Robert Whitlock

Robert Howard Whitlock came into this world February 2nd, 1964 - a brilliant light, creative, engaged, and always engaging. He loved music, art, and he loved being with people. He was that rare soul who, no matter where he was in the world, a stranger by morning might well be a friend by the end of the day. He rooted, and grew himself in the heart of this community and outward, cutting a wide swath through every place and all sorts of persons he encountered. This world, this life, broad and beautiful, Robert took in with insatiable curiosity, and with respect. And with caring he gave back. He always gave.

For 28 years, since founding Import! Wines, Inc., Robert was responsible for bringing some of the best wines in the world to Wisconsin's restaurateurs and retailers. He was proud of that success, of fostering our appreciation through his passion, of connecting others with the great beauty and stories of wine.

His greatest successes though, were gained in the hearts of others. His life spanned people, and stories, far far beyond years. And by his humor, his human-ness, and his unfailingly generous spirit, he touched and made brighter the lives of so many.

They say he left us August 19th, 2016. We who know what honor it is to hold him dear, will disagree - with respect. "no one ever made me laugh harder, cry harder, or forgive more, than my brother" and Robert was our extraordinary brother, son and friend. We wished for more, for longer. But in us, he cannot be lost. In us, his brightness is alive. He is ours, beloved, and ever will be.

He was born the son of Howard and Barbara (nee Shortreed). He graduated from James Madison Memorial High School in 1981, and attended the University of Wisconsin- Madison.

Robert is survived by his parents, Barbara and Howard Whitlock; his sister, Barbara Whitlock (and her husband, Paul Groff); his dear friend, Ric Kieler; his nephew, Andrew Groff; his niece, Emily Groff; his aunts Muriel Shortreed, Dorothy Shortreed, and Anita Whitlock; his Uncle Rodger Whitlock; and cousins Beverly Shortreed, Patty Shortreed, and Barb Shortreed. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Robert Shortreed.

A visitation will take place from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison. During the visitation there will be an opportunity for stories to be shared. A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the charity of your choice.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434