Rarely in a lifetime, someone strides through your world and leaves footprints all over your heart and soul. Bob was such a man. And my life, among many, was changed by his presence. With him goes a piece of me and all that I have become in the years since first we met. Beneath the “jock” exterior was a true sports man; he was the ultimate team player, coach, sports psychologist, captain and leader. Where others talked a good game, Bob “went into the corners” for his teammates and unfailingly shared what could be termed “personal” triumphs. My history with Bob began when I arrived in Newmarket as a young editor, itching to establish a new newspaper in opposition to a very solid, respected local paper. Bob took me under his wing and never shied away from an interview or a tough question. Clearly the sharpest politician in the chambers, he rarely mocked those who thought they could play games with their duties as councillors or staff. They were quietly “counselled” after the meeting and the foolishness seldom was repeated. Although I had seen and known many politicians from all levels of government, I had never watched anyone who had both a sense of vision and the skills to make those dreams come true. Later, after I had left Newmarket to assume command of the paper in Markham, Bob asked me to consider becoming the Region’s information officer. It was an offer I couldn’t and didn’t refuse. Immediately, I became a member of his team and, as such, was pat of many adventures in governance. Together we fashioned a communications plan that would position York Region as, not only “Canada’s Fastest Growing Region”, but as a great place to live, work and invest. When Bob assumed the dual roles of chairman and CAO, he never missed a beat -- despite the knee jerk reactions of pundits who assumed no person could perform both jobs. Bob and his team not only could, but did. When Bob departed York Region, he left behind a legacy of people, systems and ideas that still function decades later. With Bob’s passing, we all are diminished. But, in fairness, we all were enriched. To Sandy and all of Bob’s family, allow me to extend condolences from myself, Sue and our entire family. We regret that we did not become aware of his passing until Sunday -- too late to join with you in celebrating his life. Thank you all for sharing Bob with us and giving him the opportunity and support to walk gently and purposefully through our hearts and souls. God Bless You all.