Be More Bob!

Yesterday, I had the privilege of speaking at a memorial/dedication service for Bob Pickell at school.  We dedicated "buddy benches" in his honor and also a tree that was planted in his memory.  The following is the speech I read to the students of Webster School and community members.  I miss you Bob!  

I had the privilege of knowing Mr. Pickell for nearly 30 years. I was lucky enough to have him as a teacher in grades 6-12, a mentor throughout my teaching career, and so very lucky to also call him friend.  In trying to figure out what to say today, my mind was flooded with memories that I could share. There aren’t enough words or memories to share exactly what Mr. Pickell meant to me. But I came up with a few words that I think describe Mr. Pickell and the influence he had on all of us.

First, he was passionate.  He believed in what he did and did it every day filled with passion. Filled with a purpose of sharing with others in all kinds of ways.  It doesn’t matter how you knew him,  or even how well you knew him…you knew what he was passionate about. About teaching, about music, about life, about his Ball State Cardinals, about his family.  He poured that passion into all of us.

He was fun-loving. I bet everyone here remembers his smile and his big hearty laugh, am I right?  He loved to laugh, tease, make “punny” jokes, smile, laugh some more.  Even in the midst of a serious discussion or topic, he would find something to laugh at or even get that little smirk on his face and twinkle in his eye that made others laugh.  That’s one of the things I miss the most. He didn’t take life seriously all of the time. He embraced it and enjoyed it.  

He was generous. With his time, his talents, his expertise. Not because he wanted to be recognized or to look good, but because it’s who he was.  He collected pop tabs for Riley’s, plastic caps here at Webster, lent a hand wherever he was needed...  Served on committees, attended meetings on his own time…Why? For the betterment of others.  Not for himself…He gave and he gave and he gave of himself…to his students, the community, his schools, his friends, his family.  

He was a coffee-drinker.  I know that’s not a normal character trait, but I simply had to put it in there…he LOVED. HIS. COFFEE.  I remember as far back as jr. high seeing coffee mug rings on papers on his desk.  He would fill and refill and refill his coffee all day long.  Every time we met at school he would ask me if I wanted coffee.  I love coffee…I really do, but not all day every day.  So you see, it is a trait of his :)

He was kind.  Kind doesn’t really explain it all though does it?  He was a special KIND of kind. He didn’t know a stranger.  He befriended the friendless.  He sought out those that needed a friendly face.  He came along-side kids and adults of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.  He loved people. He had a way of making you feel special and loved, just by being around him. Life was just better when Bob was around. 

I’m proud to say that I teach music and have followed in his footsteps.  I’m honored to continue his legacy.  My challenge to each of us, including myself, is to not just remember Mr. Pickell and his awesome qualities but to strive to be like Mr. Pickell (well, maybe all but the coffee-drinking :)).  When you see these benches and the tree that is planted, may we remember how he made us laugh and smile. How he cared. And then strive to be like him. Let Mr. Pickell’s legacy live on in each one of us and never forget the impact he had on our lives.  To be kind, generous, fun-loving and passionate about life and about others.  Be more Bob.