Dear Family and Friends,
We started this website to honour Robert’s bravery and loyalty. We will never forget what a special brother, father, son, friend, and Marine he was.
In 2012, Robert passed away from the complications of Type 1 diabetes. He lived with this disease with courage and dignity. He never complained of his suffering. He just got on with his life.
Robert served in the US Marine Corps. He saw combat and served with peacekeeping troops in Lebanon. He had a wicked sense of humour. He was beyond loyal, and he loved his family dearly. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
Robert left behind his sons, Eric and Otto, his brothers and sisters, his parents, his Marine Brothers and countless friends. We all miss him.
We invite all of you to share your memories of Robert. If you have photos, stories or quotations that highlight the special person he was, please share them with us.
Poem
Robert’s maternal grandmother was Irish. In her home she had the proverb above in cross-stitch and would read it to her grandchildren.
“May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”
Military Career
Robert was very proud to have served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps 2nd Brigade 2nd Anglico and to be part of their proud history.
You can learn about all of the Anglico units here and Robert’s particular unit here.
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Robert-Hotung-1961-2012
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Anglico Assn Coin
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Beirut 1984
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Beirut Lebanon
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A photograph from a family album
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A photograph from a family album
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A photograph from a family album
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A photograph from a family album
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Fury, Grenada 1983
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This photo was sent to me by Todd Preston. It was taken at the Green Beret Saloon in Angeles City, Philippines. Robert was with 3rd Recon Bn.
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Robert the paratrooper
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Robert relaxing
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Robert was a fearless paratrooper
Military Honours
On May 3rd, 2012 a ceremony of military honour was held for Robert at the Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
Presidential Honour
Presidential Honour, signed by President Obama.
Interests & Hobbies
Robert’s fascination with the military started early in his life. At an early age, Robert had a keen interest in military history. He knew many obscure facts about the Vietnam, Korean and World Wars.
He was proud to be part of the US Marine Corps. It was a job he loved and a life he lived for. He considered the Marines his family. He often remarked that his fellow comrades were his brothers.
Robert was a brave, gentle and quiet hero.
Robert loved sports, both playing and watching them. He followed the Green Bay Packers in American football, the New York Rangers in ice hockey, the New York Mets in baseball, and his football team was Liverpool FC.
He belonged to 2 groups on Facebook:
Lightening in the Sky
2nd Anglico Marine Corps
Robert also grew up reading Hergé’s Adventures of Tintin – comic/story books about a globe-trotting reporter
Robert was born in Hong Kong and spent his early years there before moving to America. He was proud of his Chinese heritage and was fluent in Cantonese.
Robert spent many years in Hamina, Finland, where his two sons, Eetu and Otto, still live.
The green Cedar tree appears on the national flag of Lebanon – where Robert completed a tour of duty as a US Marine.
As a child, to pass the time, Robert invented a sports game that involved the roll of a die, which determined the scores of football, hockey, baseball and American football teams.
With his health tragically worsening, Robert would still put others first, hiding his own pain away as much as possible behind a smile – like playing ball with his young nephews when the weight alone of catching a ball was painful to deal with.
Robert was always thoughtful and considerate. He was exceptional at remembering birthdays and anniversaries.
Always a keen reader, Robert enjoyed reading thrillers from many authors, some of his favourites were by Robert Ludlum.
Robert liked a wide variety of music, including Rory Gallagher, ELO and The Beatles – he loved Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon.
Cant believe it has been 10 years. (thought I posted on here earlier) Think of you often my friend. From walks on thru Manor park, to skiing, to bartending Mara’s prom party, to surprising me at school on leave, to my mom feeding you to help you land faster when you Jump. LOL. So glad we got together again before you left us. Many long talks on the phone. Always in my heart! Cheers… Jane
Jane Riley
New York
Hotung was my friend. We were on leave together in the P.I and he and I went to Manila to pick up my brother from California. That was some trip, there and back to Clark Air Base. On the way to Manila, we took a bus, but on the way back we got a ride in a Cab a 1970 Dodge Dart – that was a real adventure, to say the least.
A.J.Wood
Michigan
This pic was taken in the P.I 85 outside Clark Air Base ,Angelis city my brother in the foreground.
A.J.Wood
Michigan
1985 – This pic was taken in the barracks on oki – myself on the left and I forget that cpl. was the duty officer that morning hes having coffe and we are enjoying a cold one
A.J.Wood
Michigan
1985 – This picture was taken out in town (Henoko) right outside the base, Russ boyer is holding his going-away paddle. I am the one with my arm around Hotung.
