Notes From People Who Love You
Notes From People Who Love You
Happy Birthday Bob,
You are the coolest resident in Manhattan Beach and one of the most respected men I know. Love you and congrats in making it to 80!
Love you!
Patty and Bob Picker
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Hey Bob,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Hope that you have a great day for this and many others.
I sent a picture of a memorable airline. See you soon.
Best wishes
Greg Tiritilli
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Bob,
Happy Birthday! It was such a pleasure getting to know you and BJ in Manhattan beach while I was on the HALIBUT. You and BJ showed me around the town and I absolutely loved it- I wouldn’t have traded those two years for anything and your home, and welcoming spirit toward me made it special. I always enjoyed stopping by your house along the stand to talk, catch up , and I feel like each time I came by I learned something new from you and about you. You are one awesome guy, and I’m so thankful to have met you. It was an honor to speak to your group at the end of the tour as well. Our values certainly match up! God bless and here is to many more.
Mark Guentert
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Happy belated birthday Bob!
We met when I moved into a little house on 8th Pl and Bayview in MB in 1978. Bob was my neighbor, he had a small apartment and a classic Porsche. The neighborhood was my favorite place to live. Bob was welcoming, entertaining and he had became a good friend. If I recall correctly, Bob was head of HR at the Fox Studios. I worked for Continental Airlines at the time.
We stayed friends over the years and although we haven’t seen each other in awhile, whenever we talk it’s as if we had just seen each other yesterday. That’s Bob.
Paul Wolcott
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY young man. Sandra and I feel grateful to know you and BJ. Thanks to Buddy and Finn for introducing us to each other. Have a great Bday.
Love,
Ron and Sandra
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Picture a beautiful summer weekend. A group of friends from the south bay, fun drive down to Encinada Mexico. Lovely hotel. Delightful restaurants. Now include alcohol , a five foot long model of the Japanese battleship Yamato, Mexican fireworks, and good judgement. What could go wrong !!!
Nothing a bag of ice couldn't fix.
Happy Birthday Robert, Thanks again for the ice.
Tha Hassa.
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My Dear Friend Bob,
It has been over 10 years since we all met at El Coyote! It seems like yesterday!
We share a bond of friendship, and more--a bond of Service to our Country!
Please allow me to wish you all you wish yourself on this Happy Occasion!
With Love, Laughter and Smiles!
Trish Noel
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Dear Bob, the happiest of birthdays to you…
As I read all your notes from all your dear dear friends I ponder how my life would have been if I had stayed with Kerry, and you being his best friend, how my life would have gone..
I know through all the accolades and kindness and true friends you have, my life would have been so rich.
My life is so rich today and I believe is because of the very short time living at the beach brought me to a place where kindness never goes away.
Happy birthday Bob may all your beautiful sunrises and sweet sunsets over the sea bring remind you that days can be long and the years are too short and so much love it to be had in between them...
you are loved by so many you are a very special man, God has blessed you abundantly..
till we meet again..
Lorie Shirley Armstrong
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Happy Birthday Bob! It’s been a pleasure and an honor to spend so much time with you and BJ over the years, even after I made the move back east. Always enjoy our rigorous debates, California history lessons, and your practical approach to getting things done. The world needs more people with your generosity. Look forward to seeing you and BJ soon!
Dan Berez
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Happy Big 80th Birthday, Bob!
So many fun memories…
-When John and I came over for a lovely dinner and watched video of the trip to the Galápagos Islands. That was very special!
-John always enjoys the fireworks parties, and we loved taking care of Buddy, our sweet Buddy.
-Hearing many of your stories over the years about being a Veteran, being the Mayor, and going out to fish dinner and El Coyote dinner. Always a good time and love you and BJ both as longtime friends.
Jonie Bushman
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Happy 80th Birthday, Bob!
What a blessing it is to celebrate such a special milestone for such a wonderful man. I have so much admiration and respect for the life you have lived, the service you have given to our country, and the way you continue to show up for your community, your friends, and the people around you.
You have such a rare combination of wisdom, humor, kindness, generosity, and strength. You make people feel welcomed, encouraged, and supported, and that is truly a gift. I am very grateful to know you and to call you my friend.
Wishing you a beautiful 80th birthday filled with love, laughter, appreciation, and the joy of knowing how much you are respected and loved by so many.
Happy Birthday, Bob!
