When I first met Bob Bashore, we were youngsters working for Huth Engineers (he in traffic and me in structures), we connected on our shared wrestling background. Bob had some of the best wrestling stories ever, though, because he’d search for the opportunities to wrestle animals. If you’re over 50, you may recall the promotions for retail venues that included the spectacle of watching the local tough guys wrestle a bear.

I recall seeing one event at the opening of the local Tastee Freeze. The black bear knew a couple of wrestling moves (thigh snatch and side roll) and had the strength of well…a bear. I was in elementary school when I saw it, but I remember the older guys complaining about not being able to get a good grip because the skin just pulled all over. The bear would knock guys down and we’d all laugh. Then the bear would be given an ice cream cone and we’d laugh more.

Bob Bashore searched out these events, which often offered $50 if anyone could pin the bear. He managed to pin the bear on a couple of occasions. The story I love, though, was when he matched up against a chimp. They used a raised boxing ring for these matches. The fellow who preceded Bob did something to make the chimp angry. Then Bob went in and threw the chimp to his back for a split second.

The chimp bounced back onto his feet and was enraged. He picked up Bob and threw him like a play toy out of the ring. Bob broke a couple ribs as he landed on the chairs in the audience. He told me with a smile that he never felt the need to wrestle animals after that.

Bob had previously founded and ran a successful traffic construction company and then worked for many years as a traffic engineer. He loved body building and won more than 50 physique competitions including Masters Mr Universe. The photo below shows his work.

Bob was a gentle man who loved helping others meet their fitness goals. I recall him coming to my house and teaching me how to lift weights properly and get started on a program.

Bob died last week, a 68 year old who lived the last few years with incredible pain. His body gave out on so many levels. At his Memorial Service yesterday, a friend recalled asking Bob how he was doing. Bob replied, “I don’t want to talk about me. Nothing has changed. How are you doing?”

I love that response. The honesty, the focus on others and the acceptance of life’s current situation inspire me. I hope it inspires you as well. Let’s go into this weekend appreciating what we have and focusing on how we can help others. That would honor my friend Bob Bashore.