Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Unfailing Grace, Innate Dignity

By Chatham Forbes Sr.

This kind of retrospection typically exaggerates the talents and accomplishments of the subject; makes larger than life the one who has just left this life. But in Bob's case, I feel no need to embellish the facts. His conversations, and indeed his presence alone, were truly delightful. And also fun--at all times fun.

There can hardly be anyone close to the community life of Los Gatos who does not know something of the contributions of this town's very good friend. For most people, his were the first words read each week in this newspaper. Hundreds of local citizens phoned or buttonholed Bob to suggest items for his column. But, rather than merely rubber-stamp these into print, he subjected them to a trained journalist's judgment. Bob's inclusion of an item reflected his own sound values as a reporter and citizen.

His famous mother, Beth Streeter Aldrich, was one of the great chroniclers of life on the Nebraska prairie.

His father was a banker and a lawyer who played football for the University of Iowa, entered the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War, and came home the youngest captain in that war. Bob, his youngest son, didn't play football, but he did serve a hitch in the Army, like Dad.

Clearly, Bob came from a family of accomplishment and character. In fact, he faithfully reflected those traits in his own life. He exemplified character, which means honor, self-reliance, self-respect, and a sense of duty. Strange, isn't it, that we don't hear very much about those virtues these days? We have a profound need for more Robert Streeter Aldriches!

I wouldn't think of glossing over his individuality, but Bob was like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life: authentically American in the best sense, full of humor, patriotic, living up to his responsibilities. Beyond stereotypes, he was talented, intelligent, sophisticated, well-traveled, funny when he wanted to be, and possessed of a phenomenal memory.

Probably because he lived with his mother in Hollywood during the periods when she was being consulted on movies they were making of her novels, Bob acquired a lively interest in drama. He was a walking encyclopedia of motion picture history, loved musicals, and could recite long, rapid-fire sections of The Music Man, as well as lines and uncanny imitations from other film classics.

As a University of Nebraska undergraduate, Bob acted in student productions, and also was a writer on college publications. He was a fraternity man, and a deeply committed Cornhusker football fan. Which explains why, much later in Los Gatos, Bob could often be seen wearing a bright red rooter's cap during football season.

Bob was a man with the principles, talents and personality traits we would all like to possess, but very few do. He had an unfailing grace, innate dignity and a special capacity to receive and reciprocate love. I will never cease to miss him.

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