I am not the best at articulating my thoughts and feelings when hearing a shocking and saddening news like this. But I will try. I have had the pleasure of knowing Robert and interacting with him for over 14 long years, more at work but also outside of work, and he was just a great guy in both places. Mark Walczak, Robert and I were a group for that entire time. We worked together, had beer together and partied on social occasions. What I will recall about Robert most is the tremendous energy and enthusiasm that he brought to anything he was doing. Coupled with that was his amazing clarity of thought in terms of what he wanted to accomplish out of a given situation, again at work as well as outside of it. A very outgoing guy with a super-positive attitude towards life and a thorough family & social man who was both outspoken & outgoing, who shared his life with those close to him - whether it was getting our feedback on what & how he was going to cook when on his first date or when discussing his plans to propose to Michelle in Bora Bora or how his sister was going to paint a mural in his house or him planning to go crabbing at the beach with guys at work or his plans when his visited his mom in LA or his exciting day at Portland International Raceway. He did it all and enjoyed it all. He had varied interests that he pursued with all his heart. After both of us moved out of Maxim and into different jobs at different places some 7 years ago, we connected less frequently but never quite lost touch. It is hard to believe that Rob is no longer with us. Rest in peace, buddy !
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Ballast Point San Diego
"smile and wave boys".....for those of you who do not recognize the movie quote, no worries as I have all of his favorite movie lines and their everyday references memorized as he had for me. I never had a brother growing up but I can honestly say I lost one in Rob. Most times I am angry, shocked, and wonder why life deals us so much pain. I now pause and remember life gave us Rob and with that reflection I find a bit of peace and I smile. A true friend and brother forever.
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Benihana, Southwest Cascade Avenue, Beaverton, OR, USA
Winter Break Birthday Dinner
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St Mary's University, Terrace Heights, Winona, MN, USA
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