Uncle Bob

More Than a Brother-in-Law

Bob has always been a really cool guy, and I think anyone who gets to know him would say the same thing. He is immediately warm and welcoming, and right from the start you feel like you have known him forever. When he and Sharlotte first got together, Bob immediately seemed different to me. He was friendly, outgoing, and easy to be around. It did not take long before he felt less like a brother-in-law and more like a brother.

The Kind of Person Who Builds People Up

Bob worked as a headhunter, basically, for some of the biggest firms, helping companies like Google and Microsoft secure new vice presidents and other high-level employees. He had an incredible skill for judging people, understanding people, and recognizing what they could bring to the table. I always felt like some of that same skill carried over into the rest of his life too.

Always Positive

That was certainly the way Bob was with me. He was positive about almost everything, always smiling, always offering praise and positive feedback, and always willing to give me a hand if I ever needed anything. You can see it in so many of these old photos. Bob always seemed to be smiling, and simply talking to him would usually have you smiling too.

When I Really Needed Him

One of the times I will always remember Bob most was after my serious car accident. I was badly injured and lying in the hospital, and Bob was there by my bedside helping me and my family figure out what to do next. The outlook was not very encouraging, and Bob did what Bob does: he got involved and started working the problem.

He contacted hospitals and orthopedic specialists around New England, New York, and New Jersey, helping get my X-rays and medical information in front of people who might be able to take my case. He used that ability he had to talk to people, understand a complicated situation, and keep pushing for a better answer. His efforts helped me get accepted at UMass and transferred to a major orthopedic trauma center, where Dr. Anderson took my case.

I was eventually transferred about eight days after the accident. At one of the worst and most uncertain times of my life, Bob was right there trying to help me get into the best hospital and into the hands of the best people available. I have never forgotten that. It is one thing for someone to tell you they are there if you need anything. Bob actually was.

Family Days

Bob was a big family guy with the kids and with all of us. His job often meant long hours and important projects that could keep him tied up, but so often he would still join us, even in the middle of the day, for the beach, time out on the lake, holidays, weddings, family ceremonies, and all the other things we did together. Those ordinary family days are some of the ones I appreciate most now.