A.J.Wood
Michigan
This pic was taken in the P.I in ’85 we were playing pool and that rifle was hanging on the wall, miss him.
wow . so sad , memory ha – where to begin I must say I have great respect and much love for hotung – he was my friend (tears) .we became great friends after I tried to teach him to swim by almost drowning him day after day he never quit he never gave up I would literary drag him by his safety vest out to the buey and back – he became great confident swimmer and gained respect of the whole platoon -once he called Hong Kong to speak with his mother and he put me on the phone saying mom this is the guy taught me to swim. he was the only guy I knew called his mom from Okinawa -one day we were out in town and a couple other marines were hassling him ,I was recovering from a parachute accident and had busted left arm so I told him let it go I cant do any thing ! well we went out side and hotung beat this guy down and knocked him out cold and his buddy didn’t want no part it was classic -we laughed our way all the way back to base! we called him chuck Bo after that like ( ram bo)
When he left the island I made his paddle.
A.J.Wood
Michigan
this pic was taken on Okinawa camp shwab
I stumbled across this page on the internet looking for an image of a former USMC Sniper and am shocked and saddened to learn that Robert passed away. I served with him at 3rd Recon Bn, Okinawa 1984-85. I will look for and scan a photo to upload ASAP. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Todd Preston
Miami, FL
Dear Bob; So sad to hear this terrible news, now you are in a better place. Remenbering the days with you and your brothers Sean, Eric at St Cloud, private tutorials in England. I’ll send your family all my love. Rest in peace, see you again in a while.
Agustín de Larragan
x
Although you left us a year ago, you’re still with us. We’ll never forget you. Semper Fi.
Mara
UK
Robert, or as I new him then in the eighties, “Bobby” will always have a special place in my heart. He was my one and only love and throughtout my life I have always remembered him with fondest thoughts. We regained and remained in contact with each other from 2004 and when he left us, I was devastated. He was the type of person that any family member would be immensly proud of. You are always in my thoughts Bobby.
Love always
Shireen
Shireen Butler nee Ford
East Devon, England, United Kingdom
Dear Mara,
WOW, your gaw gaw (哥哥) was an amazing man! Not only was Robert a natural born leader in his profession and to his family, Robert was a man of humanity. In addition, his humility and zest to live life to the fullest is most admirable. I wish that I had the opportunity to meet and hear him talk about Military History, his tour of duty in Lebanon and his Great Danes! I cannot imagine yours and your family’s loss of such an incredible human being.
Mara, thank you for sharing Robert’s life with all of us!
Catherine Cheung
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Robert was an amazing brother – he helped me in every way a brother should – he carried me on his shoulders when I was too hot and tired to walk, he let me drink Coke when he knew I wasn’t allowed, he told me he loved me and that no matter what, he always would. He listened patiently to every problem, he offered advice when he could and always encouraged me when I was low. He never, ever missed a birthday – he let me wear his golden paratrooper wings and always gave the funniest gifts…..perfume from CVS and a Tinkerbell necklace from Disney (when I was 32!!) I still have it and cherish it dearly. Robert was a tower of strength upon whom we all leaned – I love you and think of you everyday. I know you are watching over me and the kids – they talk about all the times you made them laugh – how lucky they were to know you for at least a short time…we will keep your memory alive with the pictures and stories.
Sheridan Hotung
Skillman, NJ
though our path together ended, Bob stayed in my life. He was a true true friend, to me and to my whole family. We miss him so much. I know that he is with God now, and we will meet again some day…
Kaisa Jauhiainen
Hamina, Finland
Unreal I have so far in life not met or known anyone who was that connected in life and yet was one of us. Honor, dedication to duty, and the love of fellow Marine was a common virtue of Robert Hotung.
I can’t say enough good about Rob. I never saw him unnerved, angry, or put off by an issue. Always calm, cool, and collected. Good Marine.
John Dade
unknown
Sophia and I were deeply honoured to collect the American flag that was flying over the US Consulate in Hong Kong on 15th January, presented in Robert’s honour by the US Consul-General in an engraved Marine shadow box. We are now sending it on its way to the USA.
We are so proud of you, Robert.
Rest in peace.
Joanna Hotung
Joanna Hotung
unknown
Joanna and Sophia accepting the US flag from the HK Consulate in honour of Robert
See when we get there man. Thanks for the words of wisdom. Thanks for all the help.
Stephan McNett
unknown
You were a good friend and a helluva Marine. 2nd Brigade, 2nd Anglico (Rough Riders) – Cold Weather Training 1984… Hotung you will be missed!
Semper Fi!
Baron Coker
unknown
So sorry to hear about Robert. This is how I will remember him, happy on a hot summer’s day on my boat on the Finnish Gulf.
RIP my friend, I will always miss you.
