Kyle Johnson

Pregame time on Shields Watkins Field for the UCONN v Tennessee game at Neyland Stadium. It was homecoming so there were lots of activities for old people like me. Being from Connecticut added a little to the whole thing.

Busy summer. Our great granddaughter and our newest grandson both turned 1 years old! Our oldest grandson graduated from high school. I am retired, now twice, and doing some consulting (Lean manufacturing) in Georgia requiring a lot of commuting. Our son-in-law (the younger) is relocating to the NSA outside of Washington DC - it has been a great two months with them living in our basement as the military reorganized their lives.

Bob was a person who gave to others.  When he saw a need he didn't wait for others, he filled the need right away.  This is reflected by the life he led.  He has a beautiful family, he was a leader in the community, he was frequently sought for his common sense wisdom in business and in healthcare, and he was always someone who could be trusted to provide sound personal advce.  He was a friend, a best friend.  A person who would do what needed to be done for another person without fanfare or for selfish gain.  Selfless, he was the behind the scenes guy that made high school events work, in Boy Scouts he did the tough jobs, on the job at Hallisey's he was the leader, the "git 'er done" guy, and oh, he was relentless perhaps mercyless, he would 'rake you over the coals' in a four hour game of Monopoly and then pummel you in hockey, basketball, touch football or what ever the game dejour was.  

We all as parents realize the impact the friends of our children have on them.  It is only after raising children can we reflect on our own lives and see the value of the friends we had in those most scary of all life periods, 'the teenage years'.  Bob and I were friends before and throughout high school and for the rest of our lives.  How many times he set me straight I can't even begin to imagine, we worked, played, traveled, dreamed and planned together he was the most trusted confidant a boy/man could have as a friend.  In the middle of the summer of 1974 he and I took a road trip to Canada for a couple of weeks before setting off to different Universities and our futures.  Camping and sightseeing it was not the VW van thing to California (we did travel in his big old convertable) but it was a vivid memory shared 30 years later.  

Character and values deeply routed in family and faith, Bob limited the gray areas and focused on the black and white issues.  Hard work, persistence, dedication, love, these were the tools he brought into the world to address and manage every situation.  

Bob will be missed by friends and family alike, but Bob made this world a better place for those whose lives he touched and for this old friend.  Jesus said he would prepare a mansion for us where we will be able to spend eternity with him, Bob is in the arms of his savior.  May God bless you Bob, preserve your family and loved ones.  Kyle

great photo -- recognized you right away!! We lived in Arizona for a few years after retiring from the AF while working for Cat. Fantastic!

Posted on: Nov 12, 2014 at 6:17 AM

Craig, has Check-6 done work for Caterpillar in the past? Particularly in regards to safety operations. BTW - Happy Veteran's Day