Well, Robert, I thought when I retired that I would spend my time
doing ceramics, sewing, maybe some stained glass, etc. but I never
dreamed that I would be doing this. When I got this computer it was
to keep in touch with my former classmates, family, friends, and do
some research. Then a very special friend built me a cyber home
with five pages which have now grown to about fifty. I think I am
addicted to this thing! One of the things I have enjoyed most is
being able to tell certain people like Dr. del Greco my Spanish
professor, at UVa, Betty and James, and Helen Frye, what I think of
them. AND now it is your turn!
My sincere thanks to Lady Madona and Melinda Beyers for the special
graphics and art for this page!

Robert, as the title of this page says, you certainly have done
your share of imparting words of wisdom, not just to your students,
but to my nephews, fellow collegues, and to others with whom you
have come in contact. You have taught so much to so many not just
with words but also by the example you have set as a role model,
a wonderful son, father, husband, uncle, friend and a true gentleman.
As I recall your mother also had some words of wisdom about the
importance of education and I suspect about many other things which
you apparently heeded!

When I talk with anyone about our days at good old Staunton River,
the conversation always gets around to you and all the business
enterprises that were planned for the land across from the school,
and the special honeymoon package-deals for those teachers planning
their weddings! You have to admit that they were very creative ideas!
I also remember all those county-wide meetings we had when the
schools intergrated. I remember the teacher from Liberty who said
that she treated all her students the same and then a few minutes
later explained how she demanded that her white students say
"Yes, ma'am and no, ma'am"; but did not expect her black students to
do the same! I thought you were going to blow a gasket! I will
never forget the disgust shown by many others at that meeting over
this teacher's proclamation! I also will never forget all the talks
we had about the injustices of segregation and how ridiculous some
of the laws were that WE grew up with and your words of wisdom
concerning all of this. It is sad that your advice about having
equal expectations for all was not taken.

There was also the year that it was decided to go back to number
grades rather letter grades for averaging. As we watched the students
getting on busses in the afternoon, we were all surprised to see
so many students actually taking books home and even bringing in
the assigned homework. Someone must have figured that number
grades were working too well, because at mid-term we were back to
letter grades. Who knows - if they had taken your advice about
expectations for students and also had kept the number grades, maybe
there would not be the frustration of the SOL's today!

I was talking with Betty a few days ago and she asked me if I
remembered the morning everyone woke to get ready for school and
the local news channel was giving the weather for the day as partly
cloudy but when we looked out our windows there was about eight
inches of snow already on the ground. She said that after that when
it would start snowing while we were in classes, she remembered how
she would break up laughing when you would pop out your door and
announce that it looked like we were going to get another eight
inches of partly cloudy weather again.

Betty also said, "I remember how we could always tell when
Robert was going to have a serious talk when he came into the lounge.
He would always prop on the corner of the table with one foot
planted on the floor and the other one dangling across from
the edge. Once positioned, he would begin his discussion."

And now from Mary----

Robert, Do you recall the fictitious tax company we were playing
with one day? You had mentioned that you thought some white folks
were reluctant to go to your tax service and, since I had recently
worked with the I.R.S., we were going to set up a service called
Black and White Tax Service with a motto "For the discriminating
taxpayer".
Mary

And now thoughts from Bobbi----

Robert, your influence on my kids, especially on David, Jr., has
been one of the fondest memories of living in Moneta, and of the
Bedford County Schools. Every time I drive by your house, and I
have done that THOUSANDS of times, I look at your house and smile,
remembering how patient you were with my son, what a gentle but firm
teacher you were, and how much you contribute to your community.
You are beloved by all whose lives you have touched. Thank you
for being the person that you are. I have sincerely enjoyed
knowing you! God Bless.
Bobbi Jennings

Here's thoughts from Cheryl----

Robert, you are such a special person. You were so kind to this
green teacher the first year I was at SRHS. You had so many down to
earth, realistic suggestions for me. I always looked forward to
lunch time, because you were usually there, talking about Bondason's
Industries. I guess my favorite memory of you was when Nancy
pulled down her strapless top after you took her out in the hall to
talk with her. :-) I also remember how you loved your son, Bobby.
You always wanted the very best for him. When you remarried, you
seemed so very happy. Willie must be a terrific woman!
Cheryl Lacy

This is a letter to the editor of the Roanoke Times on December 3, 2002.
It is written by a former principal at SRHS.

Robert Bonds Always Was Willing To Help.

I first came to know Robert Bonds in the mid-1960's when black and
white school administrators were faced with the problems, dangers,
and opportunities of total school intergration.

I found him to be a quiet, thoughtful man with a keen sense of
humor. He was a man that you would automatically like.

At the time, Bonds was principal of Body Camp Elementary School.
Within a few years, he left Body Camp and went to Staunton River
High School as a science teacher. This was his true niche in life.

When I returned to Staunton River as principal in the early 1970's,
Bonds was on the staff. I cannot praise him enough for his help over
the next six years. Bonds saw students, not black and white
students, but just students. They responded to him, and so did
the staff.

I lost daily contact with Bonds when I left Staunton River,
but I'd see him occasionally.

Bonds is gone now. If God needs someone to do something for him, it
would be wise to call on Bonds. Not only would he do the job, but
neither would he complain or pout.

Robert Bonds was a good man. He will be missed.

H. Winston Woodford

Robert passed away on November 17, 2002 after a courageous battle with cancer.