Missing you brother. Not a day goes by that you and your family are not in my thoughts. You were an inspiring mentor but more than that, you were an amazing friend. I am keeping my promise to you.
Bob did my interview and just after I was hired he was promoted to Captain. I had known Bob and Kathy for several years. Each time Bob came to the post he always made sure to say hi to me along with all the others working. I will never forget that smile he had on his face. I was proud to have worked with him and all the conversations we had. Miss you my friend❤❤
He was my cousin. I hadn't seen him in quite a while but I had talked to him on the phone in recent years. He was always so happy and upbeat. There's a huge void in the world without him but he also made a huge wonderful mark in this world because he was here and touched many people with his kindness . Love you Cousin Bob
1975, North Miami JR/SR High School - Denver Indiana
Bob was my first real "crush," way back in eighth grade. Although I have not seen him since we graduated from high school, I can tell from his tributes that the warm, fun-loving boy with the silly grin and infectious laugh grew into the same kind of wonderful man. To Kim, Kathy, and his children, know that Bob left a lasting impression on many people even years after we knew him. Bob will always have a special place in my heart.
Bob Rich – We will miss you!! Our hearts are full of love for you and your beautiful family. We will cherish the memories of our celebrations together and our rich one on one moments with you when you made each one of us feel we were the only one in the room. The memory of your ready smile and the sound of your sweet hearty laugh will always brighten our spirits and recalling the way you lived your life will continue to inspire our hearts. Love, The McKinnis Family
I've known Bob Rich since 1971. I was lucky enough to be born and raised 2 doors down from the Rich family. They were like my second family.
Memories of kick the can, wiffle ball and riding the Honda mini-bikes will never be forgotten. I'm glad I don't remember the Bob & Bruce permed hair era...but I digress.
The posts that you read here about Bob are all true. He was a very genuine person. The nicest guy you'd ever meet. His friendship and service to community will be sorely missed. My sympathies to the entire Rich family.
We are so sorry for your loss Kathy, Jack, Anna and Emily! Bob was an awesome guy! So happy we got to spend time together in the backcountry on multiple backpacking adventures. I will remember many funny stories and times with Bob. On of the craziest was a forecast for a very cold night at the Grand Canyon before heading to the bottom. Bob ran into the camp store to grab a pair of long underwear to stay warm. Later, to his surprise, he realized he grabbed the ladies version. His second mistake was telling us. We had many laughs on that for a while. He will be missed greatly.
Mike Lancioni, and on behalf of Delta Upsilon Indiana.
There are no adequate words. But know we are so so sorry. It is devastating to think of someone as wonderful as Bob no longer on this earth. He has a wonderful legacy in the lovely family he and Kath created.
Almost all of my memories of Bob are "Bob and Kathy" memories beginning in our college days. They were the most adorable couple. I hoped some day I could find my own "Bob" ; )
I fondly recall my husband Randy and I deciding one summer night to pick up Chicago's Gino's East pizza and drive to Culver to see the Rich's (with hardly any notice of course.) Kathy was pregnant and Bob probably had to work the next day. But they could not have been more welcoming and we definitely stayed far too late.
But my one just Bob story... As a young trooper, Bob worked some Saturday's during the Notre Dame games. Sometimes he was posted at the intersection of Saint Mary's College and an unofficial entrance road to Notre Dame. We were all probably ~5 years post college and I was with a group of friends from Chicago driving to the ND game. When we approached that intersection in our car, it was bumper to bumper. I craned my neck to see how bad it was and I could see Bob controlling the madness - all the crazy Irish fans trying to get to the game.
I said to my friends, "Oh wow! I know him. The Trooper." Of course 20 something year old boys... "Sure you do." I opened the car door. Got out. And like a crazy person, I started yelling "Bob! It's me. Adria." And not just yelling. Running straight toward him to say hi before the cars started moving again.
And instead of waving or maintaining his very serious trooper demeanor, Bob waved and opened his arms. So I ran right into him and got one of those great big Bob hugs. People in their cars were laughing and beeping.
I walked back to my friends and I got in the car and one of those friends said, "Wow. I guess you did know that guy."
Kathy, Anna, Emily and Jack, I've struggled to know what to write, because words seem so inadequate. I was shocked and saddened to hear about Bob's passing. Maybe it's because Bob is someone I imagined to be invincible. When he would come into to the dorm to pick up the girls, we shared some great conversations. There were 3 dads in particular I always enjoyed talking with; Bob, Brian Trappe, and Steve Baldacci! One day in 2014 after I left Student Life, but was still with Culver, I was pulled over for speeding. The state trooper was very nice; he asked me if I knew Father Largent and Bob Rich. How glad I was to answer yes, yes I did know both of those great guys. After chatting for 10 minutes about the Academies and the Notre Dame football team practicing at Culver, the officer said he had decided to give me a warning. I'm sure knowing Bob saved me from a speeding ticket. Now I know for certain Bob is flying high with the angels, he's once again strong and healthy, and is in the presence of God's glory. Prayers for all of you during your time of grief and sadness. Bob's love, legacy and light lives on in all of you. ✝️
Bob was truly a fine man. He instilled confidence in others with a sincere and caring demeanor. I greatly appreciated Bob's collaborative leadership during my years at the South Bend Police Department, and, later with the Notre Dame Police. To Bob's family, you have my deepest sympathy.
When I think of Mr. Rich, the first thing that comes to mind is the way he welcomed everybody into his home. With an always genuinely broad smile everybody was family, always. The Rich household is a place where love is so evident that it's like being wrapped in a warm blanket whenever you step inside. It's an impression that is stamped into my memory and I remember throughout my tween years and high school as well just how much joy Mr. Rich exuded. The most remarkable thing about that is how it shines through Anna as well. Anna, he will always be with you because so much of who you are and how you conduct yourself are best parts of him. I saw it most in the ways you conducted yourself in high school and in the police academy. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you guys and my whole heart goes out to you - Mr. Rich lives on everyday through you.