Robert is EXTREMELY sick and all of us who are genuine fans of building the body with exercise and good eating should take some time to reflect on just how large a contribution Mr. Kennedy has made to our world.
I last spoke with Bob after Christmas on the phone. I had no idea his end was to come as soon as it has. The man always seems larger than life. Always bustling about, working out and making hilarious comments.
Never have I met or known a more individual and colourful character. His ability to see past what were to him minor roadblocks (some not so minor) was astounding. Nothing seemed to faze the guy.
I remember all the good times ... and even his fury when he fired my ass in '96 for something that wasn't my fault. Thought he was gonna yank my head off and chuck it across the room.
It took a few years, but eventually we both discovered the truth and mended our friendship. Still, he never stopped razzin me at every opportunity. I liked it, in truth. It made me feel as though I was a member of his "family".
I remember competing in my third bodybuilding competition and him and Johnny Fitness (MMI's other captain, and a wonderful friend, as well) asking me to strip down in Johnny's office so they could see my conditioning. The fright I felt at having these two legends critique me in an office in broad daylight was overwhelming. But they gave me the honest truth and always believed in my efforts.
Bob has always shown support and caring (he always returned my calls), and it is in his final days that I find myself reflecting on all that he has taught me.
