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Share a special moment from Robert's life.

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August 27, 2018

Hey Bobby,

Did you feel it yesterday?  The love?  You must have.  So much energy focused on you.  I am truly humbled by how much love Nilufer and Kiana have for you and how they have kept your memory alive in everyone.  It must be the hardest thing to feel all of the love (and pain) and not be able to hold them.  Just know that you are truly missed.  I can only imagine how much you want to just grab hold of your beautiful Kiana and just snuggle her.  She is growing up to be quite a strong young lady (and she is the smitten image of you more and more each day).  Happy Birthday!  I hope the thoughts directed towards you made it a bit better.

Happy 51st birthday

August 24, 2018

My dear Bobby,

Wish we could celebrate with you in person but today is a day the whole world became a better place because you were born.  I know you would have wanted some kind of sports equipment or clothes since you hardly ever shopped for yourself. We miss you very much but I personally love to see you live in Kiana.

Until we see you, hugs and love being sent to you daily.

- me and Kiana

Another year missing you

December 30, 2017

We just skied our first two days in your honor. I remember when Kiana was born and we barely skied that year. You said it was the time when you felt things had really changed in your life from your 20’s when there were no friends on powder days ;) but you also said there was nothing in the world you would rather do than to hold Kiana and spend time with her.

I wish you had more than 5 years with her. But I tell you: you are living in her.  She is so much of you in so many ways: temperament, athleticism, goofiness, kindness, and intelligence.  I love watching you in her soul.

We love you and miss you. Every day. 

30 years a Gator

September 12, 2015

It's been 30 years since that fateful day when we drove you to UF to begin your new life as a college freshman.  Wow, how can it be so long ago?  I wish I could remember the names of your two roommates.  They were pretty cool, but the one with the pet rabbit was questionabe, especially when you brought him and the rabbit home for a weekend in the early months.  You guys had a small but very cool dorm room in Broward Hall.  You wanted wall-to-wall carpeting so Dad got ahold of our neighbor's discarded carpet and made you one!  Luckily, the measurements you gave him over the phone were correct and you ended up with gold shag carpet, the envy of everyone in the dorm.  How did you ever talk your sister into taking the unicycle?  You even got your picture on the front page of the Gator News for riding it across campus.  After seeing that picture, no wonder someone stole it!  Then there was the philadendron.  Who knew?  It was all the rage among certain freshmen.  You babied it to death, literally.  There's so much more, but the year was bitter sweet.  You were growing away from the family, in a good way, and I wish I could recapture some of the fun we had with you during that time.  We had much to be proud of.  We miss you always and forever!  Mom and Dad     

Always in our hearts

August 25, 2015

Our beautiful Bobby,

I love you and miss you.  Happy birthday in heaven. We celebrated our friends and neighbors at our 3rd annual Bobby Koechlin Ice Cream Social and released 48 balloons in honor of your memory and 48th birthday. Most importantly, we celebrated the living and our blessed life.

You touched many in an incredible way and we all told you so when you were here. How special is that? We didn't wait for you to be gone.  I'm so glad about that!

I love you. Kiana talked about you all day today and at bedtime, she said "I miss him so much." We all do. We love you. Eternally.

Thank you for giving me 14 amazing years and a daughter that has the same heart, kindness and sparkling eyes like yours.

With all my heart.
Nilufer - your Coochooloo 

Missing you and thinking of you

November 25, 2014

We love you as always and you are very much alive in our hearts and souls. Thank you for making so many lives better. I love you forever as does Kiana.

Kiana: "I hope Daddy watched me on my birthday"

February 12, 2014

I laid in bed with Kiana in the early morning hours of Feb. 7th after she called my name. It was a bit past midnight and her birthday. She sat up in bed and said "Mommy, I hope Daddy watched me on my birthday." I said "Of course he watched you and will always be watching you and he's so proud of the young lady that you are." She said "Do you think they celebrate in heaven?" and I said "Absolutely."

Bobby, your daughter is amazing and she's so much like you. Her kindness, her patience, her energy, her ability to make friends and be liked by all, her eyes and eyebrows (it's like looking at you with brown eyes)...

We love you always.   

Angel in Heaven

November 14, 2013

So here are some facts about Robert.  He was humble, kind, generous, loving, giving, extremely funny, quirky, genuine, sincere...and the list goes on and on. Basically think of every wonderful word to describe a human being and that would sum him up.  He didn't have a mean bone in his body.

My memories of Robert revolve around laughter, food, whiskey and occassionally cigars (smoked by the hubbies in our group).  We had four couples in our clique and when we got together, Robert made you feel like you were the most important friend to him.  Then of course at his Celebration of Life, there are hundreds of people in the room that felt that same way.  He had that special gift.

