Every once in a while, I would Google, “The Big Tootsie, Ithaca NY,” to see if I could find any reference to this “summer camp,” that I was a part of as a kid. I’ve never seen  anything until today.  It’s surprising, because everything is on the internet now, and this experience was so unique that I knew others must remember it. 
Mr. Cornell, whose name I didn’t remember until I came upon this eulogy, created a whole little world for us kids to exist in for a few weeks during the summer. It was based around a creature called The Big Tootsie, a fuzzy little guy with one big foot. We would spend our days looking for him all over Ithaca, giving us a reason to visit Buttermilk Falls, Cayuga Lake, etc.  One time I remember Mr. Cornell called us all over, and pointed out a big footprint in the sand; evidence that The Big Tootsie was in the area!  In the meantime, there were all kinds of activities involving tennis balls. At one point, we went to his house, and I was amazed to see that he had wardrobe boxes full of tennis balls!  Possibly the best part of the day was the “Fireball Break,” where Mr. Cornell would stop the van at a scenic spot, and pass out Fireball candies to all the kids. We would basically suck on these candies in silence until they were done, and then continue with our day. 
That this man could create these simple yet unforgettable experiences for a small group of young kids is very inspiring. Rest in peace.

I love, admire, and was always amazed by Bob Cornell. My family loves him. All of our lives were changed for the better because of him. He was Jared’s 5th grade science teacher, and offered to teach him tennis in his Big Tootsie program after school almost every day...I was amazed that he had the highest coaching credentials, and he used them to teach ANY interested child... consistently.. kindly, .bringing extra racquets and balls...even providing transportation after school!...for free- He would never accept payment for his invaluable expertise, guidance, and years-long dedication. We loved him, and because of him, Jared played tennis in subsequent years as well as for his High school. 
Jason was just a kindergartener who watched Mr. Cornell’s coaching sessions longingly. By first grade, I couldn’t hold Jason back from asking to be coached any longer. Thanks to Mr. Cornell, Jason played while growing up and at the Air Force Academy.
   ... We didn’t live in Midland very long, but we always loved him and we enjoyed periodic, fun letter exchanges after moving to Dallas. 
For some reason, I once told my 5th Grade class about this passionately philanthropic super-volunteer and great role model (“It’s Nice to be Nice”) and friend. They were so inspired by his life (I told them about his Red Cross work in New York after 911, Landscaping work, Habitat for Humanity, etc., etc.) that they were driven to create a little iMovie honoring him. 
He always cracked me up. He’s SO creative! His letters are priceless- He sent the longest word in the dictionary, odd facts about obscurely known creatures, and funny stories he found in newspapers. 
He was incredibly generous- with his coaching time, his Big Tootsie Adventures outings, treks across the country to Cornell University, and with unexpected gifts. 
Mr. Bob Cornell has left a huge legacy. Boomerang contests, ice cream sundaes withwater games, Rattlesnake Roundup, summer camps, etc.,which Debbie inspired. ... & KINDNESS

I met Robert W. Cornell at Travis Elementary School in Midland, Texas in 1963. It was an encounter that gave direction to my life. That year in 6th grade my fellow classmates and I were  encouraged to become more than we had ever dreamed we could be. Mr. Cornell found ways to help each student to excell. I remember him telling me: "One student in my class last year read 500 books.  Reading more than that or even doubling that would be really hard." The challenge was casually offered, but it was enough motivate me . I remember learning all the usual school subjects, but before and after school hours we also did salt maps, paper mache dinosaurs, puppet shows, new math, tennis. In my 40 plus years as an educator, Mr. Cornell was one of my models. I am just one of many whose lives were enriched by him.

I’ll always remember him as “Mr. Cornell”, for that is what my daughter, “Siza” Francesca Balada, always called him.  The summers of Big Tootsie in Ithaca are among her favorite memories.  What a positive, kind influence he was on her life.  And on mine.  As a working parent, I was delighted that she could still have the outdoor adventures, friends, challenges and simple childhood fun each summer day.  I knew that she was in good hands and under creative and caring influence.  I’ll always be grateful to Mr. Cornell and all he generously gave to my daughter and hundreds of children across his lifetime.  Blessings to him, and to all of you.  I know that your family will carry his legacy forward.  Kathleen Loehr

As one of Mr. Cornell's "Big Tootsie" kids, I feel so honored to have known such an incredible man. He had such a passion for teaching and that showed not only in the classroom but also in life. Not only did he teach me 5th grade math and provided free tennis lessons, he taught me the joy in serving others. Mr. Cornell's legacy of helping both children and adults alike is one of a kind and I am so privileged to have experienced this first hand. I have no doubt he entered the kingdom of heaven hearing, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Thank you Mr. Cornell - it truly is "nice being nice."

When our daughter, Terri,  became a part of the Cornell family we felt blessed to be a part of this family!  
My prayers are lifted up for the family on the loss of their father, O Paw, & Husband, Robert Cornell,Sr. God bless this family!

In 2010, our family was hosting a king from Uganda and holding a reception at our home for the king and his entourage.  We invited Bob.  He asked if we would like plants for our front porch   before the reception. Of course, we would love that, we told him,  as our front garden and entry was plain and ugly.  He went all out and brought potted plants and flowers that lined the sidewalk  and, also, put them on the front porch. He, also, planted some in the garden in the front (which up to this time, had only about two plants in it).  
It was beautiful and was welcoming to a king.  
After the reception, Bob, voluntarily and with a cheerful heart, kept up our front garden, and, sometimes our side garden with plants he would bring over. Sometimes, when we would come home from errands, there would be a new plant he had planted.  And, although, we are not green thumbs, and most of our plants die, those that Bob planted have lived on. So, a part of him lives on at our home.  We thank God for his influence in our lives, not just with the plants, but in so many ways.  Heaven, now, has welcomed him! 

OBITUARY

Robert William Cornell Sr.

May 3, 1929 – October 14, 2018

Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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