Circle of Trust

There has been an overwhelming number of people reaching out about my friend Rob, and I think it’s awesome to see just how many lives he touched. I wanted to say something more than the usual words about him being a great guy because he was so much more than that.

I moved to Lockport at a time in my life when I was kind of a dorky kid..awkward, not many friends, not very socially aware. I didn’t have many mentors growing up until around seventh grade, when I met Rob. He was larger than life…fun, entertaining, engaging. He was the ringleader, always keeping everyone moving, having fun, and doing something..whether it was riding bikes, building forts, playing baseball—Rob was the curator , the coach, and the MVP of it all.

I had never really had a true friend before. I was the kind of kid who got knocked down a lot. But Rob was more than just a friend, he was like a big brother. And his love often came in the form of tough love. He saw potential in me, even when I didn’t see it in myself. I remember him pushing me, telling me, You’re stronger than these guys. Don’t let them put you down. Don’t let them keep you in that hole.

Everything we did, he made sure I was included. Our group of friends in the Kylemore subdivision had an incredible childhood because of Rob. I bet every single one of them would agree growing up there was special because of him.

As we got older, no matter what life threw at me, Rob was always there checking in, encouraging me, never giving up on a friend. He was the first guy to help, always going above and beyond. Honestly, he was one of those people I knew I could never fully repay, he was always a better friend to me than I could ever be to him. And he was okay with that.

Most people who knew Rob have a story about him, but it’s never, Yeah, I had to help that guy Rob out. Or I did this for Rob.  It’s always, Rob really took care of me. Rob really looked out for me. Rob did this for me.That’s the kind of guy he was. He would rather do 100 favors than get one.

I feel incredibly lucky that Rob considered me one of his best friends. To be honest, I’m not sure I could ever say I was his best friend, because how do you repay someone who shaped so much of who you are? All I can say is, Rob, I promise to live the best life I can. I promise to be the best person I can be. Because all I have left now are memories, and I never want to tarnish the way you saw me or the way you believed in me.

I will always love you, my friend.
God bless you buddy. You are home.