I've kept Robert's picture in my car because it makes me feel good to have him there next to me.  It's a reminder to me to go out into the world and be a good person like he was.  His picture is also on the refrigerator so that we can see his smile all the time.  

A few weeks ago, I was driving to work and I was in a serious funk.  I felt down, depressed, sad..you know all that crazy negative stuff.  Then all of a sudden, Rapper's Delight started playing on the radio.  Robert loved that song and had each and every word memorized.  In that moment, I knew that was Robert telling me to snap out of it!  "Be happy, grateful, and thankful" were the words that I heard in my head.  I smiled and thanked Robert out loud.

I know that Robert is an angel in heaven.  He's watching over me and all of us that knew and loved him.  Because that's soooooo many people, he's probably one of the most important angel dudes up there.  We love you Robert and we will never forget you.  Thank you for all the good times.  We will cherish those memories of you forever. 

We Met in Dunedin

November 12, 2013
I remember when I first met Bobby when he and his Family moved to Dunedin. Me and my friend Kieth were outside playing when we saw this goofy looking guy riding a unicycle and wearing glasses and we said man he wont have any friends. Little did we know that we would all become really good friends and he was. Unfortunately as we grew up we grew apart and didnt keep in touch until we did on Facebook. We had goodtimes as boys and looks like he did as a man husband father I will keep his family in my prayers. Your friend always Dickie!

Happy Birthday Robert!

August 24, 2013

Hola Compadre!

Just want you to know that I'm thinking about you on your birthday and miss you, Man!

I have two fond birthday memories of Robert...  As fitting someone as "big-hearted" as Robert was, neither is of his own birthday.

A few years ago I was trying to throw a surprise birthdayparty for my wife, Jill... Of course, Robert was in on it and everything was going to plan until my next door neighbor decided to invite Jill to lunch on the day of the surprise.  This meant that she'd leave work early, then head home and spoil the surprise.  Diverting her from coming home took a considerable amount of time and misdirection and I was freaking out because I'd lost so much time to finalize the preparations... 

Robert to the rescue...  

I phoned Robert and told him my predicament.  As might be expected, he found the whole situation insanely funny.   I miss his unflappable sense of humor and steadfast calm...  "I'll be right over, he said..."  The minute he walked in (still laughing...), I immediately felt better.  Thanks to Robert, we got everything set so the birthday surprise came off without a hitch!

My second birthday memory of Robert was the surprise party he threw for Nilufer's 40th...   It was so much fun as he planned and worked every detail for weeks...  

One of the things I admired so much about Robert was how much Nilufer meant to him.  For this man, who for himself, took life so "in stride", it was so important that - for her - that her birthday surprise be as perfect as possible.   

Happy Birthday Bro!  I miss you and you still inspire me...

I love you man, 

Stephen



 

Sugar Pine plantings in your honor

May 8, 2013

My love,
We planted 450 trees in a grove close to where we used to hike on Ski Slope Way in Truckee. In addition to that, we planted 40 behind our house. All this was possible because of our amazing friends and family donating to Sugar Pine Foundation in your honor to keep our Tahoe beautiful. We choose for Tahoe to be our happy place and not a sad one.
I love you so much.
Me and Kiana
 

Bob Memorial in Mammoth - April 13, 2013

April 17, 2013

A picture of Bob was hung on the Lincoln mountain section at Mammoth on a run called Shaft. For those that want to visit the site to pay respects or leave additional items, the exact location is 37.637331,-119.015737.

Ashes were then spread at the top of mountain above the Paranoids, a steep and challenging part of the mountain that Bob always enjoyed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1AudGFJa-A

 

 

 

Bacardi Bob Memorial in Mammoth this Weekend

April 7, 2013

We will be having a small memorial for Bob in Mammoth this weekend on April 13th somewhere on the mountain. We will have some of his ashes.

Contact me at 310-963-8009 or Jason Rezell at 714-745-4992 if you need more information or need a place to stay.

