Simply Bob

A mentor and always my friend A frolicking force in my life His presence was always for good. A tune that was easy to hum And truly a fun sing-a-long, He carried his share of the wood. A servant, disciple of truth An athlete who gave it his all, He’d back you up if you felt fear. A man who sometimes warmed the bench, But always a cheer on his lips And more than once - Man of My Year! His first wife brought Bob’s life a frost That lasted more than twenty years - Depression that could not be cured. Wiv’s sickness, though nobody’s fault, Was still sometimes laid at his feet, A tragedy they all endured. New marriage brought a second chance, A younger wife Louise and son, Bob prospered in her tutelage. It was a marriage heaven blessed, Where testing no more ruled the day, And this love ushered in new age. And now with daughter and with son, With step-son too launched in the world, At peace at last with all outcomes, Bob sang this song with family, ‘She’s coming round the mountain when She comes,’ with repeat, ‘when she comes!’ Brian Johnston January 6, 2015 Poet’s Notes: In memory of Bob Ward and all that he meant in my life with condolences to his daughter Kim Ward (my second wife), his son Byron Ward (my good friend as well), and Louise Ward, (Bob’s second wife), and all the rest of Bob’s loving family!