



I am so sorry to learn only today of Dr. Bob's passing.  I just don't have the words to say what an impact he had on my life.  My condolences to a family that he often spoke of with so much love and affection.  The world has lost a truly great husband, father, friend and surgeon.  I spoke to him only about a month ago and he was his usual vivacious, happy, generous and caring self.  Little did I know it would be the last time I would have the privilege to hear his reassuring voice.  God bless him and his entire family and circle of friends and patients who will all miss him so much.



I was devastated to hear of Dr Walter's (Bob's) passing.   How ironic that his heart that had such boundless emotional energy gave out physically so suddenly and irrevocably!    

I had the pleasure of being his patient for the treatment of several various and assorted hand ailments including one surgery.  And I, too, was always impressed with his compassion and excellence of care.  And I'm thrilled that I have kept all of his drawings...truly amazing.  

But I also appreciated the love he expressed for his family over the years through the many stories he would share.  I had an appointment one year on Halloween and he rushed into the office bearing bags of trick-r-treat candy that he had promised he'd buy for the family.  That made my day!  

Please know that my heart goes out to his beloved family.  I can imagine the depth of your grief at your loss.  May your many memories and these testimonials from Bob's patients bring you comfort at this very difficult time.



Dr Walters was one of the most gifted and tallented medical doctors I have ever had the privalege to know. He shared his knowledge in such a way that the most infirm were enlightened and warmed by his presence.  He will be sorely missed by many here on earth but I know God has a special place for him in Heaven.



Dr. Walters was so kind to my daughter when she needed surgery several years ago. We will never forget his professionalism and caring attitude.
May you find comfort in the days ahead knowing that Dr. Walters helped so many people.



Every day I think, I will get used to a world without Bob Walters in it.
So far, every day, I am wrong.



I had surgery on my left wrst on June 12th, 2009.  I had bones removed and my thumb joint reconstructed.  The surgery was not a success and my pain afterwards was severe.  According to my surgeon (Chief of Orthopaedic Surgery), I needed additional surgery to move an ulnar nerve.  Because I was not pleased with the results of the first surgery, I decided to get a second opinion before I let the previous surgeon lay a scalpel to me again.

My internal medicine physician sent me to Dr. Walters.  I was the first appointment of the morning, and it seems that he got tied up in traffic.  He called and told his staff to let me know that he was running late so I sat an became acquainted with the fishes and the relatives.  A really great reception room.

When Dr. Walters arrived, he was gracious and apologetic and ushered me in to his exam room.  He shocked me by taking xrays of my hands himself (best way to know what you are looking at in the final analysis) and gave me fresh water (even opened the bottle for me) while he developed the shots.  We talked about his family and about mine, he was just wonderful

His drawings of my hand and how he would re-construct it, were superb.  I planned to have the surgery as soon as he could schedule it, but he said, "no, I won't operate until this previous surgery is at least a year old."  The last time I saw him a month ago, he wrote out all the specifications for my January surgery, told me what his follow-up would consist of, and gave me the Seton Surgery Passport.  He instructed me to call back on December 1st, to set up my OR date with his staff and that he would arrange to see me before surgery.

What an absolute shock to call and find out of his passing.  It seems surreal.  Even though I know that Bob is in a better place than this (and probably going around checking the hands of the harp players), may the family take comfort in the love, trust, and respect that patients such as myself had for him.  He was a wonderful and caring person -





I am very sad to learn of Dr. Walter's passing. Although I didn't know him well personally, he was always so courteous, gracious and professional when one of my patients needed hand care. I hope the esteem in which he's held by his colleagues is something which offers comfort to his family.



Jane and Family,

Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I just heard about Dr. Bob's passing and am incredibley saddened. I feel at a loss for words. The years I worked for him were such an eye opening experience. He was kind to everyone, and treated his patients and employees with the utmost dignity and respect. I've never worked for anyone, before or since, who was just so wonderful. I absolutely loved him and cannot imagine the medical community without him. It was a priviledgeto see the love he had for his wife and family on a daily basis, inspiring to see his devotion to patient care, and just rewarding to work with someone so very considerate of those around him.

