I remember Bob not only for the upbeat presence he was, but also for the unique automotive-aeronautics lesson he taught me: How to soar off the road and down into a ravine at a turnout on Mt. Diablo, in a Hollywood-ready (red?) Pontiac Firebird convertible ... and live to tell! I don't think our paths ever crossed after graduation, but I did think of him over the decades. And not only for that most memorable of aerial stunts, but also, simply, because he was a friend.
I was there at the pullout when you all went flying. That was scary...I think you were temporarily blinded, but I was so glad that everybody survived. Bob was a great guy. He was good friend. In 1973, I had bought a fiddle and was jamming around. I jammed with Bob one time, and he really encouraged me to keep at it. Fifty years later I am still at it, in large part because of Bob.
For the last several years, we followed each other from afar on Facebook. I could see what wonderful, and happy family he had. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. I feel fortunate to have known him, and am deeply saddened. My prayers go out to his family to be able to process the grief. I hope to someday jam with him on high...
Great story, Tony. That was instant legend! I think I was still up the mountain at the party when you and Bob "took off." Really was miraculous that you both were mostly unscathed.
And well said, Mike, about Bob's lasting memories and influence on many of his Danville-Alamo friends.
Tony Huegel
I remember Bob not only for the upbeat presence he was, but also for the unique automotive-aeronautics lesson he taught me: How to soar off the road and down into a ravine at a turnout on Mt. Diablo, in a Hollywood-ready (red?) Pontiac Firebird convertible ... and live to tell! I don't think our paths ever crossed after graduation, but I did think of him over the decades. And not only for that most memorable of aerial stunts, but also, simply, because he was a friend.
Mike Rosgen
I was there at the pullout when you all went flying. That was scary...I think you were temporarily blinded, but I was so glad that everybody survived. Bob was a great guy. He was good friend. In 1973, I had bought a fiddle and was jamming around. I jammed with Bob one time, and he really encouraged me to keep at it. Fifty years later I am still at it, in large part because of Bob.
For the last several years, we followed each other from afar on Facebook. I could see what wonderful, and happy family he had. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. I feel fortunate to have known him, and am deeply saddened. My prayers go out to his family to be able to process the grief. I hope to someday jam with him on high...
Bruce McCormack
Great story, Tony. That was instant legend! I think I was still up the mountain at the party when you and Bob "took off." Really was miraculous that you both were mostly unscathed.
And well said, Mike, about Bob's lasting memories and influence on many of his Danville-Alamo friends.