ForeverMissed
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This is an exerpt from something dad recently wrote: 

"If there was some thing foul about myself I would have been thrilled to write about it, I’m not referring to the feelings of those who just didn’t like me and there are plenty of those, and those kind are in all our lives; I will admit I never understood my unpopularity. However later in life with so many things going my way, clothes, adventure, cars, money, wonderful children, great houses, beautiful gardens, and good health (till now) what’s to write about.  I’m happy nobody ever took a shot at me, must have done some things right.  So before I drift into death or senility (death I hope) I bid you a delightful life—"

January 4, 2023
January 4, 2023
I never met you. But I only knew great things about you.
Bless you, rest well.
January 4, 2021
January 4, 2021
Missed you a lot yesterday. Just moved to Arizona and thought about how you would have liked to help picking out furniture and decor for the house. I tell Tony stories about you all the time, I wish you two could have met. You would like him. 
January 4, 2020
January 4, 2020
Wow, 10 years. Seems like yesterday..loved your Dad alot. hope all is well with Scott,Tyler,Robin, and Mom.
January 3, 2020
January 3, 2020
I can't believe you've been gone ten years now! I have great memories of you and share your rich life stories and Bob isms with Tony. Scott, Tyler and I were just talking about you over Thanksgiving. we wondered if the tradition of the "old man" excuse was being used. Scott uses it with his boys, Tyler has changed it to an old woman and I've only told Tony about it as funny stories my dad did/ told.
I miss you. Those that drink, will raise a glass in your memory. For me, I'll write this and look at old photos. I'll have a good cry and a few laughs in your honor today.

Love you,

always your baby precious.
May 9, 2019
May 9, 2019
Love you dad! Happy Birthday. I found some fun, old photos today and posted them on Facebook. I thought people would get a kick out of seeing them. You were always quite the character. I tell dadism's on a regular basis, I feel like Tony knows you just from all of the stories I tell. I miss you!
May 9, 2018
May 9, 2018
Happy Birthday Dad! I love and miss you all the time. Your adventures live on in stories that I tell of you often. You were one of my biggest champions and I hope I made you proud. 
Love you!

Robin
January 4, 2018
January 4, 2018
I miss you as much today as I did the day you left us. I lit a candle for you last night. I took you to Spain with me in October and left you along the trail you walked nightly from our apartment to Salon Varietes. Lots of great memories of Spain thanks to you and mom. I taught Tony how to ask for the check a la dad! "Oye, cuenta por favor" with hand gestures included. Besos!
January 12, 2017
January 12, 2017
You are a frequent visitor in my thoughts and your life and stories are told to friends and loved ones often. My heart is full of cherished memories of our life together. I hope you see the lives we lead and how well your grandchildren are doing. Miss you King!
January 3, 2017
January 3, 2017
Well, here we are in 2017...... at 81 years..... reflecting on our companionship and past moments, and fortunately we had some doosey's, along with some life firsts. Climbing San Bruno Mountain among the pre-teen experiences, exploring the crooks and crannies of that still pristine hill that was the living area of the Ohlone Indians who left relics for two young hikers to discover. And these childhood treasures, literally in our own backyard provide memories to keep our spirit bright and present. Cheers , my old friend !
May 9, 2016
May 9, 2016
Well now, Roberto, I share the 80 years of time passed since our birth. It's a signal for all of us remembering your presence in our life to lift a glass to your essence and say, Happy Birthday! But wait ! Wait until we can hear your voice sounding, " It's Post Time."
January 3, 2016
January 3, 2016
Bob, old chap, I tip my hat to you as a gesture of a acknowledgment of your memory. Knowing that you would be pleased that I ran into some of our friends from Sacred Heart High. Your name was evoked and the stories began to flow. We sighed, we laughed, and some of us had a silent tear. We made a toast, "to you. Old man ! So, As Bob Hope sang at the close of his shows, "Thanks for the memories."
January 3, 2016
January 3, 2016
With thoughts about you today, Dear Ole Bob, as always on this day. Bear hug and I'll lift a glass of decent Rioja in your memory......Mark Lawson
May 9, 2015
May 9, 2015
Another milestone, a birthday to mark the passing of time and recollection of moments that standout, that bring a smile, laugh or a tear.
I have many with Bob from ringing his doorbell and seeing the face of Tom or Marge or Myrtle or Mr. Cleary, when he wasn't working at the store. And , of course Robert ! We would usually end up in the Guadalupe Grammer School yard shooting hoops with the Lucas brothers, Bill & Joey ! We had some competitive games and always wound up in a conversation about the celebrated Pro-players. It would all end when one of our mothers would call us home for dinner, from 4 blocks away. Amazing - "no cell phones!"
January 3, 2015
January 3, 2015
I can't believe yet another year has past without you in my life. I tell stories of you all the time. I share "bobisms" and know that you would find it all delightful and funny. You are missed today and always. Love you dad!
May 9, 2014
May 9, 2014
Miss you Bob, think about coming home from work and rushing to run at the lake. Going down to Safeway to pick up artichokes for dinner. Taking Mom shopping, and her famous line "I will get that tomorrow." Meaning that would either be you or me doing the shopping. Some of the little things that mean so much and that we miss and treasure.