The Walters family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Robin Shumer



Dr. Walters was a wonderful doctor and person.  I referred many patients to him and always heard wonderful stories of their visits.  They always came back with Dr. Walters famous sketches!   In addition to being an excellent hand surgeon, he was a kind, sweet, warm and generous person.  My mother had an injury to her finger and he worked her in right away.  It was 6:30 p.m. and there were several patients in the waiting room and Dr. W. was checking people in, taking their histories, doing his own Xrays - all with a smile.   He always worked in patients who needed to be seen, no matter what.  He has been at the top of my list of favorite specialists for years.  I was so shocked and saddened to learn of his untimely death.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  Please know that the entire medical community and patients think the world of him.

Sincerely,

Roberta Herman, M.D.



Dr. Walters was an excellent surgeon and colleague. He will be missed. Every patient that  I sent to him thoroughly enjoyed working with him. God Bless.



To Dr. Walter's family-
He was such a wonderful man and surgeon.  He operated on my hand 3 times in 1984-85.  I absolutely adored him.  He was so approachable and so kind.  I saw him about a year ago at the hospital while I was visiting someone and went up to him and introduced myself.  He acted as if he had just seen me yesterday.   Of course, he checked out my hand to see if the surgery had held up after all these years!  I will miss knowing he is no longer with us and I will keep your family in my prayers.  You all were very lucky to have such a fine man in your midst.

Sincerely,
Diane Herrington



I was a patient of Dr. Walters and he was such a nice man!  I saw him for two different conditions and he drew pictures for me and explained everything in detail.  After surgery, I developed a condition and needed to see another specialist.  He cared so much that he contacted the other doctor who was on vacation, made me an appointment, and called me directly to discuss the importance of the follow-up treatment.  I don't know many doctors who would personally go out of their way like this.  Another memory I have is that since we shared the same last name I referred to him as "Uncle Bob" and he even asked the nurse how his niece was doing while I was in the recovery room after surgery.  I will miss Dr. Walters, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Debbie Walters - Austin



I'm so saddened that Dr. Walters is gone, so very sad for his family, his friends, his colleagues and his patients.  And, I missed a great opportunity.  My hands are extremely arthritic, which makes picking up and holding things difficult, so I began a search for a hand doctor.  

I heard wonderful reviews of  Dr. Walters' hand surgeries, so I made an appointment to talk with him. He took an hour with me explaining the procedure, he drew his famous hand sketch, he gave me his cell phone number, and his confidence calmed my fears.  "Just call me three days before you want the surgery, and call me if you have any questions" he said.  When I left the office I knew he was the doctor I wanted to do the work.  He was professorial in that he explained every detail and in terms I could understand, and he was confident that he could fix the problem.  But along with professional expertise,  he was one of the nicest people, most down to earth and certainly the kindest doctor I have ever met. 

The second appointment was to have my hands X-rayed, and I was so surprised that he did the X-rays himself. I had planned to schedule the surgery in January, but that was not to be.  I envy all of you who were lucky enough to have had Dr. Walters as your surgeon.

My deepest sympathy to the Walters family.




I want to share with each of you the cause of Bob's sudden death, as I know we have all wanted to know what it was that could have taken him from us.  The autopsy revealed a heart event that took him so immediately that I am assured by a beloved physician friend of ours that he did not suffer in the least.  

What comfort to us, his family, to know this.  I hope it will be a comfort to you as well.  



To the family and friends of Dr. Bob,

I called Dr. Bob's office today to schedule wrist surgery, and I was incredibly saddened to learn of his passing.  I only met Dr. Bob one time, but what a wonderful impression he made on me.  I saw him in September for a second opinion on a wrist condition that most likely will require surgery to correct.  Like all the other patients who have shared their memories, he made me feel like I was his favorite patient. 