 

 

The Legend of Hot Music

December 28, 2012

Many people have asked if the "snow potion" that Nilufer spoke of is actually true. While the actual recipe is somewhat shrouded in mystery and folklore at this point, and quite complicated if I remember correctly, the answer is yes, yes, yes. It started as a snow dance which then morphed into a questionable concoction which no one is proud of. Nilufer recently asked if I had the actual recipe/ingredients, and in my search for the original manuscript it brought back another funny, wonderful, priceless memory of Bob up at Stowe VT.
It was actually the very first time I met Bob. It was maybe the 2nd or 3rd week of the "Ski Haus" , 1996ish. Bob had recently moved to Boston and our mutual friend Lisa was the only one Bob knew in the area. Lisa invited Bob up to the Ski Haus to introduce him to everyone and enjoy the winter.
Bob of course did not hesitate to blindly walk into our little clique and win us over. I remember the first night he walked in. All he had with him was a small overnight bag, the clothes on his back, and a leather "Top Gun" aviator jacket. 
Well, as the night grew old someone asked Bob if he was skiing with us in the morning. Of course Bob had never skied before, but we didn't know this at the time. His answer was filled with eagerness. "I don't know, maybe, I guess, maybe, ok I"ll do it!!"
We asked Bob where his gear was and he replied he didn't have any. We asked "what about a jacket?", and he replied "I have my leather coat."
"What!!! you can't ski in a leather jacket!"
"You came to Vermont in January with no coat?!!??"
We gave Bob so much crap about that for years on end. We never let him forget that, but that is just where the story begins, the legend of the Hot Music jacket was born.
That night we scrambled to get Bob at least the minimum gear he needed to survive a winter day in Vermont. We were failing miserably when someone opened a coat closet just off the kitchen. I can remember it like it was yesterday. There it was. The only thing in the closet. The Hot Music jacket was just perfect. Now, close your eyes and imagine the worst, 1980's, neon, Miami Vice looking ski jacket you can come up with. Well, you would be wrong. It was worse, way worse, The entire inside of the coat had "Hot Music" stitched all through it. Not to mention it was a women's coat. A very petite women's coat that someone had left there from the year before, no doubt on purpose. I can't even type this without laughing my butt off. This would be Bob's crucible. If he could handle this, he would be one of us.
Bob not only handled it, he wore it proudly. The sleeves were too short and he could barely zip it up. It was beautiful.  I remember a large group of us were skiing a barely known, kinda out of bounds trail, called "The River Bed". In the summer it is actually a river that freezes over in the winter and creates a quite difficult run. This might have been Bob's 3rd day skiing.......maybe.......if that. Bob had no business being on that trail, but we all know how Bob handled any challenge. We all got to the bottom and were standing there in a small circle when we noticed Bob was missing. Oops, maybe we shouldn't have brought him in here, but no one ever accused us of being the brightest bunch. That's when we saw him. Somehow he had made it way off to skiers right and was crashing through the tress completely out of control. Arms waving above his head. His weight leaning too far to the left, and then back to the right. The glorious Hot Music coat unzipped and blowing in the wind. He was coming at us fast, and we all started to nervously back up. Just then, at the very last second, he face planted and bit it right at our feet. "Bob are you ok?", we all asked, 97% laughing and 3% really kinda concerned. Bob looked up with the biggest grin you can imagine. "We have to do that again!", he cried.
"Of course we'll do it again", "and you can take that foolish jacket off now, you earned it." 
"oh, and remember, there are NO friends on a powder day"

P.S. and yes, the snow potion works. Bob made it snow 3 straight weeks. 

I wonder what ever happened to that Hot Music jacket.     
  
       
  
   

December 15, 2012

My husband Scott and I loved Bob and will miss him greatly; below are my husband's thoughts:

"I have no picture of Bob which is a shame because the times Bob and I shared and U of Florida were picture worthy. I lived with Bob in the infamous Town Park apartments and enjoyed every minute of it.  All of you who knew Bob realized he was different. He didn’t worry about the stuff everyone else did. He savored each day and taught me to do the same. He made us laugh daily and showed us all that life is funny and precious and amazing all at once. We used to celebrate our birthdays together in August and although I hadn’t seen him in a long time, I think of him every year around my birthday. I still remember sprinting out of the Delt House together to avoid getting “wet down.”  I realize now that although we only knew each other for a short period of time the laughs we shared were some of the best of my life and will be with me forever. God bless Bob"

"Bob's Rash"

