Go in Peace

My friend Bob Morgan died last week. He decided he didn't want medical treatment, so he went home with his family and moved on. Just what I'd expect from him. The last time I talked to him - a week before he died - we laughed about another time he was in the hospital and I smuggled a pre-mixed brandy manhatten in for him. He drank most of it before a nurse came in and scolded us both. Sometimes a friend has to do what a friend has to do. Bob was a good one. You will hear many talk  about all the things Bob achieved in his life - his Marine service, his basketball scoring records, his championship teams, his Hall of Fame Awards, his wonderful family. I just want to tell you about my friend.

When I started working at Parker High School in 1973, Bob was a very successful coach and teacher. I was just a rookie and worried that I would soon be exposed for what I didn't know.  But  - for whatever reason - he made me feel welcome and, although I didn't know it then, he would be part of many memorable moments in my life. There is not space here to explain them all, but permit me to share a few images I have of Bob.

The Parker staff would often have parties at Camp Rotamer which included the usual softball game. I still have the perfect picture in my mind of Bob playing first base with a Beam and coke in one hand and a cigarette in the other. When a teammate threw him the ball, he ducked complaining that he almost spilled his drink. That was classic Bob.

We were playing in an Old Timers softball game in Eagleton, WI. (Don't even ask how I got roped into this!) This tournament had interesting rules which permitted each team to have a keg of beer on the bench. Bob was playing shortstop and late in the game - long after the keg was empty- Bob got a ground ball and when he tried to throw a runner out at home, he threw the ball at least 20 feet over the catcher's head. His response, " I'm better at first base."

Once, heading home from a yearly fishing trip we took with several others, I looked in my wallet and realized I had spent every dollar. Bob looked in his wallet and saw the same. Without hesitation, he reached into his pocket and came out with 37 cents in change and said,"I got money, you got money."

Playing basketball during Parker's yearly Homecoming Olympics, George Farrell - looking for direction from the state championship coach - asked Bob as we came down on offense, "Where should I go?" Bob looked up from his dribble and pointed to the other end of the court and said, "Go down there."

I could fill pages with these images, but I hope you get the picture. Bob was as generous and humble as any man I've ever known. He loved his family deeply, especially his partner in life "Nanc". When we were together, life was more fun. I know I will miss him.
Rest in peace old friend, rest in peace.