While I never had the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with Bob, I was certainly under his influence. He had the ability to advocate for the spectacular above us as well as the sublime. Was Mercury having a favorable apparition? Bob would be posting about it in the email group. Was the Moon's libration tilting a far-flung crater into a better position for us to grab a look at it? Our lunar expert knew the when, where, and how of the circumstances. On more than one occasion his exhortations found their mark and nudged me outside to hunt down what Bob was showcasing.
Bob was indefatigably upbeat about any clear night. Do NOT complain to him that the full Moon was ruining the evening lest you be embarrassed by Bob's retort as to the lunar features, asterisms, or other bright destinations that would not be suppressed by a glorious full Moon. And everyone in the club knew that he wasn't Googling that information, it simply flowed effortlessly from his years gazing up at the heavens. I still recall a passing comment that I made - something along the lines of "only a mediocre double star" - to which I was called to account in a most affable manner.
One thing that Bob and I were resolutely in lock step on was the value of star-hopping. We both cut our astronomical teeth by using instruments that required you locate your object rather than simply dialing it in. To quote Bob, "Of course, I am also the nut who has my telescope on an unmotorized alt/az mount with no finder scope... and can still find that 9th magnitude star faster than anyone with their fancy go-to software!" No brag, just fact.
I understood his lament that "today's kids" miss the anticipation and preparation involved when stalking a faint object, not to mention the thrill and sense of accomplishment when it finally appears in your eyepiece. Plus, who knows what stary vistas and uncharted beauty you may encounter along the path to your objective? While I have succumbed to the GoTo siren with my latest mount, I still do put the keypad down at times and drive myself to my destination.
While my interactions with Bob were virtual, they were valued nonetheless. He was a welcome inspiration and source of knowledge for me and many of my club peers. He was one of those special people I've had the good fortune to come across who's love of the night sky was palpable and contagious.
