Birth date: Oct 2, 1947 Death date: May 19, 2015
Rest in Peace Good and Faithful Servant Father Robert Lee Napier passed into eternal life on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, after suffering from a long and chronic illness. He was 67. It was the very day he would have celebrated his 25th Read Obituary
"Good and Faithful Servant" says it all. I love you Bob. Pray for me.
Upon seeing Fr. Bob for the first time in many years, I told him he needed his hair cut as the curls were too long on his neck and it was distracting me. He said, "Pat, get a life."
Our friendship went back to 1973, When he first came to Interlachen, Fl.
Bob has been apart of my family for almost 50 years, since I was in elementary school. When we moved to Florida in 1973 he came too and lived with us for a few years. He was a part of all our family get togethers, family holiday celebrations, boat trips, vacations, and so much more. To say he will be missed is an understatement. We have been blessed to have him share so many wonderful times. ....so many wonderful memories. He was a big prankster and always enjoyed playing jokes on us. I can't say he always enjoyed the pranks we played back, but it was all in fun.
His loss can't be measured now,
The void can not be filled,
and though, someday, the grief will fade,
His mark will live on still.
For even with my heavy heart,
I know that I've been blessed
To have been one who's heart he touched
With love so infinite.
Rest in peace.
Howard, Margaret & Family,
I was so surprised to hear of Bob's passing away. I remember a lot of time that I spent at your house when we were all kids and how kind he always was. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. Kathy and Jim, I know how you feel right now since you know that I lost all three of my brothers at very young ages. Take care and God bless all of you.
Rhonda (Csonka) & Tim Annen and family
So many memories, but one I'll share. Back in 1974 Bob took me on a trip of a life time that ended at his family's farm in Brewster Ohio. On the way we visited places like the Blue Ridge Park Way, Thomas Jefferson's home, Williamsburg, Washington DC, saw all the sites there back when you could visit the White House or US Capitol Building without having a special pass to see certain areas. Went Harper Ferry Nat'l Park, Gettysburg and then to his family farm. Met some great Amish people there and because it was in October the leaves were changing. I had the best time ever and because of that trip I got the traveling fever that is still with me today. Bob was like a big brother and in large part I am the person I am today beause of him!!
Bob Napier was our very good friend and a real part of our family. As a young man in our church in Brewster, Ohio, he was my right hand man! When I decided to take early retirement from the ministry and move to Florida to start an antique business, Bob took a leap of faith and came with us. Without his help, I doubt if we would have succeeded in getting the Old Buckeye Country Store off the ground! We had no real start up funding, or prior business experience and Bob contributed a lot of hard work and consultation and lived with us. We were on a shoestring in those early days, but our times were not without some humorous experiences. On one occasion we were investigated for possible drug involvement because someone thought the buckeye leaf on our store sign was a marijuana leaf. It was also believed by some that the store was haunted so Bob and our kids did their best to perpetuate the story.
During those early years, we made friends in the community, dabbled a bit in local politics and even published a little newspaper called "the Country Store Gazette". Bob was our store manager, news paper editor, and an integral part of our family.
After a time, Bob moved on to manage several other stores, and complete his college and seminary education. Before too long, we received an invitation to attend his ordination to the priesthood at the cathedral in St Augustine. During the succeeding years he served several parishes until his ministry brought him full circle back to St Johns church in Interlachen at which time we were able to rekindle the closeness of those earlier years. This meant getting together for early morning coffee and sharing common interests and concerns, family dinners, holiday get togethers and shared vacations at the beach in St Augustine. Not to forget the special New Years sour kraut and pork annual dinners which he hosted!
When Bob recently retired to Gainesville, we remained close which even included our dog, Cleo staying with him as well as myself while my wife was hospitalized.
Some people come into our families by birth or marriage, some by a different route, but are none the less dear to our hearts. That was our friend, Bob. We will miss you, but know you're in a much better place and will see you again one of these days.
Richard Wilson and family
Father Bob will always hold a special place in my heart. When I was very pregnant with my second child Fr. Bob had noticed me and another pregnant woman at mass. Before the mass was over he called us to the front of the church and gave us both a special blessing.That was such a special moment in my life. When i was delivering my son they were concerned about complications with him. They had nurses waiting to rush him to the i.c.u if needed,thankfully by the grace of God my son came out healthy and crying.At my son's baptism I thanked Fr. Bob for that special blessing he had given me. I am so thankful for his time at St. Paul's. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Kathy and Steve,
While I only met Fr. Bob once he struck me as a very caring and good man. Kate, I know I haven't kept up with you but I think of you often. I hope you are happy and well. Steve, I worked with Kathy for quite a time and you need to ask her about cars that honk their horns at her. I sincerely wish your family comfort at this time. I especially hope your parents are okay, they struck me as the nicest people when we shared dinner at NFRH. May God bless you all and keep you well.
With love,
Bill Caswell
