Sad news for the paddling community

[hellbender]

I always looked for Bob everytime I went down that way.I believe he had a story for every rapid,it was great paddling with him.Gonna miss ya Bob and will be thinking of you everytime. Jodie B

[dan valovich]

This is how I remember Bob;

[depic]

Thanks Danny.

Dennis Pickering

[okieboater]

Dan,

Thanks for the photo of Bob.

That is what the man was about.

Running Laps at the falls, big grin all the time and that long boat flashing down river.

Lots of folks have not had the pleasure of paddling with Bob and this photo lets them know why Bob was so well liked in the paddling community and those who ran the cossatot a lot.

[paddlinggoddess]

Thanks Dan you had the perfect pic for him. Still no news on the services yet.

Sabrina

[Ryan Viser]

This is really sad, I don't think I ever did meet Bob. He was probably just slightly before I started. It sounds like I missed out on knowing a great person and a great paddler. But I will definitely be thinking about him next time I run the Falls. My prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

[Fish]

One of my best memories of Bob was after a long day of running laps on the falls (we couldn't keep up with him). He had changed and loaded his boat into that old pickup of his by the time we got to the parking lot. He started cranking on the engine, but it wouldn't start. We finished changing and he was still cranking. We offered him a ride, but he just smiled and said, "no it's old and takes a while, but it always starts." 15 minutes later, he was still happily cranking away on it, while we waited to be sure it started, trying to look like we were just hanging out, drinking beer. No way it was going to start at this point, but Bob clearly still had faith, still smiling and talking with us with no complaints and in no particular hurry. After more than 25 minutes or more of cranking without so much as a hiccup, we figured the battery was going to give out any second. About that time, it stunned us by turning over and rumbling and sputtering to life! Bob smiled, said he'd see us around, and took off down the road from the Falls parking lot.

Sorry that I never got to know Cossatot Bob better than I did.

- Fish

[BEubanks]

One of my first runs on the 'tot, I'd driven over expecting to find others to paddle with and do shuttle. Summertime, I think, and fairly minimal water--no one else was around. Finally met Bob on the road with his boat sticking out the back of his pickup bed. Though he'd planned on just running the falls a few times, he agreed to go with me all the way from Ed Banks down to the highway. I was paddling a mid 70s era fiberglass boat about 13 feet long and trying to decide what to buy next. Bob was just about my size: 6ft and skinny. The way he made that pirouette dance on the drops was amazing. And he was 10 years older than I was. He age, skill, and joy made me glad to think I had many good years of paddling ahead of me. And my second boat was a purple pirouette.

Beyond his paddling, Bob had a curious mind and a joy for learning. He had just finished reading Durant's The Story of Philosophy. So we talked philosophy during the flat stretches. I don't know what kind of formal education he had, but he was no slouch as a thinker. Bob had a joy in living, a devotion to quality work, and a simplified life that we could all learn from. The last time I saw Bob was after his cancer surgery. He was changing out of gear at the falls, enjoying conversation, smiling big as ever.

Bob may have had little impact on the larger world, but from my experience all who knew him were richer for that relationship. I call that a successful life.

[paddlinggoddess]

Talked to Ramsey today they are making arangements today will post info as soon as I get it. I figure that Bob is going to bring us some water as final farewell. Thats what my grandpa did for me. What better to celebrate Bob than a run on the Tot.
Sabrina

[Roger]

Hell, I can remember him turning down a ride back up to Ed Banks as he preferred to run it one day. Tot won't ever seem the same.

Thanks for shot, Dan.

[Danimal]

If the state park system would allow it, I think it would be great to have some sort of living memorial near the river. Like planting a tree that overlooks the falls or something like that. Just a thought. Dan-o

[Heath]

will be a different place without him. best of wishes to the family.

[canoe]

have going through the cancer deal with Dale... We got lucky my heart and soull goes to this family. I'm so sorry Dale was so upset if there is any thing we can do plese let us know.... Pam/ Dale Barton What a wondeful person Bob we will celebrate you every time we run the river.........

[JTarver]

As much as I've gotten to paddle the Tot, I never got to meet Bob formally. I had heard stories about him for years and knew him only as "Cossatot Bob". The pic Dan put up spoke volumes in conjunction with the stories...and it really added alot to this thread. I wish I had gotten the chance to know the man behind the tales, but I feel like he would be honored to have so many fond memories relived by all of you that knew him best.

Who wouldn't be.

Again, what a great pic and stories.

Joe

[paddlinggoddess]

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.