IzzyV
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Bob Holmes: If you looked up the word philanthropist in the dictionary, you might see a photo of Bob Holmes.
One story perfectly captures his generous spirit. Many years before 9/11, Bob traveled to Costa Rica for a vacation
filled with fun & relaxation with his buddy Kerry Picken & myself. As Bob checked in at LAX airport, we’ve noticed that
along with his one luggage, he was lugging a chainsaw in his other hand. We inquired why he was bringing a chainsaw
on vacation, Bob simply explained that a friend in Costa Rica needed a dependable one, and he happened to have
one he could bring. I couldn’t let him carry that chainsaw, I offered to lay it on top of my suitcase and we would
roll it along the terminal. To my horror, the weight crumpled the frame of my suitcase. We were running late to our boarding gate,
there was no time to purchase a replacement. To Bob, it wasn’t about the damaged bag. It was an opportunity to help someone.
Always willing to go out of his way, no matter how inconvenient, like sacrificing my suitcase, if it meant making someone else’s
life a little easier. Looking back, I don’t remember the ruined suitcase nearly as much as I remember Bob’s generous heart.
Annie Woo
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Hi Bob!
The fact that you are 80 is a well kept secret! We want to wish you the happiest of birthdays and many, many more to come.
We are all so happy that you have become a big part of our lives. Who else:
Could be the perfect partner for our much-loved friend, BJ
Is a special friend to our son, Dan…even if we said no to BJ’s offer to adopt him
Can provide unique insights into California politics that inform our opinions
Is a great tour guide to well-known and unique California sights and restaurants
Provides the best place in the world to watch the waves and admire the sunset
Not to mention that you are generous, kind and insightful!
Have a wonderful 80th, even if you don’t call it a celebration, and we look forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Peggy and Steve
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Happy Birthday Bob! Lots of things have changed but not the surf and the sand.
Allison Wilcox
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Dear Bob,
Wishing you a very Happy Birthday!! (in your case 80 is the new 60). I am so fortunate that you were one of the first friends (a bodysurfing buddy, a very special friendship) that I made when I moved from New York to Manhattan Beach in 1985. And of course, you made sure it was also the first year I competed in the International Bodysurfing Festival. It probably was very clear from our first conversations that we couldn’t be further apart on the political spectrum, but as close as any two people could be when it comes to caring about people, passionately voicing our opinions, and understanding one rule we would never violate - sincerely caring about each other. You taught me how to disagree strongly and to love just as strongly all in the same conversation. Having grown up in New York, I greatly appreciated, and continue to appreciate, that you were and still are a refreshing, honest, combative, dedicated, devoted man who it’s been my sincere privilege to know. When I was in between jobs, which occurred more than once during my time in California, you were the first one to offer advice, answer the phone, respond to emails (when emails began), and to be there to help me. You welcomed me into your life, your family with BJ and dogs. Finally, returning full circle, you were first and foremost a great bodysurfing kindred spirit. I have such fond memories of us hanging out, arguing on the beach, enjoying the beautiful winter, spring, summer, and fall days and then plunging together into the waves which were more often than not, just the right height and shape to have a good time riding side by side (of course bodysurfing festival weekend waves were invariably the worst - but even then I enjoyed seeing and talking with you on those cool mornings - 6:30 AM WTF!!!). With that, I’ll shut up and just say, Bob, you deserve the happiest of birthdays and I’m so glad that for 56% of my life I have had a friend in you. (and you’ve had to tolerate me for 51% of your life). Enjoy, have fun, and get those fins on and get out in those waves!
Love,
Alan Guttman
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HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY Bob!
Wishing you a great day and celebration!
I still remember when we ran into you and BJ at the Rod Stewart concert at the Santa Barbara bowl so many years ago. Wishing now I had taken a picture of us to share on your special day! Well, we’ll just have to wait for the next concert and your 90th! Thanks for always offering a hand and being there for us if ever we need it and being a wonderful neighbor!
All the best and cheers to more great stories to share!
Margot and Ritt Berry
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Happy 80th Birthday Bob! Phoenix is always asking about you guys when walking on the strand. “Oh where is Bob?” “Oh, Bob isn’t home today” and when we look out the window she is always yelling “HIIII BOBBBB!” even though we are inside haha. You guys are great neighbors and are so grateful we have met you guys! I hope you enjoy your birthday and can’t wait to hear more stories about your adventures. Cheers!
