Robert Paul King

Whenever Bob was around, I found myself secretly watching him, like at Mark Frank's New Year's party, and on the Arizona Bike Club breakfast rides. He had a childlike sweet nature that was mesmerizing, almost naive. I have never seen anything like it in another individual. Not an ounce of meanness, negativity. But I don't think Bob was naive. He was, after all, a Vietnam vet. No, my guess is that Bob had somehow figured out what's really important and it set the tone for him. I doubt that I'll ever see it again. He was truly a special, good-hearted spirit. He and Shelly were so perfectly matched. So sorry, Shelly. So very sorry.

In May of 2009 Bob and I did a brief self-contained bicycle tour around some Arizona high country. Bob was planning a coast-to-coast in the coming summer, and he wanted to do a little shake-down trip to test his load.

We left Bob's and Shelly's place in Prescott on Mother's Day 2009. It was a rigorous ride. We dropped down into Camp Verde, then climbed up to The Rim and on to Mormon Lake, Flagstaff and back to Prescott. We did all right for a couple old studs with tricky knees.

Bob packed a nice little camp stove, a pot and a spoon. I forgot to pack any kitchen ware. But I did remember the bourbon, for which we were both much pleased.

In the evenings we sipped bourbon and took turns dining out of Bob's pot. We shared the spoon.

Of course the weather was perfect, so half of the time we didn't bother with the tents -- just threw down our bedrolls and went to sleep under a starry Arizona sky, "thinking about women and glasses of beer".

Now crank up your hearing aid,
Wild Bob, and copy-and-paste this old tune into your Celestial Browser:

http://youtu.be/q4egb2gpIg4

Happy Tailwinds! I'll see you at the bottom of the hill.

We are truly saddened to hear the news about Bob and want to wish our sincere condolences to his family. Bob was a devoted member of the Arizona Trail Association, and his love of the outdoors was evident in all he did. He will be greatly missed.
Arizona Trail Association

I want to thank Bob for bringing me into the world of hiking and backpacking. Bob got me started in this hobby, I got hooked big time. We went on many trips together, of course the Grand Canyon were the best. There are alot of memories from the many trips. Just to share one, I will never forget the one time we were sitting on a clif ledge (aprox 30ft), he dropped his boot. He wore my right boot to traversed down about 200 ft. to get to it. We had a great trip then and there were may more.

A better memory, we get home and the two special twins come running out to greet him.....Very special.

I met Bob in 1980. You are a MAN.

Manuel

Bobby was a wonderful man and a great Dad. It gives me peace of mind knowing
he lived life on his own terms and passed doing something he loved.

Bob was the nicest man, kind to everyone. I worked with him for 5 years at Sprint before he retired, he loved his toast and peanut butter in the break room. We had long talks about life and I am glad to have known him. My condolences go out to Shelly, his family, and all who knew him. He will be missed.
Haia Abdel

Bob's friends from the Arizona Bicycle Club (ABC) will miss him. About 15 or more of us were at the service today. Many go back to the early days when Bob and Shelly met at an ABC picnic and others got to know Bob in more recent years. We all enjoyed Bob with his sweet smile and kind demeanor. We are so sorry for this tragic loss. Patty Wright

Shelley, Jessie, Devon, Bob's family and all those of you who shared his life and loved him, our heartfelt condolences on your sad loss.

Bob was special to my three daughters, my husband and myself. During a trying time in our lives Bob and then wife Kathy took three little girls under their wing, sheltering them with love and laughter. Bob's special brand of tender mercy softened a hard time and reassured three little girls who as woman never forgot their time with their very special, Uncle Bobby. As adult women they are grateful for the generosity and kindness they were blessed with. Bob's Alaskan family will treasure our memories of a very special man. Bert & SanDee, Tawny, Suki & CynDee McQueen ~ Anchorage, Alaska

One of the nicest people in the world, Introduced our family to the books of Tony Hillerman many years ago. Always a happy smile, we won't forget you.

Our deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow. Bobby is in our thoughts and prayers.