Robert Alan "Bobby" Hale, 71, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at Briarcliffe Health and Rehabilitation Center in South Bend on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 5:55 p.m., following a lengthy illness. Though his passing brings sadness to all who knew him, the light he brought to the lives around him will forever outshine the shadow of this loss.

Bobby was born in Elkhart on March 23, 1954, to the late Larry E. and Audrey M. (Janowiak) Hale. He was also preceded in death by his beloved sister, Lori Pritchard, whose memory he often cherished and spoke of with affection.

Left to treasure Bobby's memory is his devoted brother, Mark Hale, and Mark's wife Beth, of Bristol. Bobby was the proud and loving uncle to a wide circle of nieces and nephews who adored him, including Nicole (Andrew) Bailey, Jonathan (Estelle Wroblewski) Bailey, Brandon Bailey, all of Elkhart;  Ally (Hunter Holbrook) Bailey of Idaho;  Rebecca (Eric) Campbell, Mason and Mattie Campbell, and Mehgen (Austin Groner) Campbell, all of Osceola; Scott Hale of Elkhart; and Jim Ryder of Chicago. Each of them held a special place in Bobby's heart, and he in theirs. The family circle is wide and loving, and Bobby's presence within it was always a source of warmth, light, and innocent joy.

Although Bobby lived with cognitive challenges that made him more childlike in spirit, those very qualities are what made him so endearing to everyone he met. His outlook on life was marked by pure-hearted enthusiasm, boundless kindness, and a trust in others that was both humbling and inspiring. Bobby didn't just look for the good in people—he expected it, believed in it, and in doing so, often brought it out in return.

A true "gentle giant", Bobby had a towering frame and a tender soul. His hugs were legendary—full-body, no-holds-barred, arms-wide-open expressions of love that somehow made you feel both small and deeply protected. And Bobby never let go of a friend. Once you were part of his world, he remembered you. Always. He could light up a room simply by entering it, most often with a wide grin, an enthusiastic greeting, or a humorous comment that was just off-kilter enough to make everyone chuckle.

His social skills were remarkable and completely his own. Bobby was a man who could—and did—strike up conversations with perfect strangers, only for them to walk away wondering how they'd lived without knowing him. His love for people was genuine, and his affection was without condition. His friends and acquaintances numbered in the hundreds, if not thousands, and to each of them, he gave his full and undivided attention, as if they were the most important person in the world. To Bobby, they were.

Bobby found joy in simple pleasures—watching cooking shows, reading his Bible, and talking about his faith. He may not have had the vocabulary of a theologian, but his connection to God was sincere, childlike, and unshakeable. He found strength in scripture, comfort in prayer, and often reminded others—without preaching—that kindness, forgiveness, and joy are all divine gifts meant to be shared.

His family will remember Bobby as a man who defied the world's expectations in the most beautiful way. Though he may have been seen by some as "different," those closest to him knew better. Bobby was an unfiltered beam of love, grace, and light—a presence so genuine that it could only be described as a gift. He taught those around him about patience, unconditional love, and the unmatched beauty of seeing the world through eyes of wonder.

In keeping with Bobby's unassuming spirit, cremation will take place with the assistance of Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart. A memorial service to celebrate Bobby's incredible life and the lasting impression he left upon the world will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends in the days to come.

As his loved ones grieve, they also give thanks—for the lessons he taught, the joy he shared, and the immense privilege of walking beside him on his life's journey. His smile, his laugh, and his loving, unforgettable soul will live on forever in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know him.

"Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." —Matthew 19:14

Bobby may have been 71 in years, but he remained youthful in spirit—a living reminder that joy is always within reach, love needs no condition, and sometimes the most meaningful lives are the ones lived with childlike grace.