Comments on: Thanks, Robert Buck. Goodbye, Willie Gillis.

By: Dawn Amidon

Dawn Amidon — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 21:23:31 +0000

Robert was our next door neighbor in Kings Gate, Port Charlotte, Fl for over 5 years. He was so proud of his history as Willie Gillis and displayed copies of all the Evening Post covers on his dining room wall. A good neighbor and a good man. God speed, Mr. Buck!

By: Noel Sheldahl

Noel Sheldahl — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 22:41:29 +0000

Now we all know for sure that the “Buck” does not stop hear but is now in a much better place which is of much Greater Value.
His Shalom, Noel

By: George O'Reilly

George O'Reilly — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 03:46:41 +0000

…one of the rare specimens of God’s creation…He was a super-friendly, polite gentleman golfer who always insisted that his name was ‘Robert,’- not Bob or Bobby or any other derivative. Kingsgate will be the lesser in his absence, much like the ‘clod that washed away from the continent.’ May God show him a short path to heaven.

By: Bill Gimbel

Bill Gimbel — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:11:44 +0000

Sure going to miss this man, he was my golfing buddy here in Florida over the last several years.
Robert shared many stories with me about his days with Norman Rockwell. As an artist, I was going to do a painting of Robert looking up to view a print of himself in his younger days as Willie Gillis Jr ( a name made up by Mrs. Rockwell). The painting would be a comparison of his youth (in the painting “package from home”) to his current age of 86 (april 16th) .Robert always wore a hat similiar to the one in the painting whenever he would golf, which was often. I was fortunate to have Robert sign the prints of the paintings he was in as Willie Gillis Jr.
God Bless you Robert, rest in peace.

By: Bill Gimbel

Bill Gimbel — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 23:39:55 +0000

What a “GREAT GUY” I shared many good times with Robert, on the golf course and on the “nineteenth hole”.
He shared with me his times with Norman Rockwell, and as an artist myself I really enjoyed his stories. I am fortunate to have prints signed by Robert.
He was a very benevolent person in many ways. God bless him.

By: Ima Ryma

Ima Ryma — Mon, 30 May 2011 07:48:13 +0000

Willie Gillis of World War II,
Portrayed by Norman Rockwell as
American GI, true blue,
One of all America has,
For freedom, fighting the good fight,
Then coming home safe to fulfill
A future, promising and bright,
To college on the GI bill.
In wars today, no Willie’s shown,
The sight and sound bytes give no face.
Coverage keeps a high tech tone
To keep up with war’s modern pace.

Yet, the American GI
Fights for freedom for you and I.