I met Bob about 39 years ago when he hired me as a part time bartender. A few years later, he offered me a full-time job as Beverage Manager--a job I still hold to this day. That friendship has lasted all these years.

I remember the many times we sat in his office and in later years in his golf club repair shop. We talked over the many stories of years gone by. I used to get so tired of hearing about his beloved Marines. I would say, "Can I tell a few Army stories once in a while?"

Of course everyone remembers Bob, the golfer with the picture swing. Well, Bob and I used to play occasionally and I didn't exactly have that picture swing. This one day I remember I was in the fairway thinking about my next shot, when I said, "What do you think I should hit from here, Jud, a 5 or 7 iron?" He looked over at me and laughed and said; "It doesn't matter, you hit all the clubs the same distance anyway." That was my buddy.

Bob was a brilliant man, who read every book he could get his hands on. A gifted writer of letters and short stories to his children that they will cherish and hold dear in their hearts.

He was a true friend, a loving father of Edie, Bobby, David, and Amy. He loved Annie, Oh God, how he loved her, and told me many times how lucky he was to have her as his wife. He was so proud of his grandchildren and talked about them all the time. Bob, you were blessed with such a wonderful family.

So, Bob, to close our last little talk, I have written a short poem to you.

Your life was always your family it seems

Your pleasure was always being on the greens

You fought to the very end

So now I must say goodbye my friend

In the fields of crosses where heroes lie

I say to you, my good friend, Semper Fi

-- Joe Baker