Monday, December 26, 2022
“Time for a break and a beer!”, Bob would say as he walked up the driveway with a 12-pack of beer – always a smile on his face. Bob was the best at making a visit a “special event”. We were neighbors, and saw Bob (and Cindy – and typically Urban, their dog) at least a couple times a week. Spring, summer, fall or winter, Bob always arrived ready to relax, share in the happenings of life, and creating a “let’s laugh” occasion. Those are wonderfully memorable times.
Bob was the type of person that was not a stranger for long. He had a way of making anyone feel at ease almost immediately. He was usually smiling, laughing, or instigating with the sole purpose of having a good time. Bob could get me going on crazy, silly stories by throwing out a little comment that he knew would get me going. I loved it!!
Even though Bob was the life of the party, he was a very intelligent, passionate person that shared in serious discussions. Shying away from anything was not Bob’s style – he was gentle, but direct in his opinions and outlook. He was a very serious person as he planned and lived his life, but he didn’t let that bog down his ability to enjoy life to the fullest.
Bob shared his humor, his support, his friendship and, yes – his beer – openly and willingly. Bob wanted to have a good time. He made everyone around him want to have a good time. He (and Cindy) were (are) the best friends, the best neighbors, and the best people I have ever known. I miss Bob immensely, and can only imagine the loss Cindy and Josh are feeling.
After every visit, Bob would walk back down the driveway with that same smile on his face, often chuckling at the last interaction of the visit. I will always remember Bob, not with sadness in my heart, but with the joy of having known him.
Everyone that knew him will miss his smiling face, his silly sense of humor, and his absolute devotion to his family and friends. I will miss him dearly, but I will count my blessings daily to have had the honor to know him as a neighbor, a friend and as an inspiration on how to enjoy the life we have.
