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Mentors come in all shapes, sizes and forms. You probably didnt know Bob, he was a grumpy, gruff, hardazz kind of guy, that expected only the best from you. But if you did get to know him, you would really find a person that was caring, devoted, had nothing but the best in mind for you, and a huge heart.
Bob has been our assistant fire chief here in Halfmoon Bay for the last dozen or more years, and when I joined the fire department over five years ago, I'll admit that I thought this guy's got it out for me. After returning from a firecall and during our debrief/critique, while everyone was praising what a great job everone has done, Bob would pipe up with the things he saw that didnt go as well as he thought they could have.
Sure we did a great job, maybe we saved a house, a life, whatever, but I understand why Bob picked at the small stuff. It was for us, our safety, and how to be better for next time. How could you really argue someone with almost 20 years of experience. Didnt take me long to want to model myself as a firefighter after Bob. There is alot to be learned from him, you just had to let his gruffness roll of your back.
Bob has alot of accomplishments to be proud of. As an electrician by trade, his company is one of the most established and trusted here on the sunshine coast. He's raised two great kids with the youngest graduating last year and choosing to follow in his fathers footsteps by enrolling in an electrical apprentiship. Bob also just bought 1/4 share in a Piper airplane, and is 1 hour away from his pilots license. This august, he will be our first active member in the FD at age 60, and by next february will earn his 20 years service pin.
It doesnt seem fair that somebody works their azz off most their life, and should just be beginning to enjoy what all that hard work has brought them. Given hundreds of hundreds of hours to the community unselfishly, only to become ill and have much of it taken away. He is the rock in our fire department and how could we get along without him.
Bob was flown to the big city hospital in Vancouver a couple weeks ago after complaining of severe stomach pain. His diagnosis was pancreatic cancer. Last sunday afternoon Bob succumbed to this illness and quietly slipped away from us. It leaves a big hole in my(our) hearts, and an even bigger hole in the department which will be difficult to fill.
I have been faced with the death of friends, but this was more like family or even more than that. I dont think I've cried this much even when my grandparents died. Not just my mentor, Bob was my "brother" in the fire department, as are all the rest of the members. It's not going to be easy to get throught this one.
Goodbye Bob. You've made a huge impression on me, but I wasnt finished learning from you yet. Have a safe journey wherever youre headed, but I know you'll be watching us at every fire scene and trying to keep us safe. I would like to write more, but its been 3 hours with just this bit, trying to see through the tears. Goodbye Bob.....
respectfully, Captain Tim Rieck Halfmoon Bay Engine1
-------------------- Tim Rieck Signs Halfmoon Bay, BC Posts: 736 | From: Halfmoon Bay, BC, Canada | Registered: Sep 2000
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Tim..Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend..Had the same thing happen to me in April..
Good people are hard to replace but they will never be forgotten.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
I feel for your loss. That was a fine tribute to Bob.
Bruce
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6451 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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Tim, Sorry to hear of the loss of your dear friend and mentor.I feel your pain through your tribute to Bob. Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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Tim, that's a beautiful tribute to Bob. We lost my father-in-law just over a month ago to pancreatic cancer. It's definitely an exit for the brave and strong. My prayers and thoughts are with you and his family.
-------------------- Dawn Ellis Signs by Dawn Long Beach, CA signsbydawn@aol.com
Trust yourself. Listen to the voice within. It is always right. Posts: 456 | From: Long Beach, California | Registered: Jan 2003
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As one hose tender to another, my condolences to you, your department, and all of Bob's relatives.
You spoke of the influence Bob has had on you as a firefighter, and you qualities he had that you admired, qualities you made your own.
The best tribute you could make to this man is to pass on what you know, those things he taught you and instilled in you, to care for those that serve with you.
With your skills I'm sure you can conjure up a fitting memorial plaque in his honour.
Our flag will be hung at half mast for our fallen brother....
Captain Peter Schuttinga Highlands Fire Department
-------------------- "Are we having fun yet?" Peter Schuttinga DZines Sign Studio 1617 Millstream rd Victoria BC V9B-6G4 Posts: 521 | From: Victoria BC | Registered: Mar 2002
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