I loved and respected Rob as a father, a friend, and a coach to my oldest daughter. He is and was one of those remarkably special people, who probably never realized that himself. A humble servant leader and tremendously genuine human being that touched the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people over the short 47 years we were blessed to have him on this Earth.
His wife, Natasha Pomles Belanger, is one of the strongest, most resilient, funny, smart, caring and beautiful women in the world. Together, she and Rob and their brilliant, talented and charming daughters, Carsyn and Addy, were always sunshine into each of our lives.
He was my daughter's softball coach. Grace is 16 and as a pitcher and a person, she is one cool, tough, discerning customer. Ever the thoughtful fellow, Rob once asked me how to best coach her. When I asked why, he said "Well, I walked out to the mound and she stared at me like 'what are doing on my mound?!' and it threw me bit!" I said that Grace has been that way since she was a toddler and suggested he just be direct with her whatever the situation called for and she'd respect his decision because she respects YOU. And that's just how they worked together the whole time time they played together. He always had her back, she knew that and she would have run through a wall for him if he asked. She will forever be changed in ways by his guidance, love, trust and respect for her that I can never repay him. Thankfully, I shared this with him and let him know that I would also be running through the same wall a step ahead of Grace because I was better built for that job and they might need her pitching arm. She loved Rob and will take him with her on every trip to the mound or batter's box this year. Grace will also treasure Rob for the rest of her days too.
I will miss my friend, but will cherish every moment I had with him and strive to learn from the example he set to be the best person you can and be a man for others first. We all were lucky to have someone like Rob in our lives.
Godspeed Rob. Love you my brother.
