by Liz Taylor
One of the best parts about writing my column on aging in The Seattle Times for 14 years was meeting memorable, influential people. One was Robb Miller, Executive Director of Compassion in Dying (later renamed End of Life Washington). In 2003, he invited me to lunch. We hit it off immediately.
Compassion in Dying worked to educate people to prepare for their futures by expressing in writing how they wanted to die. But more, with volunteer advocates, they supported the wishes of dying clients under certain circumstances to end their lives mercifully and peacefully.Over the years, I relied on Robb for no-nonsense, honest-as-he-sees it responses to many of the complex and often heated issues surrounding death with dignity. He kept a ready and organized array of facts at his fingertips that i (and my readers) benefited greatly from. Not incidentally, he was one of the best writers and editors I’ve known.
Then came Washington’s momentous Initiative !000 campaign. Robb, one of its leaders, worked tirelessly to move it forward, and in November 2008, the Death With Dignity Act passed with nearly 60 percent of the vote in all but nine of Washington’s 39 counties. It was a remarkable, historical win. Except for Oregon, we were the only state in the nation to allow a terminally ill person a physician’s assistance in dying.
Earlier this month. in his usual articulate, no-nonsense way, Robb announced he will leave his position at Compassion & Choices at the end of April. Ill for years, the “inexorable physical and mental toll,” he said in a letter to members and friends, has become too much.
The Board of Directors has appointed a well-qualified successor, John Eric Rolfstad, MSW, MBA, JD, former Executive Director of People’s Memorial Association. We’re lucky to have someone so qualified to step into Robb’s shoes.
But those of us who know Robb’s courage and commitment, humor and warmth, will miss him very much.