The tears I shed on the ramp at DEN last night (where I heard from Mike T), have been replaced by smiles this morning in ONT (near where Bob worked at JPL) at the outpouring of feelings here and in SARL for Bob. He was a special guy, in many ways. It's heart-warming to see that he touched so many, near and far. And I do believe he sped home to be with Jeanine, and is smiling again too!
We shared many ideas (mostly his), several races, and a cockpit once. I told him that he was an inspiration as a racer, but that his devotion as a husband was the most incredible part of his being...and that his fortune of finding a love like Jeanine was truly special!
Bob was having such a phenom year of racing...he was locked in gentlemanly combat with Jeff Barnes, racing neck and neck throughout the year, the two outdistancing the rest of the field in the national points race by nearly 1000 points. A year for the record books, which Bob kept meticulously for the league. Though I'm a bit sad that did not play out to the finish this year, I also look at Bob's departure West as a shining star, ever on the upward path, and ever accelerating!
Bob's race number 71 will be retired by SARL this year, during his induction into the SARL Hall of Fame. That will take place in Taylor, TX (T74) on November 9th, following the Rocket 100 race, where Bob will be honored. More details will follow as Mike puts it together.
Tailwinds Bob...I miss you!
Bob Axsom
Husband
Air Racer
Experimenter
Friend
Photo from the SARL homepage today