Rob was the best! As a volunteer for an organization supporting others, he rose to every occasion. Nothing was too small for him to do, but nothing was too large, either. When our organization moved to a larger space, Rob coordinated the donation and set up of an awesome IT network, and shrugged it off as if it wasn't a big deal. It was huge, and allowed us to help innumerable others. Quiet (except when he wasn't), helpful (for anything and everything), and the nicest, most low key brilliant man in any situation. Rob will be missed, but certainly leaves a legacy for all who knew him, as well as those who didn't know him but benefitted from his work.

Working with Rob was time well spent. Enjoyable, educational and valuable. Very sorry for his loss and hope the kind words of so many that benefitted from meeting Rob provide some small comfort to Amy and to Amy and Rob's families.

Rob contributed to the advancement of my career by sharing his immense knowledge of GroupWise. I suspect many would agree that working with Rob wasn't just about the work. You knew you'd gained the kind of friendship that could go weeks, months or years idle and then pickup as if you'd last seen each other yesterday. He will be missed by many and remembered with fondness and appreciation.

Very sorry to hear of Rob's passing.  I know Amy was a dear friend of his.  The three of us worked together at WordPerfect and Novell and I have fond memories of Rob while working there.  I lost touch with Rob many years ago when we both lived and worked in San Francisco for Novell.  Thoughts and prayers to his family, Amy and Kelly.  

I started working for Rob sometime in 2002.  We worked together on a lot of high-level events - which as perfect for Rob.  He knew what the menu needed to look like, how to make every bit of an event perfect.  (It was not much fun when something didn't quite go how Rob wanted it to go.  He was a perfectionist!)  But - there is a reason why so many people liked him.  He was charming, so smart and genuinely interested in people.  We had a lot of fun traveling to cities together in Europe - and lots of trips to Waltham,  San Francisco and Salt Lake City for BrainShare! Rob always remembered my birthday and often sent gifts to my daughters.  He was just one of the most thoughtful people I have ever met.  An influence in my life and I'll miss him.  Rest in peace, Rob.

This makes me so sad. We had lost touch over the years. The last time I saw him is when he was living in San Francisco. Many fond memories and laughs together when we were in Knoxville. My thoughts go out to his friends and family. 

I love Rob Steele. My sister, Amy, introduced him to my husband and I over 30 years ago. He was handsome, funny, and honestly, one of the most intelligent people I've ever met. Our children and grandchildren have been changed for good because of him. 

      He was our technology guru, and we solicited his help often. He was noticeably brilliant, yet never condescending when we asked him how to fix our ridiculous online errors. He had great dance moves! He loved Madonna's "Vogue" . I couldn't figure it out. My music was a decade older and better than his.  I loved to cook and bake for him. I might never make a pumpkin roll again, in his honor.

I loved his good soul. All is well with him in heaven. There is no doubt.

Rob was thoughtful, bright and caring.  He had wonderful instincts in how he dealt with business issues and people relationships.  He was a wonderful colleague and friend.  My prayers are with him and all whose lives he touched

I had the pleasure of working with Rob during my tenure with Novell.  Always a positive person and a joy to be around.   May he rest in Peace.

Rob,

Jess and I will miss you. In our few, but great interactions, I learned a lot about many different aspects of life. I’m glad that in our last conversation I got to hear a good amount of your life’s story. It taught me the importance of treating people with respect and showing love towards others, even if they are not directly related to you. I was also always impressed with the creativity you had by solving difficult issues with clever solutions. You were a great person Rob and I’ll make sure to remember you as such. 

Rob was my supervisor during my 7 years in Novell’s Analyst Relations department.  He was the best boss ever.  He always allowed me to set my own priorities and allocate my own time.  But when I needed support (on those rare occasions when I messed up) he was always there to support me and provide “air cover.”  He knew everyone at all levels of the company, and those many contacts really helped him get things done.  A great guy who will be missed by many.