I am looking at the drawings he made for me to explain my wrist condition, the hand-written personal recommendations for my treatment, and his personal cell phone number on the folded up card I have carried in my wallet.  Knowing my apprehension about surgery, he took a significant amount of time to discuss all the non-surgical options we could try before scheduling surgery, and at the end of my appointment, he even took extra time to walk me out of the office and around the building to show me exactly where to go to see the hand therapist.  

Upon meeting him, I had absolutely no doubt that if and when the time came, I would not hestitate to put my trust in Dr. Bob for surgery.  I selfishly regret that I did not schedule the surgery right then so that I could have benefitted from his surgical care.  

I hope you find comfort in knowing what wonderful care he provided to others.  His love of family was evident - even in the one appointment I shared with him, he spoke fondly of his wife, children and grandchildren and photos were everywhere!  May you find peace and comfort in the happiness and good health he brought to others.



What a huge loss to the Scleroderma patients of  Austin. I first met "Dr Bob" at a Scleroderma support group, in his hand clinic around 20 yrs ago.  He often attended our meetings to show first "hand" how he could help us keep our mobility and dexterity, dealing with arthritic hands and raynaud fingers. He continued to guest speak at our meetings over the years. Always drawing the pictures , explaning every detail. He was a true friend to the Scleroderma community. Personnally repairing my fingers seven differant times. We loved him dearly. We will miss his" Huggs" . Thank you Dr. Bob from the Austin Scleroderma Support Group. 

Candee Barron   



Yesterday, I was at Seton as my mom underwent an out-patient procedure. It was when she was in recovery, that we struck up a conversation with the nurse attending my mom. As we talked about doctors, I said the best one I'd ever had was Dr. Robert Walters. It was with deep shock and profound sadness that we learned of Dr. Walters' passing. I still can't believe it. I loved Dr. Walters for the love he bestowed on all of his patients. Years ago he fixed a botched-up surgery that another hand surgeon had performed on my mom, leaving her with intense pain. When I had trouble with one of my fingers last year and required surgery, I went to Dr. Walters. I trusted him implicitly and felt no fear knowing he'd be taking care of me in surgery. He was funny, caring, extremely competent, and warm. He's the only doctor I've ever had or ever heard of who'd give his patients his cell phone number. No medical exchange. We were able to call him directly. He had the best bedside manner of any doctor I've ever known and it would behoove other doctors to learn from the example he set. I will always have this scar on my finger and will always be grateful for Dr. Walters. I feel privileged to have been his patient and saved his wonderful drawings. He respected his patients and fully educated them. He was truly one-of-a-kind. May God bless him infinitely and bless his beloved family, employees, friends and patients. Well, we already were blessed to have had him as our doctor. ..



I have the privilege of dating David Walters and of becoming well acquainted with Janie & Bob during Austin visits. On Sunday, Oct. 31st (a week before Bob's death), Janie, Bob, David and I had brunch at the Iron Cactus (he loved the buffet and vigorously enjoyed the french toast ) and then attended the musical "Rent" at the ZACH. Bob was happy to realize that one of the lead actors was a former patient and really enjoyed the second act. After the play, Bob donated to the AIDS Services of Austin and spoke to his patient. As we walked away, the patient say, "that's my hand surgeon, he's amazing." Dr. Bob smiled as we walked to the car and started discussing the merits of the performance.  "It means love the one(s) you are with as much as possible, because you just never know how long you have with them," he said. Then, he tenderly kissed Janie's forehead. He adored his family so much and his infectious joie de vivre, unmatched generosity and plethora of love will live on through many.



I will miss Bob.  Always cheerful, optimistic.  Energetic.  Friendly when we crossed paths at Seton.  A good surgeon - I could send patients to him for a hand consult and tell them he would suggest surgery only if it was the only answer.  And I could show off my lawn mower shortened finger he repaired and prove that he couldn't fix everything!  What a nice person!

