Sad news for the paddling community

[turboturtle]

Cool Thanks Bree!

[Ryan Viser]

I wanted to share with everyone, yesterday when we went to Baker Creek, the timing was such that we ended up behind the truck that was going up to unlock the gate to access the Baker put-in (not sure if it's the forestry service or who does it). Anyways, a woman got out and unlocked the gate and then motioned us over. Adam rolled down the window and she walked up and affectionately put her hand on his shoulder and looked at us and said "Tell Bob bye for all of us".

Yesterday was really a special day for that area for a lot of people. Myself and my 2 buddies from LA as well as Roger's two sons (Grant and not sure the other name, who were led down by Jeremy) all got first time runs down Baker and did really well. What better way to celebrate the life of an incredible person and paddler who had such a profound impact. I never did have the blessing of meeting Bob, but I'd like to dedicate yesterday to him and his memory.

[paddlinggoddess]

Thursday was a good day. I Felt like Bob was watching, smiling, and knowing that we were all with in on some plane. I truly beleive that Bob brought us the water to bring us all together to paddle his favorite river. I never took a stroke without thinking of him.

Sabrina

[Ryan Center]

I never got to know Bob either, but seen him a few times always smiling and enjoying being by himself. I would drive by him a couple of times and ask him if he wanted a ride and he declined. I wished just once he would have taken that ride just so I could have got to talk to him. Cossatot Bob, you will be missed brother, you are in a better place now.

I'm with Dan-O, I vote we plant a tree or build some kind of memorial. I think that would be a great tribute to Bob's life at the Tot.

[tomcat]

What I know so far is that there will be a memorial service for him on the 22nd of March, at the Daniel Cemetary in Wickes. I do not know the time yet but will post as soon as I do.

Sabrina....do you any more info about this? Time? Directions to Daniel Cemetary?


Tommy

[Cowper]

Dave Holthus posted on another thread, looks like it is 2 PM.

Here are some different ways to find it:

http://www.visionmena.com/daniel_cemetery.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lon=-94 ... atum=nad83" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

N34.29485 W94.31960

From Hwy 71 in Wickes, head towards the Tot on Hwy 4 (now Hwy 278), take the second right turn to go South on 2nd street. It will soon bear to the left; keep bearing left and it will turn into Baker Road. In about one mile, you should come to Daniel Cemetery.

[Eric Esche]

Here is the obituary for Bob:

WICKES - Bob Hedge, age 60 of Wickes, died Monday March 9, 2009 at his home. He was born on Jan. 15, 1949 to William Thomas and Addie Doice Kuykendall Hedge in Seminole, Okla.

Bob graduated from Wickes High School as valedictorian of his class, then continued his education with a bachelor’s degree of theology at Ambassador College in Pasadena, Calif., and then finished his education with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in English and German. He spoke fluent German and spoke several other languages. Bob was a very devout Christian man and started every day with God; he was an elder in the United Church of God and served in the Mena, Ark., congregation and had previously served in the Pittsburgh, Pa., and Dallas, Texas, congregations. Some of Bob’s greatest enjoyments in life were whitewater kayaking, running, and swimming. He also loved the outdoors and was an avid gardener and fisherman. Bob was a loving husband, son, brother, nephew, and friend. He really lived!

He is preceded in death by his brother Dennis Hedge.

Survivors include his wife Deborah Hedge of the home; his parents Bill and Doice Hedge of Wickes; one brother John Larry Hedge of Wickes; four sisters Sharon Nettles of Mena, Marilyn Blair of Wickes, Patty Goethals of Sumner, Washington, and Karen Robbins of Mena, 15 nieces and nephews and 14 great-nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held Sunday March 22, 2009 at 2 p.m. at the Daniel Cemetery Chapel in Wickes with Roger West officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Hall Funeral Service in Mena, Ark. Bob was a member of the Daniel Cemetery Board and requested in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Daniel Cemetery Endowment Fund P.O. Box 123 Wickes, Ark. 71973.

[Shaggy]

Thanks Dave and Eric. The Memorial service will be at 2 tomorrow the 22nd at 2:00 in the afternoon. It will be held at Daniel cemetry which is just south of the school in wickes.

Jason & Sabrina

[Verno]

I just realized that Bob's beloved Tot has'nt reached his preferred levels since way back in mid Oct. (came close to just 4' once in late Dec.).

Yet it hits around 5' both the week of his passing and the week of his memorial. Coincidence or not?

Vernon

[paddlinggoddess]

Bob brought us that rain. Nothing made him happier than to see the Tot full of boaters.

Sabrina