I don’t remember the first time I met Robert Wolgemuth, but I know it was when I was much younger and just beginning to get my bearings as a writer. At the time, I was beginning to consider whether it would be useful to retain a literary agent who would represent me to publishers. I was at a conference with Kevin DeYoung, and he suggested I get in touch with Robert’s agency. I have been a client of that agency ever since, and I’m quite sure that is when Robert reached out to greet me and to express how pleased he was that we would be working together.
That began a long series of communications in which he became a consistent source of encouragement to me. Sometimes he would simply text me a verse of Scripture that was on his mind. Other times he would send a word of appreciation for an article or a book I had written. Often he would include Nancy on these communications and we would enjoy some long-distance fellowship. I can’t deny that he was the one who took the relational initiative and put more effort into staying in touch than I did. We all need some friends like that, don’t we? To be fair, I’d send him photos of his books as I spotted them in far-off places like Brazil and Mexico.
Robert’s kindness went deeper, though. At one point he wrote me to say that he was completing a book for middle-aged men that would encourage them to plan to run the final lap of their race with strength. He told me he had been inspired by Nick’s faithfulness in running his short race, and that he would like to dedicate the book to him. He wanted to know if Aileen and I would be okay with that. We were, of course, so today you can find this in the opening pages of Gun Lap:
A couple of years later, Robert wrote Finish Line and I was blessed and surprised when he sent me a copy that included both an inscription and a lengthy quote.
I will leave it to others to describe Robert’s impact in the field of Christian publishing, but suffice it to say that it was extremely significant. (See, for example, this tribute by Michael Hyatt or a page in his honor at Revive Our Hearts.) What I can speak of is his impact in my life, and I can attest that he was a consistent source of blessing and encouragement.
As I think about Robert, I also find myself thinking of R.C. Sproul, with whom Robert once co-authored a book. It has always moved me that a man as accomplished as R.C. would have a gravestone that says simply, “He was a kind man redeemed by a kinder Savior.” And the same could be said of Robert. Though he was a man of many talents, achievements, and accomplishments, to me he was a kind man who extended that kindness to me and my family. For that, I’m so very grateful. I’m grateful that he ran strong through his own gun lap and that he safely crossed the finish line. I look forward to catching up with him someday, and no doubt being blessed by him once more.
I extend my love and sympathy to Nancy and to Robert’s family. He was a special man and an especially kind man. I am thankful to have known him and thankful that he left you a legacy you can be proud of. May God comfort you as you say farewell—but only for a while. As Robert wrote at the end of Finish Line, “I’m grateful for a Good Shepherd. Jesus is my Savior. My hope. My security. A carpenter by trade, he has promised an eternal dwelling place built for me when I die … I’m expecting a huge family room with comfortable furniture where we can gather and celebrate—forever.” I’m certain that at this very moment he is looking forward to that day and trust that you are as well.
(Those who would like to watch Robert’s funeral via livestream can find the relevant information here.)
