Mr. Bob Is on the Job
Mr. Bob Is on the Job
Mr. Bob Is on the Job
Forty years ago leg warmers and crimped hair was in style. Jimmy Carter was the President of the United States, and the US Olympic team won the gold medal in hockey, beating the Soviet Union and Finland. And forty years ago a man was hired that would forever impact Woodcrest Christian Day School: Mr. Bob.
If you have seen him around campus you know Mr. Bob rarely sits still—always moving, always helping, always fixing the latest crisis. During his lunch he can rarely sit and finish what is on his plate without a phone call or a page on his walkie talkie. “Mr. Bob, there’s a delivery.” “Mr. Bob, the restrooms are out of paper towels.” “Mr. Bob, there’s a spill in the cafeteria.” “Mr. Bob, the air conditioning isn’t working.” “Mr. Bob, there’s a lizard running loose in room…” He always stops and helps, even if it means giving up his time. Mr. Bob is a tireless worker with a servant’s attitude—a clear example as working unto the Lord.
In 1980, after resigning from a job, Mr. Bob relied on the promise of his favorite verses, Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” The new path that the Lord opened up for him was through Mr. Messenger, a family friend, who was head of maintenance at WCDS and told him of an opening, and that is where Mr. Bob has been rooted these last four decades.
Because Mr. Bob spends much of his time behind the scenes, not many people know the many talents he has. Did you know that music is one of Mr. Bob’s talents and hobbies? In high school, he played guitar and saxophone. He also played the part of Freddy Eynsford-Hill in the musical My Fair Lady. He performed in all sorts of singing groups: Chamber Singers and the patriotic Sing Out Redlands, both touring groups. He also played in Christian country rock and blue grass bands that toured Southern California.
A former WCDS student, now in her forties, recalls how Mr. Bob visited her class with his guitar and led the students in singing Ga Goo Went the Little Green Frog. “I still remember that song to this day, and what a delight it was and how we all laughed when Mr. Bob bugged out his eyes like a frog at the end of the song,” she says.
Today, Mr. Bob still has a song in his heart and a melody on his lips. He participates in the worship team at his church. He also helps out with sound during WCDS’s grade level programs and worship chapels—which is a one of his favorite job-related tasks. When asked what other things he likes about his job, Mr. Bob mentioned the lunch perks citing the delicious cafeteria chocolate chip cookies. He likes his cookies extra crispy, which the cafeteria staff leaves a batch in extra long just for him. Mr. Bob estimates he has eaten over 15,000 of their special treats throughout the years!
In the last four decades, Mr. Bob has met and ministered to many students and their families. Styles like leg warmers and crimped hair have fizzled out. In the past forty years, seven U.S. Presidents have taken office, and the United States hasn’t won an Olympic gold medal in hockey since. Many things have changed, but Mr. Bob has not. He remains a steady, reliable, and kind worker. People that know him look up to him as a man with a servant’s heart—always willing to help wherever needed. Years ago, for Super Hero Dress-Up Day, a child dressed up as Mr. Bob with his signature khaki pants, outdoor work hat, and white beard because even a child knows that Mr. Bob helps to keep the school safe, bright, and running smoothly. Our Mr. Bob may be behind the scenes, but the Lord sees and will reward this special man of God. We appreciate you, Mr. Bob. Thanks for all your hard work! Here’s to forty more years!