Robert Sills became a tissue donor when he died February 27, 2010, after suffering a brain aneurysm while driving on the freeway. He was 65 years old and left behind a loving wife, two daughters and grandchildren. While Robert was a registered donor, his wife Barbara was not: "When I saw how many people Robert was able to help, even after his death, I realized how selfish I had been and quickly registered as an organ donor," she acknowledged. Robert was able to donate his corneas and 179 tissue grafts to help 180 people. "We are so proud of his legacy of life," said his daughter Bergen.

Robert's Story

Robert Dale Sills was husband to Barbara, dad to daughters Brooke and Bergen, and Papaw to three grandchildren. A fourth grandchild, who was born one month after Robert's death, carries his middle name as her own.

For most of his business career, Robert was an agent with New York Life Insurance Co. holding the honor of being a 29-year member of the Million Dollar Round Table. He was active in his church and a long-time volunteer and supporter of Nationwide Children's Hospital and Charity Newsies in Columbus, Ohio.

Robert became a tissue donor when he died February 27, 2010, at the age of 65. He suffered a fatal brain aneurysm while he was driving in downtown Columbus. Robert is remembered by all who knew him for his colorful stories and outgoing personality, and for his love of cooking, fishing, the St. Louis Cardinals, and his family.

"He was a friend to everyone he met and is greatly missed by all," Brooke said.

While Robert was a registered donor, Barbara was not. "When I saw how many people Robert was able to help, even after his death, I realized how selfish I had been and quickly registered as an organ donor," she said. Barbara has since become a Donate Life Ambassador for Lifeline of Ohio.

"With the transplant waiting list at nearly 120,000, the need is so great. You are never too old to be a donor," she explained. "Robert had several health problems, but despite these he was able to donate his corneas and 179 tissue grafts, which have the potential to help more than 180 people."

This year for the annual Lifeline of Ohio Dash for Donation Race, Robert's family and friends formed Team Bob Sills. Bergen designed a special t-shirt for the 30-member team, many of whom came from out-of-state. Even the t-shirt printer made a donation to Lifeline of Ohio in Robert's honor.

Attending this event and others has helped the family move from mourning Robert's sudden death to celebrating his life. "I'm not sure my dad realized what an immense contribution his death has had, but all of this was made possible simply by his saying 'yes' to donation on his driver's license," said daughter, Bergen. "We are so proud of his legacy of life."