Cheers, love you,

Mimi
May 9, 2014
May 9, 2014
Having Bob as a childhood companion and later, dating Barbara's good friend and neighbor, Dolores, has me wondering if I was responsible for introducing Bob and Barbara ??? It's a good thought at a milestones in our time - a sweet remembrance !
May 9, 2014
May 9, 2014
Happy birthday, Bob, Ole Bean. The Lawsons are on a rare visit to a rare event now- a wedding in our home turf of Manchester, UK. The cycle of life keeps turning, and we all hope you are at peace. Abrazo
January 3, 2014
January 3, 2014
As if growing up together on Baltimore Way, S.F, CA is not evidence of quality time spent together, Bob's invitation to spend 2 weeks in Malaga, Spain at Mark Lawson's place, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. - investigating Andalusia, Alhambra, Flamenco, where the Cleary family lived and jogged , was the best of times shared and never to be forgotten.
January 3, 2014
January 3, 2014
Dear Bob, over Christmas I often think about the few times we spent Christmas and New Year with you and family over in USA. Great fun, with great memories. xxx
January 3, 2014
January 3, 2014
Dear Ole Bob,

It is with great memories of true friendship that I remember you- it seems a little while ago that you left us, and yet that is some measure of the magnitude of the hole you left on your departure. I think of you often and smile at the good times we shared in this tapestry of life. You enriched mine a great deal- for which I thank you. God Bless.
January 4, 2013
January 4, 2013
Thinking of Bob and how great of a neighbor the Cleary's were growing up in L.V. Too many memories to isolate 1. Love and miss U guys!
January 3, 2013
January 3, 2013
Remembering you ! Here's a particular memory that sticks with me and always makes me smile. I lost touch with you, Kennedy, Warneke & the guys . I was sitting in the barber chair at Louie's Barbershop and you walked in. I said "Hello" and you responded with "What's doin' Al?" (in a barrelhouse voice).  "Geez, Bob! What happened to your voice?" You said, " I joined the S.F.P.D.!"
May 10, 2012
May 10, 2012
I missed you yesterday, today and will miss you again tomorrow. Happy Birthday King! From your baby precious
May 9, 2012
May 9, 2012
My dear brother,

