Robert Keith Bandy

The second born child & son of Clifford Wade Bandy and Ruby (Lang) Bandy came into the world on September 22, 1956. Like his older brother, Bruce, Robbie was born in Newport, RI, as would be his sister, Marilyn Kay, two years later. The last to join the family was Carolyn Sue. Robbie, born with one slight yet significant difference, had one more chromosome than usual and this meant Robbie would live his life with Down's Syndrome. In the 1950's, most children born with Robbie's condition were placed in alternative living arrangements. Just short of his first birthday, Robbie was placed at the state hospital for developmentally disabled in Exeter, RI. Being a military family meant many moves for duty elsewhere. Until the family returned from Japan in mid-1969, Robbie remained in RI. In 1970, Robbie moved closer to his family in San Diego. There were many wonderful shared adventures including Robbie for sleepovers, trips to visit relatives for holidays, play with bouncing balls in the backyard, games of tag and outings to area parks. Although that time was short-lived, the familial connections were solidified and strengthened over the years with every subsequent encounter. Robbie was eventually moved to a more permanent home in Visalia with John & Sandy Phillips and their son, Bryce. When Dad, Mom, and siblings Bruce, Marilyn and Carolyn would come to visit individually or in groupings, there were fun excursions to Baskin & Robbins, In & Out Burger, traipsing around Mooney Park or road trips to Three Rivers & Woodlake. Robbie also got to meet his brother & sisters' spouses and children, and relatives from both Dad & Mom's families. Robbie enjoyed his regular routines participating in Day Programs with friends & staff in Visalia & Porterville & most recently in Tulare. Robbie had the benefit of wonderful, caring providers over the years including Thelma Diaz, staff at Morgan's TLC in Porterville and most recently staff at New Horizons. There have been many direct care providers at his homes and day programs who went above & beyond to express love and care for Robbie. It is noteworthy that each of these have shown a measure of dignity and humane regard for Robbie. He passed on Tuesday December 3rd, surrounded by those loving people who do this very challenging service for others. We Bandy's, are grateful beyond expression. We will forever be thankful for having had Robbie as our beloved brother.

Robert Keith Bandy

September 22, 1956 - December 3, 2019