To the editor:

The “issued statements” and columns of tribute about the tragic death of Bob Frederick have been eloquent and touching. But most have been about the coat-and-tie Bob or the dedicated-to-fitness Bob. I would like to offer memories of Bob as a neighbor and friend.

When Bob and Margey and then-toddlers Brian and Brad moved back to Lawrence for the LHS teacher and coach and graduate school phase, they built a house across the cul-de-sac from our home. Eventually, our son and Brian were Deerfield classmates. Our dog (15 inches tall) and their collie were best friends and trash day co-conspirators. There were 4th of July bicycle parades and a couples’ supper club.

But one of my favorite memories is of Bob Frederick walking down his driveway and into the cul-de-sac with multiple Frisbees in each hand. There might have been a “Hey, kids, look!” — and in one upward sweeping motion, he would throw those Frisbees straight up, high into the air. In moments, there would be dozens of kids in the cul-de-sac, catching and throwing Frisbees and running around. Hilarity reigned for the rest of a summer evening, and all because a tall, smiling man would make time to be out in the fresh air with a neighborhood’s children.

I can’t tell you how many times he did this, nor can I recount all the conversations among the other parents who would collect at the edges of the asphalt and watch the fun. But I treasure that memory of a very good man.