Woke up this morning wishing you a happy birthday. Walked the lake and remembered rushing to Mom's, changing, and we were off to run, meeting back at the car. So many fond memories, you are loved and missed. Mimi
May 9, 2012
May 9, 2012
My Dear Ole Fellow, Ole Chap, thinking of you today and the wealth of human kindness your imparted on us still here- will raise a good glass of Balvenie to you and your eternal memory, Old Chap! Godspeed!
May 9, 2012
Bob, HB2U wherever you are. Hope you are marching to the tune of 76 trombones in celebration of the day you were born! You were always a bigger-than-life kinda guy who deserves a parade. I'm sure you are in your Porsche riding behind the band givin' out the royal wave. You may not be here on earth, but your memory lives on!
January 4, 2012
January 4, 2012
Keep His Love alive in your Heart..I shall Never never leave your side..I may be Millions of miles away..But I feel your love and pain..
January 4, 2012
January 4, 2012
We just went thru the photo gallery again which brought up the memories of good times. Had a few laughs remembering the good ole days....Bob with Tom at work and the 4 of us socializing. We miss both Bob and Barbara and are thankful they were in our lives. Hugs & Kisses to all three of you "kids".
January 3, 2012
January 3, 2012
I don't think there is a day that goes by that I don't think of you and mom. Scott, Tyler and I often share stories of times we spent with you. You are truly loved and greatly missed!

your baby precious
January 3, 2012
January 3, 2012
Hard to believe it has been two years. Know I am thinking of you and praying your dad whispers sweet stories into your mind this week. Have lots of warm memories this week too! Love you.
January 3, 2012
January 3, 2012
I can't beleive it has been a year....thinking of you all and sending hugs and warm thoughts....wow....no words....
May 9, 2011
May 9, 2011
Dear Bob,
Scott, the boys and I miss you so much. I think about you every day and wish that I could talk to you and hear you laugh. Love, "Deena"
May 9, 2011
May 9, 2011
The best memory Bob and I shared, as time and travel took us to very vivid & separate experiences, is/was: meeting at the corner of Naylor and Baltimore Way and playing Superman on the top of a tall building. You had to be there!
May 9, 2011
May 9, 2011
My Dear Brother,
I think of you so often and the positive effect you had on my life. That aside, you were delightful and charming just like "Cary." Miss you and love you.
Mimi
May 9, 2011
May 9, 2011
My Dear Brother,

I reflect so often on you, and the positive effect you had on my life. I am grateful for that -- your words of wisdom. That aside, you were delightful and charming ju
May 9, 2011
May 9, 2011
Always remembered..... My Ole Mate never forgotten. Just got back from my home town of Manchester and the game against Chelsea- which we won. I am sure you would have enjoyed the celebration, people and good beverages, ole friend. Keep tight... And s
May 9, 2011
May 9, 2011
"The quality and fullness of our lives is not measured in length, but in the love and examples we leave those we left behind"....remembering you on your birthday Bob.
May 9, 2011
May 9, 2011
We will raise our glasses to you today, here is cheers to you, Bob. Hug Driekje
May 9, 2011
HAPPY 75th BIRTHDAY, Bob, wherever you are. There's no doubt that you are still dapper and surrounded by beauty of all sorts. Enjoy our dear friend. Rest & Relax in
peace! Marilyn & Tom
January 20, 2010
January 20, 2010
Robin, Scott, Tyler,
Remembering when I first met you all in Fuengirola. Your mom has kept me updated on your lives. I'm so saddened by your loss.

With thoughts of peace and courage for you,
Ilene
January 19, 2010
January 19, 2010
Your friends in San Francisco are thinking of you, and hope that you all find solace by remembering the good times with your Dad.
Tim, Yolanda, Lukas and Niko Seufert
January 17, 2010
January 17, 2010
Dear Bob, today your friends over here in Spain attended a memorial mass for you in the church in Fuengirola.We celebrate your life and of knowing you- it was a pleasure and privilege. God Bless
January 16, 2010
January 16, 2010
Robin,
 My humble prayers are with you & your brothers for your loss. You painted a wonderful picture of him in our talks. I pray that your hearts heal quickly through the fond memories you have.
January 12, 2010
January 12, 2010
ROBERTO MI AMIGO SO YOU WON THE RACE YOU COMPLETED LIFES TRAIL. TO.... SAY ANYTHING ABOUT YOURE STYLE HUMOR AND PANACE WOULD BE WASTED..LIFES SUCCESES CAN BE SEEN BY THOSE THAT SURROUND YOU
ADIOS
January 11, 2010
January 11, 2010
Dearest Barbara, Scott, Tyler and Robin