Dudley



i First met the doc back in May 1991 for my right hand, and arm. To me i thought of him as a big over grown "Teddy Bear". He was such a caring person. He made the pain feel less painful than what it was at the moment. Since my first surgery in Nov. 1991 i had more to come on right and left arm. He was always their for me.  From 1991 thru 2002 he preformed all of my surgies but follow ups after that. Bob you will be surely missed by everyone from patients  to  friends.  you maybe gone but not forgotten.Do what you do best down here up there. Take care of people and their pain. Your longest patient of yours 19 years and going.  Marilyn j king
8300 Reeda Ln Austin, tx. 78757



I learned of Bob's passing Monday when his office manager returned the email I sent on Sunday.  I was stunned by the news, as all his Roosevelt High School classmates have been when receiving the news; but nowhere as stunned as his family, friends, and close associates in Texas must be.  My last contact with Bob and Jane was last spring when I phoned to tell him about our 50th class union scheduled for October 1st. Bob was very keen on coming, but for some reason he did not make it up to St. Louis. Bob was very well liked in high school, having been president of the Freshman
Forum, president of our junior class in 1959, and president of the student body his last semester in spring 1960.  He also lettered in baseball and basketball. He began college at Washington University in St. Louis in September 1960 where he pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity and where he exercised his vocal chords, mentioned by some in Tributes, singing in their chorus for Bearskin Follies skits in combination with a sorority.
 
Bob and I shared a maturing experience in April 1959 when we double-dated to the Ice Capades one Saturday night and took our dates to a near-by club for refreshments afterwards where The Four Aces were singing.  The prices were not exorbitant, but, with the cover charge, they challenged our wallets enough that we excused ourselves before our dates did in order to compare the contents of our thin wallets in the men's room.  Fortunately, we were flush enough that we did not need to skimp on the rest of the refreshments.
 
I last saw Bob when he attended our 30th class reunion in 1989 (held a year early due to finding a good deal on a catering hall).  He delivered a very eloquent welcoming address that would make any politician you have heard recently sound lame. Bob will be sorely missed for he touched us up here many years ago as he undoubtedly touched all his circle of friends, colleagues, and patients--not to mention his family.




As many others have recalled, Dr. Bob performed surgery on my hand, and did so with precision and perfection. I remember the 3x5 card (or was it bigger?) that he kept in his pocket with his surgery schedule. So unpretentious â€“ and practical! He pulled it out and showed me the dates and times he had open for surgeries. It is so unusual â€“ even rare â€“ for a surgeon to let the patient â€œreserveâ€ a desired time/date. More often the date is thrust upon the patient in a take-it or leave-it fashion. Not with Dr. Bob. His genuineness did not stop there. 

On the day of surgery, when the orderly started pushing me down to the OR, I was in a foggy state, but still alert enough to hear Dr. Bob say â€œoh no dear, I always push my own patients.â€ I comfortably faded into oblivion, feeling absolutely at ease in placing myself under Dr. Bobâ€™s care. I awoke to the orderly and Dr. Bob, together, helping me get off the gurney and onto the bed. How many other doctors are there after the surgery to help the patient get back in bed? 

In the weeks following, I would see Dr. Bob at the OT/PT office for check-ups. One day, I was running late, and was worried that I had missed him on his â€œroundsâ€. I should have known that wouldnâ€™t be an issue for Dr. Bob. He always took care of his patients â€“ regardless of circumstance. I pulled into the parking lot just as he was leaving the OT/PT office and walking back across the street to his personal office. He saw me and waved, walking over to my car. A big smile crossed his face, as I opened my car window. He greeted me and said, â€œWell, let me see your hand â€“ weâ€™ll have a drive-by visit!â€ He looked at his work, much as a sculptor would inspect a statue for cracks after moving it. He checked the incision for healing, asked me about pain (there never was any) and had me do some range-of-motion exercises with my fingers and wrist. Once satisfied, he sent me on my way, laughing about our unusual office visit. That was so â€œDr.Bob-cuteâ€. It really shows the kind of man he was. Always a smile, always some small comment in passing that indicated his love for his family, and always displaying a passion for his profession. Iâ€™ll miss you Dr. Bob, but will always have a reminder of your gentle strength. Sometimes tiny, precise surgical scars are beautiful!




