Sunday, September 12, 2021
My friendship with Bob started when I started playing fastball as a teenager. Bob was in the twilight of his career while I was just starting. Similarly, when I started my first job at the Sullivan mine after college, he was my supervisor and closing in on retirement. Whether it was dealing with one of my fielding errors or an indecision on the mine's operations, Bob's demeanor was always the same - patient and supportive while providing guidance to get through any situation. When I first started, we would often start the day with a cup of coffee and a little hockey chat. One day he asked me to "stump" him because he was familiar with every amateur hockey player on their journey to the NHL. I was just a few years out of junior hockey but I followed many opposing players and teammates as they moved on. I threw out a few names. He might have a been off on a couple of small details but he knew everyone that I mentioned. I told him I was no match for him and suggested we talk about something else. After that, our hockey chats usually revolved around us complaining about our hockey pools or telling old hockey stories (Bob had some beauties)! He never talked about his own achievements; he would often talk about current or past Nitros teams or individual successes of a certain player. Bob was a great mentor as I was began my working career and even a greater man to be around.
Todd White
