Rob Rumfelt was a giant among men, be it Marine, deputy, coach, friend, brother, cousin, nephew, husband, father and, most definitely, son.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the multitude of people and agencies who provided kindness and support during this difficult time starting with a very special thank you to Doug Hooper, who took the time to come to our home to inform us of the tragedy which took our son’s life.

We then were able to get to the hospital and spend precious time with Rob, although he had already passed. This was very comforting.

Thank you to Lakeport Fire Department, EMTs and personnel at Sutter Lakeside for doing their best.

We are also deeply grateful to Sheriff Brian Martin, Undersheriff Chris Macedo, and other department personnel over the past three weeks for the support and hard work they have undertaken to honor Rob in the appropriate way, from the first moments at the hospital to the last guests leaving the memorial reception. This had to be an emotionally difficult time for all of local peace officer and fire agencies while still carrying out their duties.

We thank the community, football players, friends, coworkers and family for the abundance of cards, food, flowers, hugs, tears, visits, phone calls, etc. to help ease your pain and ours. We acknowledge your loss, too.

A special thanks to the representation from so many law enforcement agencies, local fire agencies, Cal Fire and others who sent representatives and participants for the memorial service. We appreciate the kind words and presence of Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

Rob was the oldest of the children, born to Juanita (Dickson) and Bob Rumfelt. Then came his first sister Melanie and his only brother Ron. Bob and Juanita separated and divorced. Juanita went on to give Rob two more sisters, Gina and Gwen. Bob and Leslie married when Rob was 8 and he was raised in this loving household until he went into the Marines.

When Rob was 10, Amy was born. Though there was 10 years’ difference in age, these two certainly had a most special bond, including law enforcement careers.

We are grateful to the Jolin family for taking Rob in so readily when he married Kelly and the girls and recognize the grief they are feeling.

Again we thank everyone who has touched our hearts during this near-impossible time. We are not supposed to outlive our children.

The warmth of a small community in times of need is something to experience.

Bob and Leslie Rumfelt live in Lakeport, Calif.