How do I describe such a man?

Bob, you were kind,
(And cared little for money).

Bob, you had a terrific sense of humor,
(But it was never nasty).

Bob, you saw the World as absurd,
(And insisted that I did too).

Bob, you loved horses,
(And knew that I did as well).
We both loved a bet on the races.

Bob, you loved a beer,
(And I often had one with you).

Bob, when I first met you,
You were the first local
To make me feel welcome.
(That was sixteen years ago).

Bob, you knew that I was a womaniser
(But you accepted me for who I am).

Bob, you loved woman
(But often you would hide it).

Bob, you told me of the dangers of drink,
(Yet admitted that it served a purpose).

Growing up in the 1930's
In Balmain*,
When it was a slum;
During the Great Depression.

Helping to unload trucks,
When you were twelve years old;
So that your ten siblings
Would have something to eat;-
You were already a Man.

You never got a proper education,
Though you were not bitter about it;-
(It takes a Great Man, to be like this).

Bob, you were my teacher;-
And you were my guide.
(And I learned much from you).

You were on my "wavelength"
And you were a selfless man.

You were truly unique;-
(And saw the great humor in monkeys).
You knew completely, that they are our relatives,-
(And that one branch were our lineal ancestors).

The World may not have seen you as much;-
Because you were old (And cared little for money).

You didn't care,
What anyone thought.

Your mind was sharp
To the "end".

You laughed at life,
All the way through;-
For eighty-seven years,
(You even cracked jokes, on your deathbed).

Bob, to the best mate,
I've ever had.

You were my mate,
And I'll miss you.**


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