Tribute Video Is Up! Celebration of Life for Bob Gempel 

HOPE worldwide • November 5, 2019

Another fond memory from our Global Conference! Thank you Bob Gempel for a life well-lived. You brought hope to so many in need. May you rest in peace knowing your legacy lives on in the beautiful example you set for us all.

Join the COMMUNITY OF HOPE
https://www.hopeww.org/community-of-hope

Dear HOPE worldwide family,

Recently, those of us at HOPE worldwide were stunned and saddened by the sudden passing of our co-founder, Robert (Bob) Gempel. Together with his wife Pat, Bob founded our organization in Boston in 1991 as a response to the call of the Scriptures to serve the poor, sick and suffering throughout the world. Though we began with a few programs at that time, today HOPE worldwide serves more than 1.5 million people annually on every inhabited continent.

Since its inception, HOPE worldwide has inspired hundreds of thousands of volunteers and served millions of people around the world. Bob’s gentleness, humility, care, and empathy for the world’s most vulnerable people remain the guiding characteristics we strive to emulate as we continue the work that he and Pat began. We remain steadfastly committed to fighting poverty, responding to disasters and fostering a culture of volunteerism throughout the world. Bob’s big-hearted love and concern for the poor and his unwavering dedication will be remembered by many.

The Gempel Family has invited all who are able to attend to come celebrate Bob’s life.
Please join us as we honor his legacy at one of the two memorials planned:

Philadelphia
Sunday, September 1st, 2:00-4:00 pm
Temple Performing Arts Center
1837 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19122
(Parking directly across Broad St., Lot #1 – Broad to Norris to 15th St. to enter)

Boston
Saturday, September 7th, 11:00 am
Boston Church of Christ
75 Pleasant Street, Arlington, Massachusetts 02476

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be sent to HOPE worldwide. We hope you will consider helping to further Bob’s legacy of compassionate service. Please follow the link to contribute: hopeww.org/bobgempel.

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We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and brother, Dave Tomlinson. Dave was a beloved part of the HOPE worldwide family who served in many capacities throughout his time with us, most recently as Chief Operating Officer before his retirement. He also played an important role in our Global Disaster Response and Community Service Brigades teams, serving alongside his wife, Angela. More than the roles he held, Dave was a cherished friend whose warmth, kindness, and genuine spirit touched so many people. His care for others was evident in the way he served, led, and built relationships with people around the world. Dave had a remarkable ability to encourage, uplift, and connect with people, reflecting God's love in both his leadership and his friendships. We will miss Dave deeply and are grateful for the many ways he gave of himself to HOPE worldwide and to the amazing people we get to serve. We’re holding Angela and their family close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Dave’s presence will be deeply missed, but his faith, love, and example will remain in our hearts forever and his legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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