Bob and I met in high school and remained in touch for most of the 50 years since we graduated, including sharing an apartment in Brooklyn from 1979 through 1981. We were texting as recently as the week he died ... Bob was one of the sweetest and possibly the smartest person I've ever known. No one laughed as easily and heartily as him. Bob had an unquenchable curiosity about the world and an openness to be able to enjoy himself in any surroundings. Bob studied religion at Swarthmore and became a Buddhist shortly thereafter. I remember sitting on his bedroom floor in Brooklyn while he patiently explained what he loved about his religion. He was so powerfully happy about it that I clearly recall the conversation -- or maybe many conversations --all of these years later. Bob was a restless soul for a long time after college and that caused friction in our relationship. We reconnected about four years ago and, as I was waiting for him to exit the LGA terminal, he texted me that I might not recognize him because he had gray hair. I texted back, what do you think I have? It was obvious to me during that last visit that Bob had found peace with his wife Nerissa and their son, Bodhi. I'm so happy we had so recently been in touch and, despite the overwhelming shock and sadness, I'm relieved he didn't suffer at all. His death was completely out of the blue, according to Nerissa. There is so much more to say and celebrate about Bob. We should all live as intensely and genuinely as he did.