I was so sad to hear of your father's passing. I remember meeting him for the first time and what an impression he made-he was a delightful adorable man xxx
January 11, 2010
January 11, 2010
Dear Bob, when we met for the 1st time in Magnolia I wished then we could all live on the same continent. There are many unforgettable moments. Driekje
January 10, 2010
January 10, 2010
Dear Scott, Tyler and Robin,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad.I have such fond memories of him and I know how much he meant to all of you.Wish you the best during this difficult time. God Bless
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Recent Tributes
January 4, 2023
January 4, 2023
I never met you. But I only knew great things about you.
Bless you, rest well.
January 4, 2021
January 4, 2021
Missed you a lot yesterday. Just moved to Arizona and thought about how you would have liked to help picking out furniture and decor for the house. I tell Tony stories about you all the time, I wish you two could have met. You would like him. 
January 4, 2020
January 4, 2020
Wow, 10 years. Seems like yesterday..loved your Dad alot. hope all is well with Scott,Tyler,Robin, and Mom.
Recent stories

Lessons

January 3, 2016

I think about my dad often. I tell stories to people in my life now that never got the chance to know him. While I’ve had a difficult couple of years with the embarrassment of losing my job as a police officer, I know my dad would have supported me emotionally and told me that my job shouldn’t have defined me as a person. He would tell me to look back on the experience of a twenty year career with pride. He would tell me that they were all “a bunch of assholes” that I worked with. We often talked about our careers as cops, sharing stories of our battles. Our battles weren’t always with the “bad guys”; many times we shared our battles with our co-workers. I seemed to follow in my dad’s footsteps in many ways. People either love my dad or hated him, I fell into that same envelope. While we both had many who thought we were charming, smart, charismatic and humorous (and humble lol), there were plenty who thought we were smug and arrogant. We liked to say those were the ones that just didn’t “get” us. We often laughed over our detractors and figured we would always rise above and that they would remain miserable. And as usual, he was right. I allowed my job define who I was for far too many years. I allowed the job dictate who I allowed into my tight circle. I gave up too many days of fun with friends and family so that I could be available for callouts. And while I did not have the chance to come to that decision on my own, I am grateful for the lesson. I used to run through life in a hurry, always feeling like I needed to accomplish more and more professionally. I now realize that was a mistake. I needed a reason to slow down and let more people into my life.
I have discovered a new set of friends who share my love of music and concerts. I met the love of my life. A wonderful man, Tony, who stuck with me through the hardest time in my life. He braved the worst of me to get to the best of me. I’m in a good place right now.
I know that I am strong because of the lessons my dad taught me about life while I was growing up. I knew that it was natural and okay to be sad and that I was in charge of my own happiness. I knew that there would always be “assholes” to deal with in life, but to never to become one. I miss you every day dad. I know I am who I am because of your love and devotion to us, your children. We always felt special and loved.

Jazz Festival

May 17, 2011
04 'Tis Autumn

Bob invited me to stay at "Trail's End" (?) for the Jazz Festival in Port Townsend at Fort Worden. I brought my trumpet and got the invitation to "sit-in" with the great Bobby Shew, world renown jazz trumpet player. During the festival, while I was playing, Bob was approached by the woman in the photo , who happened to be on the board of the festival and wanted to know who I was. Well, Bob , being his charming self, Invited her and her friend to dinner at "Trail's End" where she could hear my CD, "Straight From the Heart."  As the photo reveals, she accepted the invitation. As it turns out, Bob only had some chicken in the fridge, for which they had a good recipe. They offered to prepare dinner, which was for the best. We enjoyed dinner with some of Bob's select wine , from Spain. The evening was a smash with my album playing, and some great conversation about jazz, Bob giving his famous tour of the premises. I remember making a toast at dinner, "to long lasting friendship", and sheading a tear. This photo is so appropriate to this occasion.

Ode to my Old Mate Bob!