December 11, 2012

So some have requested some stories/memories of Bob from his years in Boston and Stowe VT. There are simply too many to count due to every memory I can recall from back then were all amazing, and always included Bob. Where does one even begin? There isn't enough cyberspace to hold all the wonderful memories of such a great individual.
Well, after a few drinks, I had the honor of sharing the story of "Bob's Rash" with Nilufer and others at Bob's memorial, so here it goes.......
I want to say it was 1995, but my memory may be off by a year give or take. It was Bob's first year skiing. Bob was just getting to the point where he could handle some of the trails we would force him down. Of course Bob never complained once, and simply was always right there with the rest of us. This one particular day was cold, and complete "blue bird". That guy Matt, Michelle michelle, myself, and of course Barcardi Bob were skiing this trail called "Chin Clip". Now while "Chin Clip" isn't the hardest trail at Stowe, it has a never ending quality that just plain wears you down. No matter how good of a skier you are "Chin Clip" will win in the end. About 3/4 of the way down the trail takes a slight turn to skiers right, and drops down to maybe it's steepest section, wall to wall moguls, on and on it goes. Matt, Michelle, and I stopped to gather ourselves and Bob was about 30 yds above us. Bob was standing there for several minutes catching his breath, when we began the trash talking. "C'mon Bob, let's go, while we're young!" (In your best Rodney Dangerfield voice)
Bob lifted his head and yelled, "Hold on, I have a rash!"
Matt, Michelle and I all looked at each other and seemingly in unison said, "Did he just say he has a rash?"
I turned back to Bob and yelled, "did you just say you have a rash?"
Bob simply replied, almost inaudibly, "yes."
Now, of course, he never said "I have a rash!" He had yelled, "I have to rest!" But, that's not what we heard.
The four of us laughed so hard we almost fell off the mountain, and no matter what anyone says to ths day I still believe he had a rash that one fine day.
So if you ever find yourself on "Chin Clip" coming around that right hand turn and your legs start to feel that deep burn, know this, you are skiing the infamous "Bob's Rash".
Bob did.          

The trampoline

December 8, 2012

I am in my bed, watching my nephew (Amir), his daughter (Leila), my niece (Raana), and Kiana jump on a trampoline where Bobby spent hours and hours playing with Kiana and many other kids. 
While it's a crappy day for me emotionally, witnessing their pure joy and play reminds me of the joy Bobby had with many on the same trampoline. It makes me happy.
He installed that trampoline with a few friends (it was so hard!) even though he previously wondered why the heck I bought it. Well, I'm so glad I did.
I can see his spirit and energy on that trampoline and it brings me so much joy! Kiana, your daddy is watching you jump with joy and I can tell he absolutely loves it.

 

How we will remember Bobby

December 5, 2012

I am not over the shock and sadness that permeates me right now – but I wanted to share my personal thoughts with Robert’s great friends and his family. 

Robert was kind enough to make a business recommendation for me on my LinkedIn profile. 

He said of me: 

He has a magical way of motivating people to want to produce results, not only for themselves, but also for him…

No Bobby – these words describe you more than they do me… You have a magical way of motivating people… to want to be your friend and be a part of your life… You gave me that chance – and I will always remember… thank you… 

He said of me: 

I've never had more fun working on a sales team as I did with him at the lead…

No Bobby, we never had more fun working  (yes, and playing…) than we did with you. The sheer pleasure you got from participating created incredible enthusiasm in others… I remember your bachelors party weekend in Tahoe, ask anyone who was there…. We had fun….  and the stories we could tell...

He said of me: 

He wasn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and do the heavy lifting …. while simultaneously maintaining a strategic focus and executing on the needs of the business..

No Bobby – again these words describe you better… you were never afraid to get involved, to offer anyone help, to go out of your way… but you always maintained focus… on your family life, giving 100% first to Nilifur and more recently to your gorgeous daughter…. You kept your focus where it needed to be… on your family… 

Robert – I can only hope to be remembered in the same way that people will remember you….

Our Family

December 5, 2012

Thanks to all who have shared memorable stories of Bob.  Some we've heard before but others are new and entertaining .  Bob left Dunedin at age 22 and it's been hard to keep up with all the friends he's made and things he's done since then.  We often talk about the Bobby we knew before he graduated from UF and set out to seek his fortune.  He was a terrific son who always liked his wheels, beginning with Big Wheels.  His first bike, skateboard, unicycle, inline skates, and motorcycle all come with colorful stories.  But mostly we like to think about how much he meant to our family.  He was a great son and brother who went camping with us, swam at neighborhood pools, was a Cub Scout, enjoyed boating in Dad's cool boat, took piano lessons, and loved the outdoors.  He got his first pair of glasses at age 3 and his ear pierced at 15.  Lots of family drama, but we wouldn't change it for the world.  We will love Bobby forever and are proud to be his family.  We love Nilufer and Kiana, who are a big part of our family now, and will always be here for them.  Bobby loved them both soooo much.           

Didn't he get the White Tux memo?

