Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations RIP Bob-O

I don't know how many remember him. Cecil Baird e-mailed this to me, he saw it on Facebook. Bob had one lung removed some years past. The latest variant of Covid got him.

It breaks my heart but eases my mind to say that after 35 years of waiting, Dad has finally gone up to Mom . He had been in the hospital awhile and was very positive and hopeful the first few weeks, but after time, he got tired and he was ready. He went out peacefully and with little pain. He was cracking jokes and hitting on the nurses all the way to the end! Eric, the kids and I had very good closure the last few days with him.
I had vacation planned at Silver Lake Sand Dunes the weekend before and Dad already knew there was nothing more to do, but didn’t want to disrupt my plans. The first day we were on the beach, I sat on the picnic table and watched Jason and his son playing out in the water. This “bug” kept “attacking” me, I swatted at it several times with no success until “she” finally got my attention. I turned around to a beautiful Monarch butterfly I thought “Oh, hey Mom.” I sat and watched for about 20 minutes or so, it kept circling towards me and almost touching me. I don’t think I’ve ever been so close to one. Then Jason came and sat down, “Those are endangered now.” As I looked again, there were now two! We both continued to watch them play and fly around, circling us, they even got run off by some kids and came back. Jason said, “I’m just waiting for one of them to land on me.” One was slightly bigger and seemed to be more aware then the “younger” one. We finally left and as we were walking to the Jeep, Eric called to give me the news. After we hung up, I realized that WAS Mom, letting me know she’s got him! But wait, why was she bigger….duh of course her wings are bigger than his!

Dad has also made his presence very known since last week! Between Ayda, Kim and I, we have seen around 10 rainbows in 5 days Ayda saw a double rainbow and also saw two Monarchs, together, a day or so after he passed. I have seen SO many. Sunday I went to get the boys pizza, it was pouring rain but SO sunny out, I kept looking around but didn’t see one. When I got out of the pizza joint and turned the corner, I saw the biggest, most vivid rainbow I have ever seen, shining right over our house. I immediately texted the kids to run outside and Ayda let me know there were actually two! I said, he doesn’t know what to do with his new found powers! Makes me think of one of his favorite lines from the movie “What about Bob?”…..I’m saaaaaailing!!!!

Dad was such an amazing guy. I know he thought he was a shitty father at times, but I KNOW he was the best father! He may not have been perfect, but who is and who wants that? He was wild, crazy and fun. But also caring, sometimes deep and always there for anyone and everyone! He liked to put on a good front, but the truth is, he loved everyone in his life. If he cracked on you a lot, he liked you even more. Being an ass was his love language! He taught me so much, especially what true love is. He waited longer to be with Mom than he actually spent with her. I cannot tell you how many times he escaped death and seriously escaped it! He was the OG Frank Gallagher. In the beginning of his hospital visit, he said, “Well, if I get through this and get maybe 3 or 4 years, that would be good.” To which I replied, “Popps, we thought that FIFTEEN years ago!” Dad, “Yea..that’s true.” (next subject, Lol). I am so very grateful he had the will to make it this long. He has wanted to be with Mom forever, but he didn’t want to meet missing and knowing his grandkids.

Although Eric and I did not grow up in the most stable environment, I have said many times, the only thing I would change would be Mom’s presence. Dad was a great mentor. He taught us how to survive any situation, be a hustler, work hard and do good by the people you love…then everything else falls into place. I am a strong independent woman that knows I can do anything I put my mind to and that is all thanks to Dad. Not only was he Eric and I’s best friend, he was everyone’s best friend. There are truly no words for how I really feel about him. The man, the myth, the legend, a true phenomenon. May he forever live in our hearts!

There will be no obituary or service, as he wanted. We are having a “kegger”

So please keep your calendars open for 9/24, details to follow. If anyone has pictures, please message them to me. Or any songs that remind you of him! Please also spread the word.