I was on a trip to San Diego when I heard the news and I was processing it as I drove home, in tears.
I only met Bob less than 6 years ago but have spent some quality time with him.
The first time I met him in person we asked him if he wanted to meet for drinks. He said, "Lets meet at Dee's. Dee's has good pie and I'm in the mood for pie."
IIRC he had coconut cream.
We had many great chats after that first meet up, including his introduction of his twin sister to us, and some of his other friends who have become close friends to me(us).
Later, long after he was a member of the hall of fame I was asked if I could pick him up at the Reno airport to bring him to the Squaw Valley Hall of Fame induction where others were being inducted. I jumped at the chance to chauffer my friend, Bob.
He was re-habing from a hip replacement at the time so I helped him get to check in and take his luggage to the room.
We bumped into a friend and I introduced him as "Bob Salerno, Honored member of the US ski and Snowboard Hall of fame."
He asked me, "Why did you say that? It makes me sound so important."
I said, "Bob, you are important!"
I've had a lot going on this week and have taken some time to process, but I'm typing this while sobbing like a baby. He truly touched my heart with his kindness, humble nature and dry sense of humor.
Now I'm in the mood for coconut cream pie.
Bob, you left some pretty cool ski tracks on my heart.
Side note:
When
@Bad Bob joined the site, Phil thought it was Bob Salerno so we reached out to him.