Farewell Bob

We lost a very special member of our family on New Years Eve night. Rick's grandfather, Bob as he requested everyone to call him, passed away. He was 84 years old. He was a hard worker, opinionated (as most of that generation is) and devoted to his wife. They were married 64 years, and the love I witnessed from Grandma to Bob, especially in these final years of his life, will stay with me forever.

Bob and Grandma loved their grandchildren, especially their grandsons. I could barely hold it together as my husband spoke at Bob's funeral of the strong handshake he will miss from his grandfather, and of a special time at our wedding. I didn't remember this, but Rick spoke of the time Bob and Grandma came down from NY to our wedding (almost 17 years ago). Rick fondly remembered as the back doors opened and I came down the aisle with my father. All guests stood and turned to look at me; Bob stood, looked at Rick for a few moments, and then turned. My husband cherishes that moment to this day.

I will miss his strong handshake and bear hugs. I will miss his "ah-geez" when something struck him as funny. I will miss Grandma giving him a hard time and him saying "oh, ok..ok!" He accepted me as his own granddaughter for the 23 years Rick and I have been together. I am thankful the Lord put him in our lives and that he is now at rest in heaven. We will miss you Bob.