Dr. Robert Stear represented the best of Greatest Generation

Friends of Bob and Joyce Stear often honk as they drive past the "Sky Chief Ranch" east of Cambridge, with its shade trees and ponds, a menagerie of domestic animals, a testament to his career as a veterinarian.

Dr. Stear, 83, died as the result of an accident Saturday while he was taking care of the farm, home to he and his wife, Joyce, and countless guests over the years.

It was a tragic loss for his family, friends and community, a long life cut short while still in full stride.

"Dr. Bob" represented the very best of "the Greatest Generation," one of a dwindling number of survivors of the Depression and heroes of World War II, proud Americans who quietly proved their dedication to God and country with sacrifices, large and small.

A Marine who served in the Pacific Theater, like many veterans, he got his college degree after the war, going back to earn his DVM in 1956.

After practicing in Holbrook for 121⁄2 years, he took on a new challenge, serving as director of veterinary services for Norden Labs until his retirement in 1989.

But it was his volunteer work for which Dr. Bob will be most remembered, whether as an EMT, as a TeamMate mentor, or building houses for Habitat for Humanity.

Active as a Bible teacher and member of the Gideons, he made numerous mission trips to Bolivia and Mexico, as well as supporting many missionaries.

At an age when most of us are content to settle into a sedentary lifestyle, Dr. Bob was running marathons, qualifying for Boston several times in the senior division in his 60s and 70s. He ranked third in the nation in the 5,000 meter during that time.

Given an opportunity to visit the Holy Land earlier this year, the Stears didn't hesitate to take on that strenuous trip.

Those of us priviledged enough to know Dr. Bob Stear and his family have a hole in our hearts this week.

But we should take comfort in knowing that his was a life well lived.