Larwi Kelland
unknown
Robert and I went to HS together. He was a special man.
I always respected the sacrifices he made to be true to himself. Robert carved his own path unmoved by outside seduction or enticements. True
grit, Integrity, and Forbearance.
And away from that…… Robert washilarious, made us all laugh our asses off.
Be well good man, Robert Hotung.
Mark Resnick
unknown
Family Photos
Memorial Mass for Robert
15.01.2014 3:41 pm
We held a small memorial Mass for Robert this afternoon. It was short and sweet. The way Robert wanted it.
The first reading was from the Prophet Isaiah (25,6-9)
“On this mountain, the Lord of hosts will prepare for all peoples
a banquet of rich food.
On this mountain he will remove the mourning veil covering all peoples,
and the shroud enwrapping all nations,
he will destroy death for ever.
The Lord will wipe away the tears from every cheek;
he will take away his people’s shame everywhere on earth,
for the Lord has said so.
That day it will be said: See this is our God
in whom we hoped for salvation;
the Lord is the one in whom we hoped.
We exult and we rejoice that he has saved us.”
Robert was a brave man and a remarkable brother. He is missed and very much loved.
Semper Fi
Charities
Robert was very keen on raising awareness (and money!) for a multitude of charities and good causes; three however, were very close to his heart – the Hong Kong Juvenile Diabetes Association, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and The
Wounded Warriors Project– details of all three can be found below. We’re sure he would like them close to your hearts too.
Some of Robert’s charity certificates and letters of appreciation
Youth Diabetes Action
Formerly Hong Kong Juvenile Diabetes Association, Youth Diabetes Action (YDA) is a dedicated non-profit organisation in Hong Kong committed to supporting children and adolescents living with diabetes, as well as their families. Founded on the principle that no child should face diabetes alone, YDA acts as a vital lifeline by offering comprehensive care support, professional counselling, and practical educational resources. Beyond everyday guidance, the organisation actively eases the financial burden of managing the condition through medical subsidies, funding essential supplies such as Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) to ensure young patients receive optimal care.
Through community events, youth programmes, and persistent advocacy work, YDA fosters an empowering network that helps young people thrive despite the challenges of diabetes. By partnering with medical professionals, schools, and local authorities, the organisation works to raise public awareness, promote early detection, and fight for equitable healthcare policy changes. Every contribution to YDA directly aids their mission to improve treatment access, strengthen family support systems, and build a more inclusive future for children living with diabetes.
Breakthrough T1D
https://breakthrought1d.org.uk/
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is now known globally as Breakthrough T1D and is the type 1 diabetes charity, improving lives until we find the cure. We’re totally focused on type 1 diabetes, and are run by people with type 1, for people with type 1.
Breakthrough T1D UK (formerly JDRF UK) is a leading charity dedicated to transforming the lives of everyone affected by type 1 diabetes across the United Kingdom. Founded by families directly impacted by the condition, the organisation serves as a vital anchor for the type 1 community by delivering comprehensive support, practical management guides, and tailored information packs for newly diagnosed adults and children. Alongside providing everyday guidance, Breakthrough T1D UK actively collaborates with healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and policymakers to champion better access to life-changing diabetes technology—such as continuous glucose monitors and hybrid closed-loop systems—and ensure equitable care throughout the healthcare system.
At the core of its global mission is a commitment to advancing world-class scientific research aimed at curing, treating, and preventing type 1 diabetes and its complications. By funding hundreds of active research studies worldwide, the charity drives innovation in pioneering fields ranging from laboratory-grown insulin-producing cells to next-generation automated treatments. Every donation, fundraising effort, and volunteer contribution empowers Breakthrough T1D UK to accelerate medical breakthroughs, campaign for systemic healthcare improvements, and push closer to a future free from type 1 diabetes.
Wounded Warrior Project
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting wounded service members, veterans, and their families, particularly those impacted by conflicts following the events of 11 September 2001. Driven by a mission to honour and empower injured veterans, WWP acts as a vital lifeline by offering holistic programmes focused on physical health, mental well-being, and social connection. Through initiatives like interactive rehabilitation retreats, adaptive sports clinics, and the Warrior Care Network, the organisation actively addresses both visible physical injuries and unseen wounds such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
In addition to immediate recovery services, WWP focuses on long-term independence and financial stability to help veterans smoothly transition into civilian life. The organisation provides free career counselling, resume-building, and job placement assistance through its Warriors to Work programme, alongside guidance on accessing government benefits and managing personal finances. Through persistent legislative advocacy, research initiatives, and lifelong care networks—such as their Independence Program for severely injured veterans—WWP works to build supportive communities, reduce veteran suicide, and ensure post-9/11 service members receive enduring care.