January 23, 2010

Ode to my Ole Mate Bob

 

I have to admit it has been a challenge writing this- and have attempted it several times before. Now that I have traveled from Spain to be with Bob’s children- my deep and longstanding friends since 1976- and, having sat a his own desk with a glass of red wine next to me, it is easier for this Englishman to pay homage to this wonderful man.

 

I remember very clearly the day I was introduced to Bob by my best mate Scott- his son. Bob- always engaging and welcoming- set about me with diverse questions, testing- what I felt was- my mettle. This was to form the foundations of a longstanding friendship with this powerful, generous and challenging man- but would also take the backdrop to our relationship. For although in later years we found more and more things in common, and I was fortunate to spend more time with him, and to receive his counsel and guidance- that was always unflinchingly and generously given when asked for. Though we must also admit that we rivalled in some areas- as would naturally be so for a patriotic Englishman and an Irish blooded American- but our differences always lasted minutes only. Even though he had many things very clear in life, I think it is also fair to say that there were some things he could not accept. We shared in many areas, from ideals, politics, humour, wine, cigars, whisky, food, travel, cars…and views on the female side of society. Indeed he recommended all of us- his boys- read The Manipulated Man by Esther Vilar. Good grist for the mill in later years, even though we didn’t fully share his total enthusiasm for it’s contents.

 

Bob was a giant of a man in many ways- his handsome square features made him immediately attractive to most women and equally challenging to most men- his presence filled most rooms. Aided by a charming smile and easy tongue for conversation in whatever subject he fancied propelled him easily into most peoples high estimations. A tall six footer, he ambled with an easy gait that made him instantly recognizable. As we all know, though, not every weakling individuals warm to power, and he did have his detractors, as he knew too well, though he never seriously lamented this. Always sharp in intellect, he never lacked for conviction. Almost always argumentative and occasionally and apparently unfair, one soon realized that this was his tactic- as a stubborn Taurean, he would probe his opponents with phantom arguments- only to withdraw gracefully when  he knew he could push the point any further, with an easy laconic smile on his face. Some would find him infuriating and our conversations on Religion were a case in point- but there were many others- hell, he wouldn’t have all the answers, but he would damn well make out he had all the bases covered!

 

Whilst living in Seattle learning to fly helicopters, we spent quite a considerable time together enjoying the social life in the City and in South Bend where he had set up home. Later, we made fantastically memorable trips to Las Vegas and a five State trip in an open top white Mustang to discover these magical places that make the USA a fantastic place to visit. We marveled and argued, drank and eat, and felt alive in our travels. The memories of those wonderful times – and many others- are immortalized on my camcorder tapes. Visits to London, to my wedding, to my home in Spain, to parties in Spain with my friends, where he was always appreciated, admired- nay loved- contributed to his reputation for being jolly good fellow.

 

Years later, as his health began to fail, I made visits to him to see what he was up to and- of course- indulge in our intense and sometimes conflictive relationship. I remember with fondness taking him on a marvelous trip to see the coastal areas of Oregon and visiting the Evergreen Flight Museum- as I do the fun conversation we held a couple of days before his passing. We shared many enjoyable moments and visions together and I was glad to have spent some time with this wonderful man. And in my sadness I feel that the America I love is and respect is a little further away from me than before- I don’t know why. So I dedicate this poem to him:

I asked for strength….and God gave me difficulties to make me strong,

I asked for wisdom…and God gave me problems to solve, 

I asked for prosperity….and God gave me a brain and brawn to work,

I asked for courage….and God gave me danger to overcome,

I asked for love…and God gave me troubled people to help,

I asked for favours….and God gave me opportunities,

I got nothing I wanted…But I received everything I needed.

 

In his passing his family and friends are immeasurably poorer and will miss Bob tremendously- he was quite simply irreplaceable- one of a kind, a diamond of a man. Whilst we all suffer in our sadness, and miss him, we will ensure that his legacy lives on and shines bright- for my thoughts of him make me smile in my good fortune at having spent such good times with such a genuinely good man.

 

Thank the Lord for that- may Bob live forever in our memories and his lamented Soul rest in Peace!

 

Godspeed Bob…until we meet again.

 

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