Tributes to Robert Strommen from the Western Reserve Association
Sue Tamilio Thank you, Rita. He was such a gentle, loving, thoughtful and caring person who impacted all he knew. I know I was forever changed by knowing him.
Leslie Carole Taylor I am sad to hear this. Bob (and Joyce) was a champions of justice! Together, they were examples of unconditional love. PFLAG, the Coalition, Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice (MRSEJ), the list goes on! He was supportive of women in ministry, LGBTQ folks, and people of color. He will be missed by so many!
Margaret R. Mills Indeed he was all those and more. He was a supportive colleague. He once said, "I'll support you in your work because I'm not good at it!" Then went on to teach me about justice in the best way...by encouraging me to get involved. "Not good at it?" Ummm......
David Brown Both Bob & Joyce Strommen were enthusiastic supporters when Carl Philip Wallace came to Trinity Akron. They have walked the walk and lived as true saints of the church, making a positive impression on everyone they met. Although Bob's passing is sad for us, imagine the celebration in heaven upon his arrival!
Margaret R. Mills He's marching for something.
Ken Daniel Bob was in Philadelphia and supported me as a new pastor in the city of Reading, Pa. Always kind and supportive. A visionary for church revitalization.
J. Bennett Guess A true saint and a pioneering prophet for justice and inclusion. I admired Bob -- and admire Joyce -- so very much.
Lori Tisher How sad. What an amazing man he was. Please keep us informed about details for Lakewood service.
Hans Holznagel What a prophetic voice he was for working people. Loved his natural linking of faith and advocacy. Thanks be to God for his life, ministry and witness.
Charlotte Still Noble Thank you for letting us know,....Bob was a great soul.
Kate Huey He watched over my entire journey from joining the UCC, through seminary, and then presided at my ordination. In the days when it required even greater courage, he was such a staunch supporter of the LGBT community. I believe he was actively involved in voter registration down south during the 60s - is that right, Margaret R. Mills? Also, Jackie has always seen Joyce as her model in being the pastor's spouse. We loved them both.
David E Loar Became close friends with Bob and Joyce as an intern in Philly in 73-74. They opened their house to a single, Midwesterner who was looking for connection. We also protested at the trucking depot as lettuce arrived in light of the lettuce boycott for Cesar Chavez and the farm workers. Bob introduced me to Tom Hayden and Jane Fonda at Tabernacle Church as we were organizing around national economic justice concerns. Those were the days of gas shortages and Bob organized actions to confront the execs of oil companies in the Philly area. He was part of one of the best cadre of ministries in the UCC with the Ministers of Metropolitan Mission who were dispersed across the country with the likes of Art Waidman, Buck Jones, Dave Rohlfing, Don Benedict and others. Something we are sadly missing these days. God blessed creation with the vision and mission known as Bob Strommen. No greater duo of disciples than Bob and Joyce!
Jim Cunningham I am grateful to have been one among so many to have been truly blessed by Bob and his ministry.
