Honoring the Legacy of Bob Reintsma: A Visionary in the Fight Against Blinding Diseases
Foundation News
Bob Reintsma was fiercely passionate about driving treatments and cures for blinding diseases for most of his life. The Foundation is extremely grateful for Bob’s dedication to our mission and legacy of generosity.
The Foundation Fighting Blindness is saddened to share the passing of Robert R. Reintsma (Bob) on February 21 at the age of 90. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lupe, their children, and grandchildren.
Bob's journey with the Foundation Fighting Blindness began over 40 years ago after his diagnosis of X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (XLRP). His dedication has left an indelible mark on the vision loss community. Before moving to Seguin, TX, in 2023, Bob and Lupe were active supporters of the Seattle chapter, VisionWalk, and attended multiple national VISIONS conferences. Their legacy commitment to the Foundation was further solidified in 2021 with the creation of The Reintsma 2025 Legacy Society, which now includes over 85 households and symbolizes a promising future for treatments and cures.
Born with XLRP, Bob's vision declined early, leading to complete blindness by his mid-twenties. Despite this, he became a successful real estate professional. Bob and Lupe closely followed research progress and committed significant planned gifts to the Foundation, inspiring the creation of The Reintsma 2025 Legacy Society, ensuring that the Foundation can continue its vital research and support for those affected by blinding diseases.
For Bob, lending his name to an effort to ensure the continued success of all this work is a fitting tribute to his friend, Foundation co-founder Gordon Gund. “It’s good that he started with the means and was interested in doing a thing like that,” he said. “Somebody who, together with his doctors, took the reins and started the Foundation. I certainly give my appreciation to him.”
Bob trusted that a gift to the Foundation, whether outright or as part of their legacy by way of an estate gift, was a worthwhile investment. “I have to do it by trust,” Bob says. “I don’t have the money to do my own research, so it has to be put in the hands of scientists and doctors and ophthalmologists. I can’t think of a better place to put it.”
Bob's legacy is one of hope and progress. His contributions have inspired many and will continue to do so for generations.
