Friday, June 2, 2017
To Norma, Joni, Adam, Elise and all of the Barnoff family, I extend my deepest sympathy during this time of grieving. So as not to distract from your time of mourning the death of Bob/Pop, I will not be attending his funeral. However, I want all of you to know, I also grieve your loss.
During the time Joni and I were together, Bob and I were very close. We worked together on many of my family projects, were his help was extremely valuable. I also worked on his work computer, to speed it up while he worked on his projects. I always thought of Bob as a confidant while married to Joni. I could talk to him about work, my children, and even my relationship with Joni. We joked about all kinds of things; he and I had the same very sarcastic sense of humor. He always acted as an instructor, giving me life lessons, showing me how to build a concrete staircase, teaching me how to survey land, helping me with legal issues. He never strayed far from his teaching roots.
When Joni and I separated, he acted as I would with my own daughter, focused on her singly. I truly expected the cold distant response I received. He loved his daughter and did not want to see her hurt. I completely understood his position during and after our divorce. I found myself surrounded by people trying to help me but oddly alone.
I wish you all well, in this very sad time.