December 2, 2012

Bob Koechlin aka- Kratchet (among many other nicknames)-
Though we both grew up in Clearwater and had many friends in common in the area, we didn't really get to know each other until our days at UF and Delta Tau Delta Fraternity.  It was there that we bonded instantly...but then again he did that with everyone he met.  It was just the way he rolled. Bob was always upbeat, full of life and you just wanted to be around him.  We lived together for a several semesters in a legendary yet awful quad-apartment that was sort of our frat house away from our frat house.  Some of our roommates include: Mouse, Purple Haze, Fat Woody, T-Squared, Q-Dawg, and the two Kirks, Double-J and Lil John!  We played Pictionary on our living room wall ...with Sharpies (bad idea).  We ordered grease-wheels (pizza), we drank adult beverages (often...even though we were anything but adults).  We tortured each others' dates and girlfriends...there was awful "white-man" dancing (led mostly by Bob), knife throwing (another bad idea), more parties...it was pure fun and somehow we still managed to go to class (well...most of them anyway- Thankfully there were replay's of classes you could catch on video.  Those were the days indeed!

The news of his passing is just gut-wrenching.  My heart goes out to Nilufer and Kiana and to all of Bob's friends and family!  He was so much more than I could have ever asked for as a friend...he was my brother indeed!  I will always cherish the times I was so blessed to have with Kratchet!!

Tony Carulli
Rulli 

December 2, 2012

I hired Robert at Level 3.  I was introduced to him by Darlene Hensley who told me "he's a great guy and like a brother to me.  You'll love him and he'll be a great fit on our team".  She was right.  Our first interview went longer than intended and he politely told me that he needed to wrap it up because he had plans to go away for the weekend with his wife for their anniversary.  I liked him instantly because he had his priorities straight.

Robert spent his last birthday working the CIO golf tournament for Level 3, handing out scotch and cigars to potential customers and working the crowd.  He had only been an employee for 7 days and he was already a pro.  I watched from afar and knew he was on his way to being a superstar in our company.  I don't think he got home until after 8 that night, yet he was gracious and he said his "peeps" understood.  I remember thinking what wonderful "peeps" he must have in his life to postpone their birthday celebration so he could finish working.

He was always well prepared, had an incredible sense of humor and knew exactly what to say to make things better. His strong commitment to his family was admirable and his attitude towards life was downright refreshing.   He had quickly become a key member of our sales team because people liked and respected him.  I only knew Robert for a few short months but he touched my life deeply.  It was a privilege to know him and we will all miss him very much.

University Life

December 2, 2012

Bob was never afraid of the camera.  One of the most fun guys to be around in just about any situation, as in this pic at one of our fraternity parties, he just always had a great time.  Being from the same home town, Bob and I spent a lot of time together at school, and I considered him one of my best buds.  Seeing all the great pictures of him with his family, and hearing all the wonderful stories everyone are sharing, shows me that he carried that kind spirit and positive vibe with him throughout his life.  Bob was a true friend, loyal, hilariously funny, inspirational and down to earth.  He was the kind of guy you would want by your side in any situation, whether a difficult struggle, or having a beer and laughing out loud.  Bob was Solid, and we will all miss him.  My heatfelt sympathy goes out to Nilufer, Kiana and all Bob's family, but I know that you all have a part of Bob inside of you and because of that you will be have the strength to find peace.

Family Day at the Delt House

December 2, 2012

Bob and I with our families during the annual open house.  Had to put up a pic of Bob when he had that great mullet going.

Reggae Shows at the UF Bandshell

December 2, 2012

There were always great reggae shows at the bandshell at the University of Florida, which we all loved to go to.  Most of us would hang out in the sun, listen to the music and check out the scene with all the interesting people the shows would draw.  Bob wasn't scared to go up to a group of "different" people and say hi and talk about their lives. I remember he just got up, walked over to this group of "hippie/rastas", introduced himself and made some new friends.  Just being Bob. 

University Life

December 2, 2012

Bob on one of our trips to explore the areas around Gainesville while we were at UF.  

Dancing Twins

December 2, 2012

Bob and I realized our Moms had excellent taste in clothing and had sent us matching Shirts, so we figured we'd go out in style as "twins"  Bob would always crank up his favorite Dance party tune "Only in my dreams" (extended club version) by Debbie Gibson and give us all a preview of his new dance moves before we left the Delt House.

A True Inspiration

December 1, 2012

It was an honor and privilege to be good friends with Bob.   I think because he figured out the meaning of life early on - live every day to the fullest and stay positive.  There is no need for, or room for negativity in this great life.    It's amazing how he touched everybody's lives he came in contact with from coast to coast.  From Florida to California and all parts in between.  He was an inspiration, and will remain an inspiration forever.

A funny couple...

