A Life’s Passion Shared

Our stories about meaningful experiences are written as they unfold. Therefore, most stories are in the present tense. Some of the patients in these stories are no longer with us. They, and their families, gave us permission to share their experience with you. For those who have since passed, we share these in their memories with deep appreciation for what they have taught us about life and living.

Through his long and dedicated career as a surgical technician, Robert has come to know countless people in his community. However, many had no idea that he had another great passion.  

Robert and his family began hospice care three months ago after his stage four cancer diagnosis. During that time, his care team noticed that the walls of Mr. and Mrs. Kilbourn’s home were covered with beautifully painted and framed oil paintings. 

When they asked who the artist was, Robert’s wife Lesa explained that painting is a passion of Robert’s and called it “the thing that has kept him going on his good days.”

Robert is an accomplished artist who works primarily with oil paints, and through this medium, there are hints of places Robert has been and objects that have long been muses for his artwork.

After learning how meaningful painting was to Robert, his care team asked how he felt about exhibiting his work.

“I would be excited to do that,” he told them. He felt it would show others that you can still contribute, even in this chapter of life.

That was all Robert’s care team needed to hear to spur them into action. An idea was born: The Robert Kilbourn Jr. Art Show: A One-Night Exhibit and Social Event.

Brenna Wallhausser, one of the hospice staff who helped organize the art show, puts it this way: “If you’re focused on quality of life–truly focused on quality of life–then what you’re looking for is what gives meaning, hope, and purpose to this patient and family and supporting that. That’s what hospice care is about,” she says.

As is often the case, the project extended to other hospice volunteers, staff, and our network of supporters and community partners. In time, the idea of an art show became a plan for one.

Finding a venue that was available at the right time took a while, but a perfect and beautiful location was found. The Taleless Dog Booksellers in Berea volunteered their time and space on a lovely fall evening. The inside of the bookstore provided a spacious, brightly lit location to display Robert’s paintings, and the courtyard outside was perfect for tables of tasty finger foods brought by staff and volunteers for patrons of the show. 

On the special night, Robert and Lesa spent a busy hour arranging paintings on easels loaned by the Berea Arts Council. Robert shared with staff member Kelley Hoefer, who came to photograph the event, that he is deeply attached to his paintings. “I’ve never been able to part with any of my paintings before, but it’s time to share them with others. All I want to do right now is paint more.”

As hospice volunteers and staff arranged the buffet on outdoor tables, local musician Rubin Hicks played Appalachian Spring into the cool, fall evening. The atmosphere was jovial while friends caught up with each other as they arranged the food.

Then Robert’s many friends began to arrive, as well as curious art lovers who didn’t know him personally. In just three hours, close to 300 people got a chance to see Robert’s work and talk with the artist. 

Courtney Saylor, Robert’s hospice nurse, attended with her two daughters, EmmieLou and Sophie. They brought their own artwork to share with Robert, who sat with them a long time, leafing through each drawing and savoring each one. After the three artists quietly talked shop about their passion, EmmieLou and Sophie each gave Robert one of their drawings to keep.

A special highlight of the night was a surprise for Robert. Susan Buckmaster, co-owner of the bookstore, had a brilliant idea. She suspected the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen might want to recognize this local artist, his exceptional work, and his long, anonymous devotion to it. She was right.

Three board members from the guild attended the exhibit. Halfway through the evening, Sally, Robert’s hospice chaplain, called everyone to attention. She led an unsuspecting Robert to the group’s center and introduced him to Bob Burger, one of the guild’s board members. Bob explained to Robert that he was there to induct him as a guild member and recognize “his lifetime of outstanding artistic achievement in oil painting.” The room erupted in applause as Bob gave him a framed certificate of merit.

Robert visited with every person who approached him, reminiscing with colleagues and friends and telling the story of each painting. Many guests left the exhibit and art show with paintings they will cherish forever.

It was a magical evening, and we were honored to help make it happen. Our special thanks to The Taleless Dog Booksellers, Berea Arts Council, the Richmond Register for covering the event, and volunteers who made and served the delicious food.

The following gallery shows just some of Robert’s large body of work.

If you would like to help support special moments like these, consider a gift to the Hanan Budeiri Legacy General Fund. The fund was recently named in honor of our former chief medical director, who retired in August. Gifts to the fund help us provide personalized care, support quality of life, and allow us to care for all, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.