HIS "STICK-TUITIVENESS"

What I love about Rob is his competitive nature, self belief and "stick-tuitiveness". I could apply this to many experiences that we have shared over the years - kart racing, home projects, tennis, weight training and personal health, bicycling, online car racing (til wee hours in the morning) and determination to find the perfect woman for himself.

I believe it is what attracted me to him in the first place, because we met on the tennis court! I admire these qualities in him and he has helped to make me more determined in many aspects of my own life. Rob is not my friend, he is my brother. Amen to that!

Happy Birthday Rob, RICH

HIS UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO FRIENDSHIP

The first thing I most love about Rob that's memorable is his unwavering commitment of support he would give to as friends. Back in the day (high school years), I remember Rob from time to time coming to support me during my basketball games at Carroll High School, although he wasn't a player or big into the game at the time. He would catch the bus, which was out of the way just to be there to watch and support my play (he probably doesn't remember this himself).

The second thing is more of a story than a what I mostly love. It happened during the mid 1970's when Rob was spending the night over my parent's one weekend. He and I would always make popcorn over on the stove (this was light years before microwave popcorn) and watch television in the family. It was probably between 9:00 & 11:00 p.m. My mother had come down stairs and put some clothes in the washing machine unknowing to Rob and I. So at some point the machine was going through its cycles and made this loud crazy noise that scared the sh...t out of both of us. Both watching television intensely, we jumped in a frantic emotion and panic off the sofa trying to figure out where to run in the house for protection, because we thought someone was braking in the house. We ended up leaving the popcorn on the sofa and asking each other who was brave enough to go back down stairs and get the popcorn, LOL.

Happy Birthday Rob, JOHNATHAN

HIS CHARISMATIC PERSONALITY

He’s Mr. Attention to Detail- Whether it’s noticing you’ve done something new to your hair or that your toe nail polish matches the color of your outfit, you can always count on Rob to notice. He’s WG’s quintessential man of fashion and style!

He’s Mr. Sensitivity (**The Ralph Tresvant song should be his theme music, LOL)– He’s never shy about expressing his feelings about the love of his life. He’s a true old fashion romantic and I believe it takes a great man to be able to be open and honest about sharing his feelings.

Happy Birthday Rob, NEKOLE

HIS ABILITY TO MAKE US SMILE ON THE CRAPPIEST OF DAYS

One day, following the strangest of staff meetings where it felt as if my entire team complained about everything: their tasks, jobs, pay, want to retire, me, etc. It was like I couldn’t do anything to please folks. So later on, Rob and I were sitting in his office, recovering from the staff brow beating, chatting about stuff, things we like now about our lives, things that we look forward to in the future, and things we just don’t like, the irritations of life, yadda-yadda-yadda. I think he could tell I was bummed. We somehow started chatting about “know it all people”; people who wear their knowledge and confidence on their shoulder, who have to remind you every day about their level of intellect. Rob said you know, Jenn, you're really smart in a quiet way. But everyone isn't like you. Some people just care only about themselves.

At that instant, we turned to each other and said “yeah….like John Doe does, all the time. He never stops, he goes on and on. In a humorous way, I asked Rob, what are the three (3) guaranteed words that always and will always erupt from John’s mouth….? At this moment, Rob and I connected with direct eye-to-eye contact and a two finger gesture, locking our finger tips and said in unison….”BUT - I - KNOW.”

Immediately, we both erupted in intense laughter, with tears running from our eyes. We said nothing more. Our conversation ended and at that moment I knew my dear friend Rob had walked the same road I traveled and knew how to make the rain stop, the flowers bloom, and the freshness of the smell of the breeze placate my thoughts, placing a much needed smile on my face. Rob truly cares about people when it seems no one else does or wants to. My life is richer for having met Rob and allowing our friendship to grow.

Happy Birthday Rob, JENN

HIS FREAKISH ATHLETIC ABILITY

It feels like I’ve known Rob all my life. He and I are kindred spirits in the way we approach most things.

Shortly after I met Rob, we were on a bike ride on the Western Maryland Rail Trail along with another friend George. After completing 35 miles or so, Rob and I decided to put the hammer down, so to speak, for the last 5 miles. We took turns at the lead to provide draft for each other. We were running over 20 mph. When Rob went to the front he could not hold it long. He became a little exacerbated because he could not figure out why he was running out of gas so quickly. He said “Man, I couldn’t hold it for long. I don’t know why. Thank you for putting in the extra lead work!” I was impressed that he could even do what he did on the heavy steel bike that he had at that time.

