The first time I had ever seen Bob was when I was playing volleyball down in southern Connecticut. The tournament was at Sherwood Island and I remember seeing the “oldest guy I had ever seen play volleyball”. He looked liked Santa. I had never met Bob before and had no idea that I ever would. I do remember thinking that I hoped I still played volleyball at 80 years old. Well, it turns out Bob was nowhere near 80 and I was still young and stupid.
Moving forward a few years I began playing in the Tri-town Volleyball League. Needless to say I was not the nicest person to play with. But one of the few people to talk to me was Bob Cook (and Merrill). The next season I was playing with them and began to meet many of those people I know now. One of the highlights of winning my first tournament was getting to go put to dinner with Bob and Merrill on the way
home.
Later on I found out that the Cooks had a terrific Fourth of July party. I think I may have been the only person attending Uconn who did not know about it. But I played volleyball with Bob and was one of the lucky ones who could show up early. It was always such a pleasure for all of us to get together and play with Bob. That get together was always one of the highlights of the year.
As more time went by, my fiance and I moved to Colorado. Friends went in different directions. The chances to get together became fewer and fewer. One thing was constant, Wednesday night was always Ladiesnight at the Cooks. Whenever we were back in town, we would always try and coordinate the trip around this day. I knew I wouldn’t play but that was fine with me, I knew that I would get to hang out with Bob. Whether it was sitting inside talking about skiing or out watching the girls I always felt like it was the greatest place on earth to be.
I love Bob! Thinking of him brings tears and a smile at the same time.
Please know that all of our thought and prayers are with you guys!!
Kevin
