Robert E. "Bob" DIDION

Didion's Hardware was definitely a neighborhood institution. I have so many fond memorie of time spent in Bob's. He always had something for everyone. I always remember he would make sure he carried some of the latest and coolest toys for us neighborhood kids. Remember the display of Rat Fink models and Weird-Oh models in the window? The models he carried of Count Dracula and Wolfman, etc. Every time he would put something in the window that related to toys, etc., the neighborhood kids...

We neighborhood "kids" who grew up in Didion's hardware store are retirement age now and many of our parents have moved on up. Anyone of us could tell you that "Bob's" was never just a hardware store. The cool floor welcomed our bare feet on a summer day. We bought our school supplies and last minute birtday gifts there. We knew what time of year it was by the arrival of kites, pea shooters, water pistols and hula hoops. We heard Rosemary Clooney singing "This Old House" on the radio there....

WE LIVED AT SAN ANTONIO AND H STREET, WE MOVED THERE IN 1969 , WE MADE MANY TRIPS TO DIDIONS HDWRE. AS WE WERE FIXING THE HOUSE. WE WERE SO SAD WHEN THEY RETIRED.
THE FORTIER FAMILY

Didion's hardware had it all. A neighborhood institution. Dutch Boy paint, fishing tackle, nuts, bolts and nails and always Bob to guide us in making the right purchase. As youths, my friend and I pestered Bob to hire us to reorganize the "outdoor" department for him...he never did do that, but it was always fun to talk to him about it. None of the "Big Box" stores we have now will ever come close to the friendly, neighborhood feel that local places like Didion's Hardware had. Thanks...

I lived just one block away from Didion Hardware and trips to Didion's were frequent. I have many fond memories of my childhood and some of the fondest were my trips to Didion's and the always smiling and pleasant demeanor of Bob.
I never understood how he knew where everything was, but just ask and he knew.
Thank You Bob, for the wonderful memories. The world is a better place because of you!
Steve White

"Bob" and Didion's Hardware were a neighborhood institution. As a young kid, I often could not wait for the white station wagon to pull into the parking lot, which meant the store would soon be open. Whether I needed "leader material" and hooks with which to go fishing in McKinley Pond, hardware cloth with which to build some kind of animal enclosure, or some kind of model kit on which to spend some birthday money; "Bob" had it all. I remember the friendly and smile and the hard squeeze on...

I grew up at 39th and C and loved to visit Dideon's Hardware. I think I still remember the smell of the store! That store was stocked to its ceiling and Bob knew where everything was. He was so kind and helpful to everyone and took pleasure in his business. He was an East Sac icon! I am sure the family has many wonderful memories of this very special man. I know the Meder Family does!

I want Bob's family to know that Bob was my friend and mentor when we lived at 520 45th Street in a bungalow which was in constant need of repair. Bob provided so much more than just instruction and comfort as my spouse and I navigated the sometimes rocky first few years of marital housekeeping. I would still be there if he were, too. He will now be missed all the more.

Kenneth Jones
Eugene, Oregon