There are people you meet and then wonder, is that an act? Someone who is so incredibly thoughtful, humble, and downright nice that it only seems right to question the authenticity.
I'm ashamed to admit I initially thought that way about Rob Belanger. And it didn't take long to realize my folly.
10 years ago he asked for my help in promoting a celebrity golf tournament to benefit this new charity he had co-founded with Chris Federico called the Cool Kids Campaign.
His humility in asking for help followed by a delightful conversation about what they were trying to accomplish was so powerful. Then the conversation turned towards his dad, former Oriole great Mark Belanger. Stories he told about growing up in the O's clubhouse and the fun he had at spring training mesmerized me. The phone call lasted 30 minutes and I was hooked.
Whatever Cool Kids needed, I was on board (And now I'm proud to act as a board member).
Rob never made played professional sports, but one look at his golf swing and you knew he had his dad's genes. Of course, just looking at his face as the spitting image of Mark and you knew that too.
His talents extended to music as well, a gifted singer and guitarist, he played in the band at Church of the Nativity.
Today he passed away after a 3 year battle with cancer. I'm so thankful to have known him, and called him a friend. What makes writing this particularly hard though, I was in the car on my way to visit Rob in the hospital when I learned of his passing. Timing can be a real S.O.B.
Please share your thoughts and prayers with his wonderful family, and if you have a little to spare, a donation to Cool Kids Campaign in his honor would be a wonderful gesture.
