Bob was a guy who grew up in an orphanage and only knew a few people from his real family. Around 1995 he somehow ended up in our small town of 700 people, and my brother befriending him, and starting taking care of him. He quickly became one of the town characters and was loved by all. He was invited to all of our family events, and I believe one time wrote my mother a card saying that we were the first family he actually had. He was kind of our adopted old guy.
He smoked every day of his life since he was eleven, and never drove an automobile. He never was a rich man, but he had an amazing memory that should have been studied by scientists. He told stories about how he used to get high with the top professional bowlers of the 1970’s, and he always claimed he was a lover, not a fighter.
Bob died today at the age of 80.
Over the years that I’ve known Bob I’ve taken plenty of photos of him. In his passing, I’m sharing some of the best I have available that I’ve taken of him over the years. This is a good chunk of why I do photography, so when things are gone, they aren’t forgotten.
Don’t worry Bob. Your stories will be told for years to come.
4 Archived Comments
Bob, was a wonderful man, bob has been with my familt for the longest befor i was born he use to take me for walks in my stroller even in the winter time. my grandma (joyce) who was his care taker always had dogs but bob fell in love with her newest one (roscoe) that was his buddy. i can remember when he moved to wausau to live with my grandmother. he would every day sit on her swing and smoke his cigretts bob was the best and always knew how to make me laugh he will always be in my preyers and mind.
The photos of Bob are so wonderful. I live in Wausau and got to know Bob through Joyce when they came to bingo. Bob did like to tell stories—I heard ones about Vegas. He used to come to bingo all the time, but lately not so much. I guess his eyes were getting pretty bad and he couldn’t see the numbers too well. I will miss his saying, “Indoor Sport,” when they called O69 at bingo. What a character. He will be missed. My sympathies to his family and friends. And my condolences to Joyce. My prayers are with you all.
Great pics! What a nice memorial for Bob. He was a good guy. Thanks!
That’s a wonderful story. Your family sound like a nice bunch.
Rest in peace, Bob.