ECVZZ 0 #1 June 16, 2003 Went and saw my buddy Rob today. He's one of the most insane fuckers I've ever known. A fanatic about Snakes, spiders, and California mining history, He kept a rattlesnake in an aquarium beside his bed, and a banana spider that was so large that it ate mice, in a glass cage above his headboard. Rob was a good friend, and a brother in a fraternal organization dedicated to preserving California mining history. We placed many plaques together in conjunction with the california state historical society commemorating mining history, and the history of early western pioneers in California, including the Donner party and the longest tunnel of the trans-sierra railroad at Donner summit. Rob died in August of 2002, while panning for gold on the American river. When a young man was swept by in the strong current of the river, Rob jumped in to attempt to rescue him. He was found later that night on a snag in the current. One of my fondest memories of Rob was the day he stopped by my house to invite me to a barbque. He knocked on my door, and when I answered, there he stood...him and Mike. "Hey dude, having a barbque tonight, Come on over" he says. I tell him that my Mom and Dad have arrived that morning from out of town, and I'll have to take a raincheck. He says to me, "dude, you're gonna be sorry! Come check out what I've got for the main course!" We walk out to his car, and he produces a gunnysack, which he proceeds to empty out onto the street in front of my house. As I instinctively reach for my (legal) .40 cal CCW pistol, he says "look at these!", all the while grinning like a madman. In front of me are 1/2 dozen agitated western rattlesnakes, 3 to 4 feet long! He picks up the largest by it's tail, while shooing the rest back into a circle with his foot."I'm having a snake-bake" he tells me, "and this fat fucker is first on the grill!" Sorry Rob, Mom and Dad'll only be here for a day or two, and I need to spend some time with them. "That's okay dude, we'll have another one" he tells me, as he picks up each snake by the tail and returns it to the gunnysack. He loaded them up and drove away, disappointed that I wouldn't be at his house that night. That was the last time I saw Rob, till I stood looking at him, cold and lifeless in his casket. His Niece had placed a flask of bourbon in his vest pocket, and his favorite CD on his chest. We buried Rob that day, with many tears from his friends and family...and today, I trimmed the grass from around his marker. That was my friend Rob. Miss you buddy, and I'll see you when I get there. Greg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Viking 0 #2 June 16, 2003 Sounds like one hell of a kickass guy and a wonderful friend. Sorry to here it man Although i would have screamed like a little girl if someone droped a bag of rattle snakes at my feet!!!!I swear you must have footprints on the back of your helmet - chicagoskydiver My God has a bigger dick than your god -George Carlin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hooked 0 #3 June 16, 2003 Sounds like a great friend! So sorry for the loss but you have some great memories!!!! J -------------------------------------- Sometimes we're just being Humans.....But we're always Human Beings. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ECVZZ 0 #4 June 16, 2003 Rob was a great friend, and he always went for the shock value! G. Jones "I've never been quarantined. But the more I look around, the more I think it might not be a bad idea." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blondeflyer7 0 #5 June 16, 2003 QuoteRob was a great friend, and he always went for the shock value! Sorry to hear your friend is gone..but remember the good times, and his spirit will be with you for life. I have a friend like that too... only girlfriend I can say I have I have more guy friends. I called her mom the other day found out she was about to have her 3rd child..lol..she didn't even want kids..I miss my friend to...my story is a little more intense than that..See when I divorced my x he would call her and ask about me...he even sepeonaed her to court for my divorce case...I loved her so much that I'm proud I never drug her down with me....I miss her badly and will explain myself to her one day and know just how much she meant to me...if I continued to confide in her 'he' would badger her too...Its a shame that someone can fall into your life like my x and ruin the beautiful things you once had. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #6 June 16, 2003 i think the real shock value would be if he threw the bag at you and waited til you caught it out of reflex to tell ya what was in it ! HAHAHA glad you still go tthe memeories!My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dzdiva 7 #7 June 16, 2003 (((((BIG HUGS)))))"It's not just a daydream if you choose to make it your life..." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BBKid 0 #8 June 16, 2003 Am I right in thinking everyone knows a Rob somewhere? I know I do. Feel for you buddy Nick --------------------------- "I've pierced my foot on a spike!!!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheRus 0 #9 June 16, 2003 Agreed. Everyone either knows a Rob or is a Rob to someone else. Yeah, it's fine, we'll walk down the line. Leave our rain, a cold trade for warm sunshine You my friend, I will defend... and if we change, well, I love you anyway Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
