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Year of Diagnosis 

Robert was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2004. 

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Death Date 

March 26th, 2008

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Stages of Sickness

Robert stayed strong and in fine condition for the first few years after his diagnosis in 2004. He continued writing and translating right up until the last few months of his life, and the writing contributed greatly to his calmness during the period of sickness. Robert's manner and emotions stayed the same after his diagnosis, and many recall how utterly accepting he was of his fate. “In the most difficult last months of his illness, in circumstances that would have made many people angry, his innate courtesy, humor and wit (playful and kindly, never mean) were enhanced by an ability to create around him an atmosphere, rare in academic circles, in which the expression of affection was absolutely natural and normal. For his friends the world is colder as well as poorer without him" says Lionel Gossman, a professor and Robert's friend. For the last 6 months/year of Robert's life he was confined to a hospital bed almost 24/7. The bed was moved into Robert's study, where he translated many of his books. Robert passed away laying in the place he loved with the people he loved on March 26th, 2008. It was a sad but peaceful death, and Robert will be missed and remembered forever. 
 

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