Yes, Seton Main will never be the same without Dr.Walters smiling face and friendliness, made working in the OR  fun!!! Well never forget... To the family of Dr.Walters.....



Dr. Walters was an amazing doctor.  I broke my wrist 3 months before my wedding and I was terrified that I would be in a cast for my wedding, but Dr. Walters did everything he could and had my back to normal before I got married!!   Hes an amazing surgeon and I was very saddened to hear the news of his death. He was taken from us too early, and he will be missed by many, many people.  He has a very gentle and caring way of putting all of his patients at ease.  He made me and my husband feel very comfortable about my surgery and it was a great success.  He will never be forgotten!  



Dr. Walters performed surgery on my mother's hand to ease her difficulty with arthritis. I was only 15 at the time so I was very nervous about my mom having surgery. The morning of the surgery, my stepdad (Walter F. Chase, who is a rheumatologist and friend of Dr. Walters), sister and I took my mom to the hospital. We were greeted by Dr. Walters who explained the procedure. Immediately I felt so comfortable and at ease. His good spirit and cheerful nature made me feel right at home. He could tell I was nervous about my mom and he assured me everything would be fine. The surgery went well and did wonders for my mom. He really was a gifted surgeon and a sweet soul. I will never forget him.





I found out about Dr. Bob today while I'm in Ohio.  He operated on my wrist for Kienbock's disease in 2006.  I use a wheelchair from a car accident many years ago when I was 18, so the idea of losing any part of my upper extremities was horrifying, to say the least.  I looked and I asked everyone I came in contact with, even strangers, if they knew of a hand surgeon in Austin.  His name came up over and over and over again.  So, that's how I found Dr. Walters.  My KD had progressed too far for anything but a total fusion.  
 He was everything and more that I just read in these memories from others.  He made you feel like you were the only one he hugged goodbye, or gave his cell phone number to.  He really did make you feel like you were the most important person in his presence.  How did he do that?  It was a gift I've found in no other.  It really is an incredibly beautiful thing.  Which makes us all want to hug your family like he hugged us.   God Bless you.


























Today my husband called me at work and told me he had something to show me in the Austin American.  I could not imagine what he would show me, but when he turned to the obituaries - I knew it had to be one of the specialists I had seen over the years in Austin.  But I NEVER expected it to be Dr. Walters.  Dr. Walters did surgery on two of my fingers last December and he made an everlasting impression on my heart.  He was so personable that I had felt that I had known him all my life the first time I met him.  His beautiful blue eyes were a vision to his soul - a soul filled with love, compassion and great respect for every human being he met.  I remember talking to Dr. Walters about his family and at that time he told me that his wife was having some problems and that I would pray for her and later found out that everything was well.  Now I pray for Dr. Walters' wife and family as they journey through a life without their beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend.  I know that our most Gracious Lord Jesus Christ will be with you at all times as the your life goes on.  Remember to "Hang Your Troubles on the Cross" and let the Lord carry your burden.  My sincere sympathy to his family, friends, colleages, employees, and to everyone who will be mouring the loss of wuch a wonderful human being Dr. Walters.  God Bless Dr. Walters - Rest, Rest, Rest..........



To Jane and the Walters children,

I was compelled to write you guys because my father died very suddenly 5 years ago, and the comments from his former patients and employees, even if total strangers, really touched my heart. So I wanted to share my story with you... 

