Stepping into Bob Hemphill’s room at the RP Home is like stepping into an art gallery. All four walls are filled top to bottom with artwork. But his room is also his studio. On most days, Bob can be found at work on his latest project. Seated in front of his large windows, Bob first pencils in his design and then begins the work of adding color. These days, he uses mostly oils.

Bob’s subjects are varied. He has pictures of sunsets, waterfalls, flowers, birds, people, and much more. He enjoys painting famous and near-famous people all the way from George and Laura Bush to his own daughters, Marilyn and Sandra, and his wife, Helen.

Bob has always had an appreciation for beautiful scenes, but he did not have time to paint them until he retired. Now that he is a resident of the Home, his output is prodigious. Some pictures are drawn from memory. One of his most beautirful pictures is of the home he and Helen shared for many years.

Both Bob and Helen were long-time residents of Beaver County, Pa. They built a house in North Sewickley Township in 1940 and lived there until their retirement to nearby Beaver Falls, 50 years later. Bob worked at Geneva College for 35 years in various capacities. His last position was supervisor of the fieldhouse and equipment manager.

Bob was known all over Beaver County as one of the most friendly, outgoing people one could meet. As a young man, someone had challeneged him about not greeting everyone with a smile and friendly hello. He took that criticism to heart and has made a point of letting people know that they are important to him. He has carried that attitude to his life at the Home.

Helen is a patient in the nursing unit, and Bob is often by her side. Somehow he manages to participate in the Home’s scheduled activities as well. His days are full. Not bad for a man who celebrated his 90th birthday last year!