December 1, 2012
My husband and I first met Bobby & Nilufer in our nursery school in Los Gatos 3 1/2 years ago.  The more we socialized with Nilufer and Bobby, the more we realized how funny they were together! They were always the life of the crowd!  They came to a party at our house recently and were the last two people getting ready to leave.  On their way out, Nilufer said something like, "Wow we're cool, Robert.  We shut this party down!"  ..and Bobby said, "Yeah, we're cool!!" and made this funny face and walked out the door doing a John Travolta-like strut.  They just made people laugh!   Nilufer & Kiana, we hope that you will always find the strength to focus on the many happy and funny memories:)
December 1, 2012

From the moment I was lucky enough to meet Robert and Nilufer in 2002, I felt instantly at home with them – and if I ever over-stayed my welcome, on my far too infrequent visits, I would never have known it, because their hospitality, and support, and love, was unwavering. What great, good fortune I have had to have spent quality time with the Koechlins!

This photo is from Labor Day weekend 2008; my son, Owen, was just 3, and Kiana was 7 months old. This photo makes me smile. I can only echo what everyone has said: Robert lived each moment – whether he was just hanging out and feeding ducks, skiing a mountain, or throwing Kiana around joyously in the pool – and his view of life was positive and infectious. You could have a good time just making espresso with Robert. He was a wonderful husband to a woman I love dearly, an amazing father, and a true friend. As Uncle Bobby, he was so great to my son, and I will cherish the time we all spent together this last year, sledding and skiing and biking and playing at Disneyland. He is, without a doubt, one of the best people I have ever known. I feel so fortunate to have been able to share so much laughter and friendship with Robert and Nilufer and Kiana. I will miss you, Robert.

Nilufer – I love you and Kiana so dearly and I am so deeply sorry that your Bobby is gone, but I know that he will always be with you. xoxo  

November 30, 2012

Robert,

Wish I could have had the chance to work with you longer and get to know your beautiful family.  Such a classy guy with an amazingly professional disposition -someone I really would have appreciated knowing better.

Dear Family- Its so very hard to say the "right thing" during this time.  Especially when you dont know everyone and barely had the chance to know Robert.  This is such a personal situation for all of us impacted and I really just wanted to post something to show respect for Robert.  

Its obvious that he has touched so many lives and will always be in our hearts- that in itself is such a beautiful blessing.  Think of all the love and special energy that will live on in his name and effect us all.  What a beautiful and special legacy he will leave.  

With sincere respect and warm thoughts to everyone!

Jon Evans 
Co-worker at Level 3 

A special cousin

November 30, 2012

When we were young the Florida Koechlins and the Ohio Koechlins would take trips together or visit each other in Cincinatti or Zanesville. Sadly, it was not as easy when we were older, spread across the U.S.A. and started having our families.Our dads are brothers.I do not know how the folks did it ,as we were a bunch of lively rascals. Eventually we grew to 10. Bobby was quite the talker. I just remember that as our littler cousin, he would just go on and on and on...Questions, comments, you name it, he spoke it or chanted it. I do remember that he was the only one as we drove around who could join the "pillow king" , Bill, my brother, in the sacred spot on the back windowsill, while the rest of us crammed onto the backseat or the floor wells. LUCKY!!!! You sure do not see that anymore. THANK GOD! Looks like that gift of gab served him well in life. Our dads took us on some camping trips. Now that I am a parent I realize why bedtime then was strictly enforced.  They observed Pabst time, similar to Miller time. hey deserved that and more in those days. Other times we would visit our Nana and she handled us all with such care, love and total devotion. The boys slept on her porch.I am sure that that open air was fun..
It was so wonderful having those times together and experiencing each others world. Our upbringing was so different. Our environment was so different, yet when we got together we could always connect. I wish I had more contact in adulthood.
My heart aches at this loss. I treasure my memories of my cousin.

November 30, 2012

One of the things I will remember most about Robert is his immense joy at being Kiana's Daddy.  We spent a few nights with the Koechlins back in 2011 (they always were willing to have us stay a night or two on our trips back up to the bay area), and we spent a day together at Happy Hollow Zoo.  This was during a period when Robert wasn't working, so we felt SO lucky to have he and Kiana to spend the day with.  Robert was so in tune with Kiana and I remember thinking that if ever there was a man to excel at being a stay at home Dad (even temporarily), it was Robert.  The crazy fun he had, just running all over with all the kids (including my two!), it was like he was just a big kid himself.  I feel fortunate that though we knew Robert and Nilufer before they had Kiana, that we also were a part of their lives when we all had children, because I believe being a Dad was one of his greatest accomplishments in his life--and he showed that every day.

Nilufer's Surprise Party

November 30, 2012

At Campo Di Bocce of Los Gatos, Bobby threw Nilufer a Surprise Birthday Party.

This shot was taken when Bobby said "Dude, it wasn't easy...but I pulled it off. Right? Right??"

Then Nilufer giggled and said, "You did good! You really got me this time!!! I love you!"