I met Dr. Bob in 1996, just before my freshman year at Texas A&M. He diagnosed a rare wrist problem (that nobody else had been able to figure out) and performed surgery 2 weeks before my first day of college. I wasn't supposed to be able to write for the entire semester, but because of Dr. Bob's skill, I was writing after 6-8 weeks (very important for a nerd like me).

I needed x-rays every month to make sure I was healing well, so Dr. Bob opened up his office on Saturday mornings so that I wouldn't have to miss class on Fridays. I still have his beautiful drawings, and I still have his cell phone number. I have the most beautiful scar adorning my right forearm, and I think of him daily when I see it.

After Texas A&M, I went on to become a physical therapist and have strived to treat my patients with the same focus, concern, expertise, compassion, skill, and humor with which he treated me. Because of him, I have been able to heal others with my hands, and one day, I look forward to being able to hold my own baby.

I thank God for putting Dr. Bob in my life to show me how to genuinely care for people. I pray God's peace, hope, and joy over your lives during this time.



From my  friend, Libby, words that comfort me...hoping that they comfort you as well...with credits to the original authors...where applicable.





Death is nothing at all.  I have only slipped away into the next room.  I am I, and you are you.  Call me by my old familiar nameâ€”speak to me in the easy way, which you always used.  Put no difference into your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.  Laugh as we always laughed, at the little jokes we enjoyed together.  Play, smile, think of meâ€”pray for me.  Let my name be ever the household name it was.  Let it be spoken without effort, without the ghost of a shadow on it.  Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever wasâ€”there is unbroken continuity.  What is death but a negligible accident?  Why should I be put out of mind because I am out of sight. I am waiting for you for an interval, somewhere very nearâ€”just round the corner.  All is well.
                  Canon Henry Scott---Holland, Canon of St. Paulâ€™s, 1894-1910

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am diamond glint on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you wake in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight
I am fish swimming in the lake
By the soft starlight at night
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there I do not sleep.
Anonymous

She mused about her fatherâ€™s death
For now she knew she had a strong ally on the other side.  Then she realized that her parents were not only her link to the past, but also, in a very special way, to her future.   
Native American (Lakota) woman on NPRâ€™s New Dimensions radio

When I die, if you need to weep, cry for someone walking the street beside you, and when you need me, put your arms around others and give them what you need to give me.

The departed whom we now remember have entered into the peace of life eternal.  They still live on in the acts of goodness they performed, and in the hearts of those who cherish their memory.  From the Jewish Memorial Services





He was such a wonderful doctor and a talented artist. I wish I had the picture of my hand that he drew. It was exquisite.



   Wonderfull Doctor and a delight to know, and will be missed by all that knew him.



...At a time of such an indescribable loss, you must know how grateful I am that you so generously shared your treasured time with Bob with his universe of privileged patients.

He radiated the caring principles of the highest of his professional calling!

I felt almost happy the second time I was a patient that there was a reason to be under his watchful care once again!

(I only wish that I had kept his amazing drawing-explanations.)

'May the method provided here at this site for lovingly shared memories be a gift from which you may draw comfort for time to come. Give yourself the time to take short moment to reflect upon these stories from his amazing group of friends.

'Sharing in your grief,
Sandy Youman


  



I met Dr. Bob this July based on a referral from a friend.  He was amazing from the first moment - he called me while I was in his waiting room and told me not to worry, he was running a little late, then escorted me personally to the examination room, and clearly explained what I needed to know to make an informed decision about my surgery.  If that wasn't amazing enough, as I left, he gave me his cell phone number and said to call if I had questions and when I was ready for surgery (as he scheduled his own surgeries).  I didn't know physicians like him still existed.

I know that your family and his friends have experienced a tremendous loss.  I can only hope that the memories of all of the good times help you through this difficult period.



Dr. Walters was a very nice physician.  He was truly a nurse favorite.