Vicky, Adam, Phoenix and Saylor <3
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Tocqueville said America is different in no small part because so many of its people go from seeing what needs to be done to organizing and making needed changes. I know you as a person who has dedicated so much of your time and effort to his fellow man. I and many others value your contributions. We need more like you. Thank you so much for your contributions. You are much appreciated!
Rick Nagler
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Bob, you’re a bother, a rogue, and a gentleman! Always and forever. Happy 80th! Eight decades of stories, strength, and impact.
Rocky Eversman
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Bob, Happy 80th. We’ve been out of touch since I left California for Colorado, but our many dinners at Hibachi, solving the problems of the world, are among my fondest memories of Manhattan Beach. Your great advice, positive outlook and true friendship were always much appreciated – and missed since last we saw each other. I wish all the best on your milestone birthday.
Mark Eversman
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Happy birthday Bob, wishing you a year filled with love, laughter and beautiful moments.
We have enjoyed so many dinners with you and BJ and look forward to many more. You always take us someplace new and delicious.
Happy 80th
Love you
Jan and Bob Bradfield
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Happy Birthday Bob and many more! I am glad that we got to travel the world together with both you and BJ.
Linda Sloan
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Bob
There are many many things we miss about Manhattan Beach but I do not believe we miss anything more than seeing you outside with a big smile and a great chat on Ocean Drive. You made that place even more special than it is with the way you welcomed us and always had time for our family even though we had 3 kids under 3 wreaking havoc! You are a true gem, a great man and an outstanding patriot.
Wishing you nothing but the best as you celebrate your 80th birthday.
P.S. We still talk about the kindness you showed when our Golden, Poppy collapsed on the Strand and my mother didn’t know what to do. We will forever be grateful for your kindness and gratitude on that tough day. Shows the kind of human being you are. Thank you!!
Derek and Krista Mayer
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Bob,
You are filled with all kinds of useful, unique, and mysterious information. For example, after having gone to El Coyote a million times (give or take a million), it wasn’t until I went with you that I realized — like In-N-Out — they have a secret menu, too! You blew my mind!
Grateful for our friendship. Happy birthday, my friend!
John Phillips
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Hi Bob,
After all the years of being a morning drop in place for you and Tess….I have zero photos of you. However, I did find a few of a cute little blond “munchkin” and her buddy in crime.
Have a FABULOUS Birthday. We always loved our yearly Christmas time visits and dinners at El Coyote ….or the “drop ins when the door is open”.
Miss you guys …lots and lots…
Keep catching those waves and hanging with cute little blonds.
BIG HUG
Barb
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Eighty!!, join the club. Not bad for a guy who has been tossed around by many waves. You are always quick with a laugh, plenty of good natured ribbing and a big heart.
You have been a great friend and a friend to the community. Here’s to another year of perfect waves, good friends, cold rum and cokes and staying on your own ETA.
Hugs,
Mary Jo Wolowicz
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WISHING YOU A FABULOUS BIRTHDAY BOB! Have such fond memories of our times sitting outside your home enjoying wine /beer and lobster and appetizers, watching all the Manhattan Beach scenery… Thank you for enriching my time in Manhattan Beach! CHEERS TO YOU!
Xo Randi Rotwein
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How did you get so old? You don’t look it.
Hey - I always enjoy those dinners with you at El Coyote or MB’s finest. Your bodysurfing stories and Baja road trips are a hoot. I was planning to buy you a new Speedo for your birthday but I don’t know what size. Looking forward to another dinner on my next trip to the west coast.
Cheers,
Dick Fenton
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Bob, Happy Birthday…you are a special Man and a Beach Cities gem!
Carol Glover & Dave Salzman
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Happy birthday Bob! Eight decades of outstanding living and more importantly priceless contributions that make a difference to our planet! I know that in the next decade you will continue to make your mark. Thank you especially for our wonderful Strand conversations which I cherish. Connecting with the awesome Bj led to our reconnection which was a real win win for me. Have a great next decade! Hugs…
Mary Ann Chory
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Hard to believe Bob is 80. He doesn’t seem any older than the day we met in the early 90’s! So thankful he was our neighbor. He was always kind, thoughtful and someone I knew I could rely on! He will remember- the Jerusalem cricket!! He is the epitome of an amazing friend. And of course, he is a true patriot and will always be the mayor.
Stacie Nelson
1/12
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