Father Daughter Katy Perry Moment

November 30, 2012

We were partying with the Koechlins up in Capitola Beach....

Katy Perry came on and we learned that Kiana could move like Mommy and pick up on the lyrics like Daddy...

"You could travel the world
But nothing comes close
To the golden coast
Once you party with us
You'll be falling in love
Oooooh Oh Oooooh"

And yes...we in love with the Koechlins.

Beautiful Fun Couple

November 29, 2012

This is Robert and Nilufer on our "Party Bus" heading to San Francisco for the evening.  They were so fun and I am so glad they were able to join the group that evening.  May 2002. Both so funny... and Nilufer has an amazing ability to recall every joke she'd ever heard.  We were in stitches, laughing all evening.  

My heart breaks for her loss, but rejoices that she was able to find true love and create so many wonderful memories with him.  He will be with Nilufer and Kiana forever.

 

 

November 29, 2012

The "three amigos" (Bob, Gordon, me) at lunch at Martini & Rossi during the 1997 trip to Italy.  Of course, we had to include the lovely Italian ladies in the background in this pic for a little local color...Great trip with great friends.  

November 29, 2012

Bob and I out on the streets of Milan during the Bacardi trip to Italy in 1997.  Bob wanted us to get this shot with that bat due to the nickname "Bacardi Bob" he went with back in those days...You can see him pointing to that bat with attitude only as Bob could...

November 29, 2012

Bob on top of Mammoth Mountain with that silly-ass wig hat and a typical "Bob Pose" (he had a lot of those).  Don't get me wrong, I loved the wig hat (and I still do).  In fact, I still have three and I still wear them regularly.  It's funny, when he and I wore those people would stop and take our pictures.  He and I spent a lot of time exploring Mammoth Mountain.  Now that I am back in SO CAL, I go there often now and think about those years every time I am up there.  He was a great guy on every level and will truly be missed...

Today's Tom Sawyer

November 29, 2012

Well played, my friend. Well played! My childhood was definitely enriched by your presence – whether in Cincy, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Dunedin – or one of the many family gatherings over the years.  Never one to waste a dull moment: always quick with a joke or onto some new adventure – the real Tom Sawyer of my childhood. I still enjoy retelling tales of our youth; and surprisingly, never feel the need to embellish with exaggeration!  And, through it all, we managed not to get hurt or cause too much trouble (except, maybe, for our parents).

A recurrent image plays-out in my head: a VW Beetle dims its headlights and silences its engine as it turns the corner, heading for St Peter’s Gate. Don’t worry Bob; you don’t need to sneak back home. They are glad you made it!

November 29, 2012

Well my husband Neil and I never actually met "Bacardi Bobby" but we did get to meet Robert- wonder Dad, fantastic husband and amazing friend!   I now understand why our family moved to Los Gatos for only a short time from the East Coast- it was to meet The Koechlin's.  In that time I can safely say that meeting Robert, Nilufer and Kiana has impacted our family so deeply.  We were able to spend wonderful family time together that we will continue cherish and I am so sadden by the fact that Robert will only be with us in spirit going forward, I feel robbed.

  This past spring and summer I remember walking into the pool area at the sports club and finding Robert in the pool with a minimum of 4 kiddos (including my own) hanging all over him.  I love the fact that he never got out of the pool for hours- often the kids tiring before he would.  I love that you could always hear Kiana belly laughing at him before you could even see them.  And I must admit it was always quite a treat to walk into The Koechlin's home for an afternoon cocktail and heavy snacks to only find Robert dawning a tiara because it was a prop in a game that Kiana were deeply engrossed in and maybe he wasn't aware he was still wearing it.  If he did- he didn't care and neither did anyone else :)      What I most appreciate and value about Robert is that he is real, he made me laugh, he made me think and he always brought the sunshine with him.     This is such a loss, I feel blessed to have him as a friend and I will miss him and I am truly sad for the people who had yet to meet him.   XO Alison Senior  

Roomies

November 29, 2012

I was friends with Bob for several years when he had moved to the Bay Area to be with Nilufer.  I’m not sure how long Bob and Nilufer were together, but it didn’t seem like very long when I had started a job up there and was going to be commuting back and forth from Southern California.  So I’m not sure why Bob and Nilufer got the crazy idea for me to live with them.  But anyway, talk about the nicest thing to do for a friend!  I didn’t know Nilufer that well and was hoping not to intrude, but it was wonderful.  Bob and Nilufer were always both so positive and had a way of making me feel like family.  It was obvious right away to me that Bob and Nilufer were meant for each other.  They were always so happy together, and both were able to have a friend there without it being a hindrance.  At first I stayed in the apartment with them until they bought the place in Los Gatos.  It was great to see their excitement of getting a home together.  I am so glad we were able to spend that time together in the Bay Area, I will always feel close to them.


