I am still trying to wrap my head around Bob leaving us so suddenly. Kind of like him to be so spontaneous, surprise us, go off on a tangent. I just loved the exceptional human that he was. Not like anyone else in my life. Every time we met I laughed and learned so much I'd get in my car and say "Sandy, are you listening, be sure to keep Bob in your life."

I loved his curiosity: His insatiable thirst for knowlege. And I think he remembered everything he ever learned. I always wished I had half his internal data bank, because it looked like so much fun. And not just related to our work - but also on everyday life stuff - how to make minestrone soup (put the Parmesan rind in the soup), how to practice piano (play more slowly, focus on the tough spots), the best book on any subject (which he would gift to you.)

I loved his historical references and famous quotes: He had a million of them and could deploy them at just the right moment. And his analogies were the best. He would get that gleeful grin of his when he really nailed an analogy - would made me think: I think he just surprised himself with that one...

I loved his generosity: He wasn't just generous with his knowledge, but was a generous spirit in every way imaginable. I mentioned an article I read in his New Yorker magazine, so he got me a subscription. Said my Dad liked sausage, so he brought me the "best sausage in town" (Marantz) to give my Dad. Told him I was going to Russia and he started speaking Russian. What the !?!? Then he got me a Russian phrase book. Told him I was feeling stressed and he brought me a book on Buddhist meditation. Bob really listened when you spoke-and his support was unwavering.

Will never forget the time I was being thoroughly publicly castigated by some powerful people -- for doing something I didn't do, for the record:-). My attempts at self defense were dismissed. But Bob decided to come to my defense. I remember him suddenly rising out of his chair... looming with all his size and booming "Would you listen to her? For the last time... she didn't do it!" That put an end to the verbal beating. Taking truth to power can be dangerous business. Shouting it at them even more so. But Bob often had higher priorities than his own political well-being.

I loved his zest for life: I so admired, was jealous of - his zest for life. He was a consumer of life pleasures, built room for moments into his life. Food, books, music, information - everything held an uncanny interest to him - and he would devour it. Especially good food. One day I mentioned I liked brussel sprouts, and he insisted we drop everything and head over to Esquire Grill - where he proceeded to order FOUR servings of brussel sprouts. He loved long lunches and we always let him pick the restaurant - restaurant research and testing being his full time hobby. And he was always on a first name basis with the owner and staff. He would introduce us, telling them all about me and me about them. He was a very popular guy.

I loved his ethics: Bob had the most solid, clear moral code. He never joined in a jab at someone else's expense, even if it meant he was odd man out for the moment. With a few notable - and I would argue well-earned exceptions - Bob never spoke ill of his fellow man - It was not his nature to dwell on what's wrong with people.

I loved his devotion to his family: I learned I could get him to talk about himself in a more personal way if I just asked how Ann and Jack and Robbie were doing. He was so energized, almost undone by that topic, - that he would drop his tendency to keep big parts of himself private. He couldn't hold back in any way on that subject. He was, rightfully, so proud of and in love with them.

Finally, I loved his creativity: He was a masterful writer, yes - but he could sing, and act too. He and I were scheduled to speak at an education conference. Bob decided it would be so cool ...to sing our presentations. He would play piano, no worries, while we both sang! Now, no way was I going to do that - but he just KNEW it was the best idea ever - and wouldn't let it go. He was so disappointed when I finally had to tell him NO... in no uncertain terms. I felt bad about raining on his parade because he was so pumped about the notion. Then I watched him get up there and do it by himself - playing the piano and singing lyrics he wrote to explain what was going on in Sacto. And, yeah, he was good. Is there nothing you can't/won't do, Bob?

Have heard it said that there are three character traits that can diminish in adult life - that we should fight to hold on to: Our Curiosity, our Enthusiasm and our Optimism. Well apparently, Bob already knew that too. We are so lucky to have had him in our lives. I so look forward to seeing you again, good buddy.