Domine family asks for empathy, compassion after loss of uncle

Editor:

Shelley & Randy Domine

Loyal

In light of the recent statement from the Clark County district attorney’s office with regards to the investigation and unfortunate death of Robert Domine in his home in Loyal on Sept. 13, please remind yourselves that the article failed to address the fact that he had a documented diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, a severe mental illness in which reality is distorted and interpreted abnormally and requires lifelong treatment. That’s not an excuse; it attempts to explain it.

His monthly schizophrenic injections were unfortunately discontinued by his doctor, in which Bobby’s condition spiraled resulting in his behaviors and death. “Uncle Bobby,” as those who were fond of him knew him as, also served our country in the United States Navy for four years during the Vietnam War and Cuban Missile Crisis.

He suffered and was the victim of a traumatic brain injury in 1963, from a nearly fatal car accident in Marshfield.

Bobby adored each and every one of his nieces and nephews, especially the very young and innocent ones. Family and friends are heartbroken and many unanswered questions remain over Bobby’s struggles and death.

Nobody with the condition he endured or any mental illness, for that matter, should have to die the way he did. We never imagined his life would end so very sad and he should never have been taken off his medications. We are grateful that other lives were spared in this tragedy -EMTs, police officers, bomb squad, family, and all who tried to help him.

I hope we can honor Bobby’s life by educating ourselves about these lifelong mental maladies and have compassion, insight and empathy toward others and their loved ones, so that in the future nobody has to lose their life sitting in a recliner in their living room while exchanging gunfire.

We have found solace by our “Loyal” family and friends with your kind words, hugs, coming to Bobby’s wake and service, your visits, cards and other expressions of kindness and humanity.

God’s own words give us much comfort in that his promise to those who know him will receive eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:8 says “to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Bobby belonged to God and his home is with him now. Heaven is a beautiful place with no more sickness, no more disease and no more tears. Rest in God’s everlasting love. Rest in peace, Uncle Bobby.