BOBBY'S STORY

Bobby Hess was an exceptionally caring, kind, compassionate and loving soul. He touched so many lives and had friends that spanned the globe. Bobby's Crew was created as a way to continue honoring his legacy and supporting worthwhile causes that really mattered to Bobby.

Bobby always had a helping hand to lend to the less fortunate. He would use his money to buy homeless families a meal; he made sure to save leftovers for those in need. He genuinely cared for those who were less fortunate and suffering.

In 2020, After the COVID pandemic closed schools and shuttered athletic competitions, Bobby was severely depressed. He missed the social interaction that he was so accustomed too. He had empathy for his peers who were also suffering. Bobby often made it a point to check in on his friends, offered them encouraging words of support, and then would try to beat them at Fortnite. 

Bobby supported the "Let Them Play" rallies and social protests in an effort to persuade school administrations and local government to reinstate athletic events in high school.

After the pandemic, Bobby was very much concerned with his peer group's mental health. He also was very aware of the impact that the pandemic had on his own mental health and anxiety. It became a one focus of his attention. He always wanted to be available for his friends and peers if they needed him to listen or to talk with. At Bobby's Crew, we hope to establish programs and help support other organizations that provide this service as well.

Bobby was born May 20, 2004, at Pasadena's Huntington Hospital. He was so excited to become a part of our family that he arrived 5 weeks early. The ensuing 6 months were a blur, he didn't sleep much and unfortunately, that sleep problem persisted into his young adulthood. 

Bobby was the happiest, most joyful child to be around. He constantly was laughing, singing and playing. Bobby loved to snuggle and hold his family close. Every night at bedtime he would insist that I sing his favorite "go to sleep song." Even as a young man, this made-up song had a way of comforting him. 

He was one of the most inquisitive children I had ever seen. A popular phrase he used was "Is it mommy? Is it daddy?" He always wanted to know what something was. How was it used, what was its purpose, how did it operate. Bobby was a builder! Yes, Bob the Builder! He loved trains and constructed railroad track at a very young age. He enjoyed spending hours constructing massive train tracks and was so proud of himself when he was finished. 

When Brady came along, Bobby was the most loving big brother. He would try to feed Brady; he even tried to help change a diaper one time (even though he was still in diapers himself.) But most importantly, he was always Brady's friend, confidant, biggest supporter and partner in crime.

As young kids, the boys shared a room with bunk beds. The laughter that would echo from the room was beautiful. Very rarely did the boys ever have arguments or frustrations with each other. It was more common that the boys would set up a lemonade stand together, go fishing, jump on the trampoline, ride bikes or practice baseball together. There was a uniquely special bond between Bobby and Brady. They were a team!

Bobby was just so kind. He loved his mom and dad. We were so lucky to have a loving relationship with our son.

Bobby was an exceptional student and mature beyond his years. Growing up he attended ABC Preschool, Ysabel Barnett Elementary, James L. Day Middle School, RBGU Sports Academy and Chaparral High School. After graduation from High School, Bobby was accepted to the University of Washington and Arizona State University Schools of Engineering. However, he decided to move to San Luis Obispo and attend Cuesta College in pursuit of an aerospace engineering degree with the intent to transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. 

Bobby was committed to paying for his own education and living expenses. He was so proud of his independence, as were we, as his parents. While working towards his educational goals, Bobby held jobs at both the Avila Bay Athletic Club and with Trumpet Vine Catering in Paso Robles. While in high school, he worked at Pieology, Creative Catering and Chicken Shack. He loved his time in and around a kitchen.

We are thankful that although entirely too brief, Bobby’s life was full of adventure, love, happiness, friendship and truly meaningful relationships.  

As parents, we were always so impressed and so proud of Bobby's inner drive. It started with building train tracks, progressed into playing baseball, matured in developing friendships and being self-motivated in the classroom.

Bobby always wanted to excel at whatever task he was performing. He placed a lot of self-generated pressures on himself and for that, we felt badly. Bobby always had a plan to achieve his desired goals and was never afraid of putting in the hard work.

The pressure to succeed and the anxiety or stress that accompanied it, carried on with Bobby for his entire life. At times, he had trouble sleeping. His mind did not want to shut off, he was always thinking of ways to be better, to do more and to help others. Bobby was just wired differently. As a result, he worried a lot in his quiet time. While his anxiety was hard on him, Bobby always found a way to put on a happy face, a smile and open up his heart and mind to those around him that needed support.

Bobby's family and friends were of the greatest importance to him.   Everything in his life revolved around those closest to him first. First it was his parent's and then Brady. Then it was his aunt's and uncle's, his grandparents, his cousins (he had many.) As he grew up, he then began to make friends. The circle of friends that Bobby chose to surround himself with were such fine kid and then young adults.

To share a story, after Bobby passed, I mentioned to one of his friends, that they were such a thoughtful and kind group of young men and woman. He simply said, "that's because Bobby brought us together and rubbed off on all of us." Such a sweet thing to say.

Bobby had a plan for his life too. He found the love of his life in Meagan Ulery. Together, they were going to take over the World. Bobby was studying aerospace engineering but also loved spending time in the kitchen. He had jobs at Chicken Shack, Creative Catering, Pieology, Trumpet and Vine Catering, and worked in the kitchen at the Avila Bay Athletic Club. He really had a passion for cooking and loved the creativity involved in preparing a menu or meals. Truth be told, the kitchen was where Bobby was most at ease. I believe he would have eventually had a future in the restaurant industry. 

Bobby and Meagan lived together in San Luis Obispo and recently in Pismo Beach. Bobby, Meagan, Carlos and Mary managed to secure their own apartment a short walk from the Pismo Pier and paid their own rent, security deposit, utilities and more. They were truly living independently. We were so proud. 

Bobby and Meagan had plans to study abroad and live in Japan. Bobby was obsessed with the Japanese anime series "One Piece" and was excited to learn more about Japanese culture and work ethic. He shared his excitement for this upcoming adventure just a few days before his passing.

Bobby had dreams of starting a real estate empire. He was so excited to go to "Ivan University" over the Summer and learn the ins and outs of his uncle's business. He was prepared to work harder than anyone to obtain the skills needed to buy and flip properties. He knew he would work early doing demo work and repairs. He would have stayed late to finish the hard manual labor needed to restore homes. He witnessed firsthand the efforts it took to be successful in this type of business. His Uncle Ivan was an exemplary role model, and Bobby was so excited to learn from him. Again, Bobby said to me "I am going to Ivan University and will work my butt off."

Bobby obviously had future plans that involved marriage and eventually children. He was messing with me during our trip to Detroit, only a few days before he passed. He started by telling me that he wanted to get married and planned to have kids. He purposely waited to see my reaction and surprise when I said, "what about school?" He assured me he had a plan. Marriage would happen around the age of 24, and kids a couple years later. He said "Meagan and I need a couple years of being 

D.I.N.K's. I asked, WTF is that? Off course Bobby had already figured this part out too and said you know "dual income no kid's."  Like I have said, he always had a plan.

Bobby even went as far to talk to me about my role as a grandfather. He was so excited to think about a day when his son or daughter would be on a ball field somewhere playing the sport he loved. He told me "Dad, nobody will keep up with our teams when we are coaching together in the same dugout." 

We will all be forever heartbroken that Bobby did not get to fulfill all of his goals and dreams or execute his well thought out lifetime goals. 

At Bobby's Crew, we will strive to keep these goals and objectives in mind as we help the community around us.