Tuesday, April 23, 2024
In our house, he was always The Ketchup Man from his time boarding with my parents when he first arrived in Bridgewater (before I arrived). My sisters said he never ate a thing without ketchup. He was always a good guy to us, looking out for us and having fun with us whenever there was an opportunity. My earliest memories were him leading the Big Ex parade, which he always gave us an extra bit of love as he passed. As a BFD firefighter, I had many interactions with him as an adult, all good. Eye rolls and choice words were common as we shared a yarn or looked to get a laugh at the other's expense. We could use more police like him in the world, and when someone asks me to describe a good cop, Bob is who I tell them about.
Bob was a proud dad. Even when his girls were giving him grief, he found the good to highlight. I remember him telling me once how difficult it was to not lock up some boys they brought around, followed by some proud moments.
My thoughts with the entire Smith family. I know how much he will be missed.