Page 6 - Spring 2025

One Final Tribute, Bob Fields, continued . . .

passing between them. Bob felt a warmth spread stars peeked down on them, silent witnesses to a
through him that had nothing to do with the scratchy rekindled spark, a reminder that sometimes, the magic
wool blanket. He snuck another peek at her profile – wasn’t on the screen but in the shared experience, the
the moonlight filtering through her hair made it seem stolen glances, and the hand clasped in the darkness.
like a halo. The flickering screen and the worn-out car
all faded at that moment. It was just them, under the As they drove away, the giant screen fading in the
vast night sky, sharing a story and a connection, their distance, Bob knew this wasn’t just another movie
love story unfolding in the unique setting of the drive- night. It was a memory they’d revisit, a reminder of the
in theater. night the drive-in brought them a little closer under a
sky full of stars.
The movie ended with a flourish, the credits rolling
against a starry sky backdrop. As the lights came Editor’s Note: Bob passed away this February, he was
back on, Bob turned to Janice. Her eyes held a playful 92. His beloved Janice passed away in October of 2024.
twinkle. Bob had health issues, and this was the major reason
for his passing, but I like to think that after 72 years of
“That was cheesy,” she admitted, a smile tugging at the marriage he passed away from a broken heart and now,
corners of her lips. he is happy once more. Bob, it was a pleasure “meeting”
you and getting to know you even without speaking to
Bob grinned, “Like a bag of melted cheddar.”
you and I will eat a bag of popcorn at the reunion in your
They spent the next hour talking, finishing the popcorn memory. --Jon
and the hot chocolate, and warming their hands. The

“An athlete he’s our best,
He lives his life with zest,
‘Tempus fugit’ his motto beeth,
As everyone who knows him seeth.”
Bob’s 1951 Yearbook Quote

6 www.houltonalumni.com