End of a different kinda of relationship

[Abbynormal]

Bob was my Dad's best friend. They met when Dad began his last job in 1966 and Bob was a Salesman for a similar Pharmaceutical firm. They weren't competitors, but the atmosphere of the time, all the Pharm Reps had kinda of a fraternity.

We lived within a mile of each over and Bob was the practical while Dad was the mental of the pair. Needless to say, Bob and I developed a relationship over 50+ years. My Dad was not one for mechanical/repair kinda things, while Bob thrived on them. So Bob taught me about tools, mechanics, engineering and theory.

It used to be a family joke that if something broke at home, to buy a pair of replacement parts, let Dad do his thing and then call Bob and do it right.

Needless to say, I was drawn to Bob and he taught me woodworking, welding, mechanics and more about life than I can ever explain.

Dad passed 16 years ago and Bob passed Sunday night. It shocked me when I realized I knew Bob longer than I knew my own Dad.

Bob was my second Father and considered me to be one of his sons. I'll always treasure that.

The 4th is gonna be a tough one. For the past 15 years or so, he has been in the local 4th of July parade as one of the town's WWII vet's.

This year, the passenger seat of the jeep will be empty.

 

[Weimar]

Just because he wasn't family doesn't make him less family

I am sorry for your loss, it sucks the way life is at times.... You have lots of important memories and that means he lives on

Ed

 

[RobertJ.]

It's tough enough losing one dad, but you lost two. I'm very sorry for your loss.

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I had a good buddy, Marine Corps vet from WW2. South Pacific. Saw a lot of action. Lost him a few years back & still remember our times shooting together. He loved old single shot rifles, Winchesters, Remingtons & Sharps. He a a few Rugers but when he passed none were in his safe. A fine man.

 

[Marshwheeling]

You lost two, but you had two. My dad was a writer, a great cook, and a very funny man. I loved him and learned a lot from him. In some ways, my mother's second husband taught me even more. He was an FBI agent during the war and the early postwar years. He was trained in the law and built a successful business. He was a teriffic companion on a road trip or at a ball game, and he played a decent hand of bridge, which he taught my mother before they married, and let me piggyback on the lessons. In the years when everybody talked about the generation gap, he was a parent that everybody wanted to party with. Most of all, he was unfailingly kind to my mother, who needed it.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I am sorry for your loss of one so close.

 

[Hillbilly77]

Family is in your heart, not just your blood.

 

[Glashaus]

My condolences on your loss, but is sounds like you had two great men in your life.

 

[old bear]

May your friend and mentor sounds like a wonderful person. May he rest in peace.

 

[S&W Fan]

Condolences on the loss of your second dad. My dad passed in '92, he was still friends with a guy he served in Europe with during WWII. He and his wife would visit us or my folks would visit them every year. It fell on me to call and pass the news of my dad. Very tough call-he was a big strong guy and the sadness I heard in his voice was heartbreaking.

We're fortunate to have such people be a part of our lives, embrace your good memories.

 

[pawncop]

Please accept my condolences. My dad's friend from WWII is like my uncle. I can relate to your sorrow.

 

[pharmer]

They were fortunate men to have worked in the pharma sales biz when a "detail" was an excuse for a busy physician to step out the back door of the office for a cigarette. "7 golden minutes." RIP. Joe

 

[Golddollar]

While I have been blessed by having the multitude of aunts and uncles in my family, I also had an great "honorary" uncle who was the real uncle of a close friend, and I am an "honorary" uncle to the children of a number of my friends. It seems to be a nice custom in eastern PA that adult friends of the family are called "Aunt" and "Uncle" even though they are not related. It has been a joy to watch the son of a classmate grow up and become a premier firearms law attorney in PA. I got him his life membership in the NRA for his bar mitzvah and a cap and ball Colt for his college graduation. I've since received a few requests to be adopted.

 

[Abbynormal]

Thanks to all that have posted and liked my post. I was alone with Bob when he passed. I deep down think he wanted me to be there because
he knew I would handle an emotional moment coolly and rationally yet not put stress on the rest of the family.

Again, thank you!

 

[Abbynormal]

This is a picture of Bob after the surrender in Germany and at the grave side just before the vault and casket were lowered. I had to give my good friend a proper send off. FYI: That was his WWII helmet atop my CMP Garand.

God speed Cpl Robert W. Swift

 

[4506517]

You're a good man my friend.

Sounds like Bob played a significant role in making you that way.

I am sorry for your loss.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

Heartfelt condolences.

Every time you make something Bob taught you, you'll extend his legacy.

 

[Wrangler Rich]

Heartfelt condolences, you were both fortunate to have that special relationship. And that picture at the grave site, caused me to get something in my eye.....