On May 9, 1999, our prior, confrere and friend, Father Robert Halter, O.S.B., died suddenly from a blood clot in his lung. He had complained in the morning of abdominal discomfort, which increased to such an extent that he asked in the afternoon to be taken to the hospital. He later lapsed into a coma, dying at 6:45 P.M., fortified by the final sacraments. Our monastic community was stunned both by the swiftness of his death and the age upon which it came: 66.
     Father Robert entered Conception Abbey in 1956, making first profession the following year under the monastic name of Columba Joseph, honoring Abbot Columba Marmion whose cononization he hoped to see. In the early 1970’s, Father reverted to his baptismal name of Robert.
     Father Robert loved Conception Abbey. He did not leave it willingly. He had at one time been a student for the diocese of St. Joseph. It was the bishop’s policy that no seminarian could join an institution where he had been a student. Father Robert was sent to Mount Michael in 1960 where he was ordained a priest the same year, bringing to his new home the same love he had for Conception Abbey.
     From the beginning, Father was in charge of the library, which for almost forty years he directed, always striving for the excellence of its holdings. The library also contained Father’s extensive bell collection. The collection, his hobby, is known nationally by bell enthusiasts.
     As befitting a prior, Father Robert’s fidelity to choir and monastic observances was total. The great misfortune for our community is the loss of his example. We will also miss his wit. He had the talent for mimicry, being able to imitate almost anybody. During his novitiate year Father Wilfrid, O.S.B., his novice master, once jokingly remarked to him, “You imitate everyone but Christ!” But Father Robert did that, too.
     Father had a great love for his natural family, and delighted in corresponding with and sending small gifts to his grandniece. He, in turn, was much loved by her. He looked forward to family members’ visits on Fall Festival day. - Father Richard Thell, O.S.B.