We said our last goodbye to my dear friend and Pop on Saturday. Bob passed on August 14 after 11 days in intensive care fighting a systemic infection. Bob was many things to many people. Husband, Father, Friend, and Blacksmith to name a few. Bob was my voice of reason. He kept me from flying off the handle and running my mouth more times than I can count. He would come by for hay and we would end up talking for hours about everything and nothing. He dragged me to events and introduced me to folks that have become lifetime friends. He taught me the value of keeping my cool, and that honesty trumps bravado every time. I think the most important thing I learned from Bob was to apply stockmanship to humans. Stay calm, be patient, and if they don't settle down and learn to do what's right, ship em! I'm going to miss my Pop but he's in a better place, shaping iron and smiling.