Saturday, August 7, 2021
Uncle Bobby is my godfather, stood beside my parents and Aunt Marilee at my baptism at my grandfather’s house in Tucson, and was there for me at the beginning of my life. At a young age, Uncle Bobby always accommodated my requests to play, especially because he was athletic. We usually played sports, often tennis, and I would ride my bike and accompany him on his long runs. As I grew up in the eighties and was an avid sports fan, I always thought Bobby looked a little like Ivan Lendl and Wayne Gretzky. I recall telling him that and he said “he didn’t because he was better looking but wouldn’t mind having their money or Janet Jones”. This response was accompanied by that wide grin and laugh that resonated and seemed to define him and was present when he teased me or spent time with family.
I was fortunate to be a young male escort at his wedding, and despite a pre-wedding temper tantrum due to an uncomfortable tuxedo, managed to pull it together before the big show as a ringbearer. As this was my first experience wearing a tux, it was my first embrace of the exquisite enhancement of the tuxedo and the James Bond look, and I realized how well I was received as I walked the flower girl down the aisle. I liked it so much I refused to take it off after the reception and return it to the rental company, and to prevent another meltdown, Uncle Bobby bought it for me.
I always respected Uncle Bobby for his intelligence and his hard work ethic and drive. He was well educated at Tulane and earned an MBA. I never faulted him for being a Beta. Uncle Bobby, despite being the second son, was the responsible uncle, or at least seemed to be, as he was more coherent than Uncle John after a wonderful family celebration. My grandfather was larger than life and had big shoes to fill. Bobby was always proud to be a Redman, but it was always evident that Bobby was desirous of achieving success independently, and most certainly achieved his goals by rising to become one of the top executives at ADM after thirty years of service. Fortunately, his strong devotion to business ethics disqualified him as a candidate for the movie “The Informant”, in which Matt Damon elected to play fellow ADM executive Mark Whitacre.
Despite the many memories of Uncle Bobby, his love of his family and his devotion to his boys was second to none. About fifteen years ago, I was fortunate to meet up with Uncle Bobby in my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, at a volleyball tournament for his son Matthew. I recall that he was driving the entire team from Milwaukee in a van and was the chaperon. From my understanding, Uncle Bobby always was there for his boys, not only as a father but as a coach and occasional bus driver, if needed. Not to mention, Uncle Bobby made sure they all received the best education at private high schools and top-notch colleges. As his father before him, he made sure that his resources were directed to his top priority, his children. Not just his money, but his time. Uncle Bobby hoped that they too would be proud of the Redman name, and go out and blaze their own trails. As a father of three, and a busy attorney and entrepreneur, I understand the difficult undertaking it is to be able to give those things to your children. Uncle Bobby was most certainly a role model for me, and I am sure that his sons are very appreciative of their father's sacrifice and the foundation that their father has laid for them to be successful in their own lives.
Godspeed Uncle Bobby.
