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Bob was a wonderful husband and father. It is hard to express just how much I
cherished and loved him, and will miss spending time together. Bob and I spent
30 years together. When I look back at the time we spent together, I can only
remember a period of bliss and wonder.
The first time I saw Bob, he was sitting across a crowded room full of other
students, way up top in the back. There he was, tall dark and handsome, and very
hard to miss … taking the same abnormal psychology class as I was. This may seem
a little unusual, or even intimidating, I mean who wants to date a person in a
psychology class, much less an abnormal psych class? But we both had a love of
counseling and caring for people.
I remember trying desperately to come up with an idea to get to the other
side of the room quickly to meet him, since I had chosen to sit down in front.
So, I took the gum I was chewing out of my mouth, passed directly in front of
his seat, smiled widely and as sweetly as I possibly could, and said, “Have to
throw my gum away,” and nearly shoved it in his face.
He probably thought that I was the type of person that needed counseling, but
that small gesture led to a cup of coffee, and another, and eventually the two
of us feel in love, and ended up marrying.
Bob had a love for the mountains. We would spend our free time hiking and
climbing each and every peak we could find, and camping out during warm winter
nights. I remember spending evenings sitting under the stars, talking about our
dreams, our hopes, and our desires. Eventually we would hear an elk or other
wild beast come by, and huddle together by the campfire. It was always something
magnificent, and inspiring.
When we had our children, Amy and John, our life was only even more enhanced.
Bob would spend every evening and weekend playing with them, teaching them new
things including how to fly fish, or how to build an igloo during cold winter
days. He was always there to catch a stray tear, or to fix an amazing ice cream
Sunday during a family Friday movie night.
Bob was committed to working long hours to support his family, but also gave
back to the community. We spend Sunday’s donating time to our favorite local
non-profits. He was well-known in the community, helping to raise money for any
cause he fond worthwhile. I remember we used to participate in various 5k races
to raise money for different causes. Two years ago, Bob decided we should try
the 10k. I thought I would collapse near the end, and nearly quit, but Bob was
right there every step of the way challenging me on, pushing me to yet another
adventure. That was his style. Bob was a man to the very end that would
challenge not just me, but everyone he knew, to share another adventure, to step
up to the spirit in themselves, and to live life to the fullest.
In memory of Bob, I encourage each and every one of you to live your life to
the fullest, forging ahead and making the best of everything that comes your
way. Whether that is a 10k, or simply solving the mazes that life throws you. I
know that Bob is smiling down on us, giving us his best. We love you Bob, and
look forward to a day when we will see you again!
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