George and I grabbed a bite to eat after the ride. Rob had to scoot. But on my drive home, Rob called me to tell me that he noticed he had popped a spoke which threw his rear wheel out of line. The wheel was rubbing against the brake. So Rob did, at minimum, the last five miles of a 40 mile ride, at over 20 mph, with the brakes on! That’s crazy! And funny as heck.

But that’s how he is. All out effort. All in from the heart. Fully committed. Passionate about what he does and who he cares for. Passionate about life.

Happy Birthday Rob, Mark

HIS COMPETITIVE NATURE

when we rode Sandy Point/Annapolis , we all had our moments (you saw the pics/vids) at the head of the pack breaking the wind. Towards the end of the ride, our stallions usually make their way to the head of the class for a sprint to the end. Rob is on of those stallions that will not be under sold :-) Towards our last 2 miles I felt some energy and started to the head of the group. Mark announced that i was coming up and the fellas gave way. I don't think he heard Mark, but when I pulled up beside him, he turned his head to me with a little "what's this" kind of look in his gargles, smiled as only Rob can do, turned his head forward, hunched his back to a more aero position, and turned on the after burners!! It was so funny to me because i knew his competitive nature was going to get the best of him when i pulled up beside him. He pulled away so fast, I could do nothing but laugh; it was like the coyote being left in the dust by the road runner. When we got back to the cars, we all had a great laugh over it; at the same time his competitive nature has made the group even stronger. And we are still enjoying the ride!

Happy Birthday Rob, Reggie

HIS INFECTIOUS SENSE OF HUMOR

One of the things that first attracted me to Rob is his sense of humor. It is literally impossible to take yourself too seriously around him.

Our first date was in Georgetown. Things were so new, that the fear of embarrassment from not being absolutely perfect was at its height. If you've ever been to Georgetown, you know those "charming" cobblestone sidewalks are basically a boobytrap for women struttin' their stuff in heels. It was our first date, so I couldn't not wear my most amazing heels, right? Well, I should have rethought that plan.

We were strolling along and I fumbled a step:-) Rob grabbed me in what seemed like a nano-second and just held me as we exploded into laughter. "I got you," he said.

That incident was the source of many jokes for a while. I should have been mortified, but I wasn't. That's when I realized that Rob is the kind of man who will protect me and keep me laughing, even if the joke is on me.

Happy Birthday Sweetie! Love, Larissa

HIS LOVE FOR ALL THINGS CYCLING

One day Rob, Reggie, Ben, Mark and myself are riding Through Soil Conservation. It is getting dark and I can't read the cue sheet. So, I begin to slow down looking to find my way. To my surprise Rob is riding behind me. He is busy checking out his new Bike Garmin computer, and he rolls up on my back tire. I hear Reggie speak out because Rob and his bike are learning over about to fall. Now to my understanding this is Rob's new bike and new computer. So in an effort to keep his new toys from hitting the ground, he snatches his bike and himself from a near 45 degree lean back upright. After that, I new he was true to his email - CaptainHuhk.

Happy Birthday Rob, Jay

HIS DETERMINATION TO WIN...AT ALL COSTS

As a child, our family loved to play games: Monopoly, Scrabble, Trouble, Candy Land, Checkers, Yahtzee, Pokeno, Backgammon, Cards, etc. Bryan especially loved to play but he didn’t get the gene for sportsman-like conduct. He was determined to win...at any cost. And thus, the cheater was born. I can’t even remember exactly what he would do when playing the different games but he always found a way to cheat. I would get so angry and end up racking my hand over whatever we happened to be playing to end the spoiled game. I remember always being the one frustrated and he would be the one reveling. In hindsight, I don’t even think he did it to win. just to frustrate the heck out of his big sister! I could have knocked his block off in those days. But today this is one of many rich memories from a very special time in our lives.

Love you much, "Big" Bro. Happy Birthday, Quinea

HIS ATTENTION TO DETAILS

I would like to say Bryan's ability to make the best of every situation and to make others laugh until they almost pee is what comes to mind when I think of him. One day we were taking a lunch break from a floor job and decided we would enjoy our normal meal from Wendy's. The spicy chicken sandwich, large fries and a frosty. Laughing and joking as we always did, I paid the cashier and proceeded to drive off. Bryan began shouting "STOP STOP STOP" and demanded that I back the truck up. I backed the truck up a few feet and he said read that sign on the wall. The sign said that if the cashier didn't give you your receipt then your meal is free. We checked the bag and to our delight there was no receipt. Immediately when burst out laughing! When we backed up even further to the window the cashier already had our money out waiting for us. We laughed and joked so hard that we could hardly eat. Our quote is "Got um Again"

Happy Birthday Rob, Wyane