Dear Patients: 

This is Kathleen Vaes, one of Rob Carlson’s best friends. I am writing to you and Dr Rob’s other 400 best friends with one of the saddest messages I’ve ever had to send. At Tampa General Hospital, after being admitted two days ago to the hospice unit, Rob passed away peacefully  at 3:00 AM on Saturday morning . It all happened very quickly this week. 

I would like to thank each of you for giving Rob an extra five years of life. You inspired him to live on well beyond his stage 4 cancer diagnosis and stroke five years ago. 

Over the last few years, Rob has made known his two wishes to accomplish before his passing. These were to get his finances in order so that his son would have the support to finish college, and also to find and train an amazing practitioner who had his same temperament in order to take over his practice. He spent over a decade building his practice and did not want to leave earth until he knew what would happen to his patients hormone care.

In his usual style and grace, he successfully accomplished both.

While speaking with Carly, she remarked at how determined Rob has been and that it amazed her to watch him cling to life and battle pain until he could go on an cruise with his son and train a practitioner in order to give all of you the gift of a new trusted best friend and medical confidante. He wanted to identify the perfect person with his same style so that he could slowly groom them into his replacement. He was determined not to leave all of his beloved patients without his continuous care, and it did not come without sheer will. He took great pleasure in meeting and working with Steven Behmke so that through him, Rob would be able to continue to maintain your health, to boost your sex drive, and to assist you in sustaining a lifestyle full of energy and zest. Dr Rob’s patients were ultimately his best friends, and his joy in life was restoring their health with HRT. Although he was often privately suffering this last year, he could not rest until he felt secure that his beloved patients would be cared for by a practitioner who has the highest level of training in hormone therapy and would form deep and sincere connections, just as he had with them. Steven is all that, and in the 9 month training process fell in love with Rob’s heart as the rest of us have. 

It takes a village, and I cannot say thank you enough to the people behind the scenes. These last 7 months were hard for Rob, and sometimes painful for the ones who loved him to be by standards. However, so many people came together to make Rob's life easier, more meaningful and comfortable. And you will all have a special place in his heart and mine.

Drew Saphos (my partner) and Larry Carlson (Rob’s brother) for spending countless hours over the years getting Rob’s finances in order, closing his old practice and both having a soft spot for Rob's big heart. Rob loved and respected these two men tremendously. He was just a good old country heart surgeon who wanted to practice good medicine, and leave the finances to the experts. Carly Orsi (Rob’s right hand) for spending her days and her nights as his caretaker and emotional support through this last year, Rob was a second dad to her, and was her biggest cheerleader. His work family, Kelly Roa, Dr. Robert Fietsam, Steven Behmke, Maylynda Lynne and many more for the coffee outings, laughs, meaningful conversations, and forming deep connections. Dr. Liguori for helping to keep Rob out of pain and being so selfless with her time. Gary Kompothecras for his generosity through the years. Kimberlee Thomas for gifting him a kitten that my daughter London named Telly & always bringing in her Beemer for his use. Gabbi Jones for keeping Rob is high spirits and always laughing at his fun comments like Rob telling you he is going to reincarnate as a dog. Susie Harris for her hours of expertise and encouragement to help keep Rob alive. Don McCain for telling Drew how much Rob would benefit from hyperbaric treatments, that one conversation helped Rob live another seven months. Alan Repas and all of the other alternative health heroes these last 5 years. Steele Carlson (who we have all seen photos and heard stories of over the years) for all of his loving visits this last year and for joining Rob on a Bahamas cruise that was a treasure for Rob. You always made your father so proud and the mention of you made Rob smile more than anything else in this world. Sheri Holmes (Rob’s sister) from birth till death- for dropping whatever she was doing to be at his side when he needed it and when his health took a turn for the worse keeping him comforted. I know there are may more wonderful people who belong in this email, so thank you to you as well.

Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, his family does not think we would be able to have a memorial service. I am still hopeful that my company Envizion and some of his other patients and friends would reach out to me to help me plan a celebration of life in Sarasota. If someone could offer their home as a location. I know we all feel empty and need closure. A special human being touched our lives, and we would ask for your help us honor him, especially for the local Sarasota friends.

I would ask that you help Rob by honoring his 2 favorite things: his son, and education.

Rob took great joy in knowing that his son went to a reputable college, and went so far as to wear an FAU hat from time to time rather than his die hard Gators attire. As he will not be able to attend Steele’s graduation, it would be thoughtful of anyone interested to write to Steele between now and his graduation letting him know how important his dad was to you and how he affected your life or stories Rob shared with you about Steele. We hope that brings comfort and warmth to Steele during a time when most people have their parents. Steele loves happy & funny stories the most! I will be putting them together in a book for Steele, so any pictures would be wonderful as well. If you choose to do so, please address any letters to:

Steele Carlson  c/o Kathleen Vaes

18886 Pampass Grass  Lane

Lutz, FL 33558 

I couldn’t think of a charity Rob associated with and a few of you have asked for a way to honor Rob. It was his siblings, mother, patients, work family, and Son -that was his life.

So In leu of flowers, Rob would be touched if you wanted to send a check which will be given to Steele along with your letter at his college graduation to honor Rob. Rob’s biggest fear was that he would not be able to provide for his son after his passing and it was a constant worry for him. Steele has expressed interest in attending law school after he graduates. Any financial assistance raised in this endeavor would be given to him with the intent of furthering his education. Please make checks out to Steele Publications LLC and send to the address above. 

If you have questions or could help with a celebration gathering to honor Rob's life, please text my cell phone and I will call you back as soon as I am able.  813-205-4550 .

To Rob, I will no longer nag you about monster energy drinks and coffee, or direct staff to throw away your closet snacks. Please eat all the candy, blue cheese and milk your heart desires in heaven. It was an honor to be your friend, meet your son and siblings, and it was an honor to get to help you these last five years. Your gratitude made it all worth it. We miss you so much. Please protect and watch over London and Grey as they grow up, you will always be their Grandpa Rob.