Dear Uncle Bob,
Thank you for being my uncle, my brother, and my friend. It has been an unbelievable honor to have you as part of my family and me as part of yours.
Mom always said you were the one of the first to come and see me when I was born. I take that as a honor, but sometimes wonder if it was just your sense of humor, wondering where did “that” come from.
“That” was again honored with the opportunity to be ring-bearer at yours and Aunt Mary’s wedding a few years later. Very few I believe. And that started a trend of carrying things for you that lasted quite a while.
You taught me about construction. Those lessons were learned as we (using the term we very loosely) built your first house. Carrying 2 X 4’s was my job. Several years later you were able to capitalize on what you taught me then and let me carry 2 X 12s for your next new house. A truly fond memory from that era was when you threw me the car keys and said go pick something up at the hardware store. My first solo driving a stick. Thank you for the vote of confidence.
The years we hunted together were absolutely awesome! The lessons you taught regarding gun safety are with both Steve and me today; though unloading while crossing a fence always seemed silly however, it didn't once you heard about some accidents that happened. Later we laughed over the fact that you said Steve and I were both good dogs for you. You would say “go kick some birds out of that swamp” and we would try to do so ever so obedient. Somehow, you always stayed dryer and warmer than us. That swamp today is now a subdivision, of course, but it will always remain one of my favorite places.
When I was in eighth grade, you talked Mom into letting me take a day or two off school and go with you on a camping trip to the Northwoods. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Not only was being with you and fishing so much fun, but you taught me something that lasts to this day. My spring migration to the Northwoods continues. What a wonderful habit to be taught. Today we stay in a lodge like you and Don and Steve did on other trips. It took me a while to wise up, but again following in your footsteps.
I remember the honor of finally reaching the point where you would let me carry a 90 pound Grumman aluminum canoe over a muddy, wet portage, uphill in both directions. Your lesson that day was to be careful what you wish for.
Your golf, and sports talent in general is truly awesome. I am so jealous. If that DNA was in the family, I believe you got all of it. I certainly did not. Thank you for playing with me anyway and for allowing me to play with your “sandbagger“ group whenever I was in Arizona; it was so much fun.
A few more quick, thank you’ s; for being such a great example of what a Christian man could be; for being such a great example of a husband and father; for your great sense of humor; for my first airplane ride-with you as pilot; for being such an incredible artist with just a pile of lumber; for being such a great sportsman; for all the help you gave me with my Arizona house; for all of the great memories of the times we had together; for your leadership and love, which has been so much part of my life.
Love,
Rob
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