I have been thinking of Bob, Nilufer and Kiana all week since I heard the news.  I will miss Bob’s laugh, smile, positive attitude and complete silliness!  


Nilufer and Kiana, I hope that happy memories lift you up through this difficult time. 

Love you,

Karin

P.S.  I'm including a fun picture of Bob from my wedding reception.  I'm calling it the Bob 007 look...  Anyway, it's one of his silly looks, as you all will recognize! 

The Lists

November 28, 2012

I first knew Robert as "Barcardi Bob" when we lived down in Manhattan Beach. We had a crew that went to Mammoth frequently to ski/snowboard. As Chris McCann (aka "Smooth" back in those days) mentioned, Bob would often show up in the middle of the night after a Bacardi event. I still have a huge bottle of Bacardi that Bob gave me in my liquor cabinet- I hope that stuff doesn't go bad!  There are so many memories of those days that it would fill pages here.

Time went on and Bob announced that he was moving up to the Bay Area to follow some girl he met at the bar in Squaw of all places. The nerve of him! Who could this person possibly be that he would leave the bachelor lifestyle behind. Well, as soon as I met her I knew there was no hope for him. Nilufer and I bonded immediately. Perhaps it was because she was one of the few people besides my mother who could pronounce my name correctly!  She was vivacious and vibrant- there was no doubt why Bob fell for her. We quickly became as good of friends as Bob and I were. I soon moved to the Bay Area myself which allowed us to spend even more time together.

Before they were married I asked Nilufer how they found each other (besides making googly eyes across the bar). She said that they had each made a list of qualities they wanted in a life partner. Neither knew that the other had done this- they had done it independently but at some point it came up in conversation that they had both made these lists. When they compared them, they discovered that they were almost identical.

Nilufer, you and Bob were and will always be a perfect match. True soulmates now and forever. And Kiana will always know what an amazing man he was and how he treated you with utmost respect and love and cherished her beyond everything else.

My heart to you-

Haideh

 

Rehearsal Dinner

November 28, 2012

None of us had children yet.  This was taken at Bob & Nilufer's rehearsal dinner.

The Last Visit

November 28, 2012

My good friend, Marcia, took this photo the last time we were all together as a family in Dunedin, Florida.  Bob was in town for his 25th high school reunion at Clearwater Central Catholic.  The other siblings came into town because he rarely made it home.  We sat in order (oldest to youngest: Kathleen, Bob, Mary, Carolyn & Matt.)  I remember feeling so happy here.

November 28, 2012

Robert was such a nice man.  He always had a kind word and a smile for everyone who crossed his path.  So shocked and saddened to hear the news.  He will be missed.

 

AT&T Thursday meetings at the ROW

November 28, 2012

I will miss that fabulous smile that always greeted everyone!

The high stress enviornment that the gang worked in at AT&T was heavy. We all worked long hours often speaking with each other at 2 and 3 am. We would all find time to meet at the ROW for a unwind drink and laughs of the events that took place that week at AT&T. I swear we should have started a reality show! I remember when Robert brought their new dog to the ROW. Robert started the whole mini dog in your purse craze before it was Paris Hilton HOT. 

Your a sweet man Robert and I will struggle with why God called you home.

God Bless Nilufer

Porsche Taurus

November 28, 2012

When I first met Bob we were sharing a ski house in Mammoth.  He was working for Bacardi then, hence the instant callsign "Bacardi Bob".  It just fit - he was so fun, upbeat and silly that surely he worked for a company that sold rum and other drinkables!

Bob usually had Friday night Bacardi marketing gigs he had to do at bars and clubs so he would leave to drive to Mammoth after those events were over, usually quite late.  I would hear his car pull into the driveway well after midnight but surprisingly early given how far he had to drive and how late I assumed the Bacardi events would run.

Several times I came outside to say hello and was reminded of one of the reasons why he was there so quickly: nearly half a dozen crushed espresso cups littered the dash of the company-provided Ford Taurus.  He was wired!

And when I asked him about how he got up to Mammoth from the South Bay so fast he'd turn to me with a mischievious grin, pat the top of car and say, "Dude, this is a PORSCHE Taurus!"

When Nilufer was dating Bob

November 28, 2012

When I first met Nilufer she was telling me the story about a vacation she and Bob were on and how she caught a large fish. Bob and her told the story and were both laughing about how she caught it.

Nilufer told me when they were in the hotel room she realized just how happy she was because of Bob.  She knew he was the one.  I have always remembered that story.  She told me she knew because he just made her so happy. 

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