In Memory of Robert Kingsbury

The world lost a great and giving person and a champion for children with the passing of Bob Kingsbury. Bob worked to establish and maintain many ministries supporting children over his lifetime. As one of the founding directors of Integrated Learning Institute, Bob served faithfully for ten years until his death November 15, 2012 from pancreatic cancer. The work of Integrated Learning Institute was of particular interest to Bob and his wife Bev because of their son, Bradley, who, because of injuries he sustained in an accident, struggled with learning until the time of his death. Bob was eager to help ILI provide services for other parents who seek help for their children. With the help of the internet Bob was able to help manage ILI's finances and stretch its scholarship dollars no matter where he was in his frequent travels. Bob, like all ILI Board members, had two students who were his particular prayer concerns. He rose early every morning to faithfully pray for these children. Bob was concerned that ILI be available to every child who needs our help. His wife, Beverly, is hoping this memorial scholarship fund will continue to provide for the students who were so near to Bob's heart.

 

 

Bob Kingsbury:

Church Consultant

Director, Finance, Integrated Learning Institute

Pastor Emeritus, Fellowship of Grace Bretheren

Former Executive Pastor, Business Administrator, Seacoast Grace Church, Cypress, CA

Former Director, Finance Committee, Casa Youth Shelter, Los Alamitos, CA

Former member, Community Awareness Committee, Cypress, CA

Former Area Administrator, Eastern Europe, Campus Crusade for Christ, Vienna

Former President, Director, Project Independence, Anaheim, CA

Former President, Director, Tanglewood North Homeowners Assoc., Cypress, CA

Former Director, Palm Valley Homeowners Assoc., Palm Desert, CA

Former Director, Westmont College Athletic Board, Santa Barbara, CA

 

A Tribute to Bob Kingsbury
By Cynthia Moses

Bob Kingsbury was the most "alive" man I have ever met. He was blessed by his Creator with boundless energy, ideas, and a generous heart. He loved people. He especially loved children who struggled with learning. He often laughingly recalled trying to teach his son, Bradley, to hang up his pants. Of all the things Bradley could re-learn after his accident, he just could not master the use of a coat hanger for pants. It was so curious to Bob. When Bob learned of ILI and the work that is done here he was very excited that there was a group that could teach a youngster to become an independent learner and thinker.

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Bob was one of the first people I called when it became apparent that my private practice should become a nonprofit organization in order to reach more children. I was inexperienced with this idea and needed people with skills beyond mine to serve as directors. I expected the people I approached to need time to think it over and then let me know if they were willing to commit. To my utter astonishment each person said they were willing and ready to start. I will never forget what Bob rapid-fired back to me: "It's about time you did something like this. I'm in. When's the first meeting?"

Bob was early for every meeting. He served ILI in many ways. He guarded our investments. Even in turbulent financial times, he held on to our money. He was even willing to be ILI's guarantor at times in the early days. He alternately encouraged and scolded me, whichever he thought would get me moving faster. He whole-heartedly participated in every activity and fund-raiser. He brought his friends into our cause. Bob gave and gave and gave but it is not true that he did not expect anything in return. He wanted to be "treated right". By that he meant that he wanted a cup of coffee and a frozen cookie every meeting! As far as I can remember, that monthly coffee and cookie were all I ever did for Bob. He was too "alive" to need assistance of any kind!

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Now Bob is gone from ILI. We really miss him. It came as no surprise that his wife, Beverly, wanted memorial donations to come to ILI. I hope there are lots of them! Because Bob wanted to help the children! I want to be the same friend to children, in Bob's memory, that he has been to me.

 

A Friend's Greeting Dedicated to Bob Kingsbury
by Edgar A. Guest

Edited by Cynthia Moses

I'd like to be the sort of friend to the children that you have been to me;

I'd like to be the help that you've been always glad to be;

I'd like to mean as much to them each minute of the day

As you have meant, old friend of mine, to me along the way.

I'd like to do the big things and the splendid things it's true,

To brush the gray from out their skies and leave them only blue;

I'd like to say the kindly things that I so oft have heard,

And feel that I could rouse their souls the way that mine you've stirred.

I'd like to give them back the joy that you have given me,

Yet that were wishing them a need I hope will never be;

I'd like to make them feel as rich as I, who travel on

Undaunted in the darkest hours with Christ to lean upon.

I'm wishing at this time that I could but repay

A portion of the gladness that you've strewn along my way;

And could I have one wish this year, this only would it be:

I'd like to be the sort of friend to the children that you have been to me.