To the Walters Family,
I am sorry to hear of Dr. Walters' passing.  My name is Miguel Salas and I was a patient of Dr. Walters.  I feel compelled to tell my story because Dr. Walters made an impact on my life.  

The year was 1996 and I had just graduated from High School. I had earned a "full ride" baseball scholarship to play at Texas A&M University in Kingsville.  Two days before classes began I had a terrible mountain climbing accident and basically broke every bone, severed nerves, and ruptured tendons (or ligaments?) in my left wrist.  Doctors told me that I had only a 25% chance of ever being able to swing a bat again because my wrist was completely destroyed.  I was crushed because as an 18 yr old kid my whole life had been baseball and my dream was to play in college.  I remember the doctors at the hospital were very cold and seemed to not care.

However, Dr. Walters was the only one that showed kindness and genuinely cared about my well-being.  He operated on my wrist the next morning, reconstructed it, and put a screw inside it to hold it together.  He did a better job than I could have ever imagined.  Due to my injuries I had to miss the first semester, but because of his brilliance I was able to play ball that next semester.  I won the Freshman of the Year award that year and then the following year helped my team win the Conference Championship.  Dr. Walters had helped me fulfill my dream of playing college baseball (and keep my scholarship!) when all the other doctors said it wouldn't happen.  What a doctor!  He was the best at what he did, and left an even bigger imprint on me because of the kind and gentle manner in which he did it.  

He may not have have remembered me from the thousands of patients he had, but I always wanted to go back and find him to thank him and tell him how much of a success his surgery was.  I am saddened to find that I will never get that chance, but hope that you, his family, will accept my sincerest and deepest gratitude for what he did for me.  He was truly amazing and my family used to refer to him as "an angel".

Sincerely,

Miguel Salas



Bob was a brilliant surgeon with a loving heart.  He genuinely cared for others like no professional I have ever met.  Bob will be missed by all and I feel privileged to have know him.  
Bob will always have a special place in my heart.

 

 



I was so shocked and saddened today to learn of the passing of this beautiful being from our world.  I had the priviledge of taking care of the first surgical patient Dr. Walters ever cared for at Seton.  At that time I felt the wonderful compassion and caring he gave his patient and thought "we need more doctors like him!"  I loved his friendly nature, his open smile and heart.  He will be greatly missed and it is my hope that your knowing of how well he was loved and respected will be some comfort in this difficult time.  With gratitude for his presence .....



What a loss!
I cannot think of a finer and more noble physician and friend.
He was compassionate and caring for everyone and always had a smile.
Even though we only knew each others as colleagues he came to visit me in the hospital once.  I will always remember him.
My condolences to his family and loved ones.
Dr BJK 



I have known Dr. Bob since he arrived in Austin.  He was the most sweetest, kindest, loving person I've ever known.  He was funny, loved to play pranks on everyone.  He always had a hug for us.  I will miss him with every fiber of my being.  he OR will never by the same without him.  Love and sympathy to Jane and family.  Thank you. Jo O'Donnell 



Dr. Walters was the most amazing and wonderful doctor! My deepest sympathy to the family. 
Without you Dr. Walters I would not be able to use my hands. Hope u enjoyed the baklava I was able to make with my hands for you. Much love. God bless. You will always be in my heart. Love you!



Bon voyage to a lovely and gentle man, caring physician, skilled surgeon.  He clarified any question with a perfectly proportioned drawing of the internal working parts of my hand.  How better than a textbook, and what a wonderful reference.  He loved to laugh and to make others laugh.  

Dr. Walters' boots will be hard to fill.  What a loss for us all.
  



Bob was a caring, empathetic surgeon and a super artist and communicator. As he explained my rather complicated problem, he beautifully drew my hand and the problem became simplified and understandable. 
May God bless him and his family. 



OBITUARY

Robert M. Walters

July 24, 1941 – November 9, 2010

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

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