BEDFORD – The echoes of typewriters and the roar of stadium crowds have fallen silent, leaving a void in the heart of Lawrence County. We gather today to remember Bob Bridge, a man whose life was a tapestry woven with words, sports, and the warmth of genuine friendship. A longtime columnist and sportswriter, Bob’s legacy extends far beyond the printed page, etching itself into the very soul of our community.
Bob’s journey began in Evansville, graduating from North High School in 1972, before continuing his education at Indiana University, earning his degree in 1979. In Bedford, he found his true calling, becoming a sportswriter who chronicled the triumphs and heartbreaks of our local teams with a passion that resonated with every reader. His words painted vivid pictures of the Bedford North Lawrence girls’ state championships in 1983, 1991, 2013 (4A), and 2014 (4A), and their state finals appearances in 1990 and 1992, along with the BNL boys’ state finals appearances in 1987, 1988, and their glorious 1990 state championship. His dedication earned him a place in the 2005 Indiana Sportswriters & Sportscasters Hall of Fame, the Corky Lamm Indiana Sportswriter of the Year award, and numerous other accolades.
Yet, Bob’s achievements were not merely a collection of statistics and headlines. He possessed a rare gift, the ability to capture the essence of a person, to distill their spirit into words that comforted and immortalized them. He agonized over each phrase, striving to ensure that every life he wrote about would continue to live on in the stories he crafted.
His latest book, “Stories of Christmas Cheer: Tales and Tails from Hearth and Hound,” was a heartfelt tribute to his beloved parents, Bill and Ruth Bridge, a testament to the deep love and respect he held for family. He treasured his friendships, his community, and the simple joys of life, from the thrill of Indiana sports to the unwavering loyalty of his Chicago Cubs. And, of course, his beloved basset hounds, who were his constant companions.
To know Bob was to know a storyteller. If he said, “This will only take a minute,” you knew an hour of captivating tales awaited. His laughter was infectious, his heart overflowing with compassion. He embodied the words of Bessie Anderson Stanley: “To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived…this is to have succeeded.”
Bob’s health was failing, but his spirit endured. He found joy in the simple things, and though he grew tired, his spirit remained strong.
In his final days, Bob’s thoughts were filled with cherished memories, moments of laughter, and camaraderie with friends and family. He spoke fondly of his parents, of sharing the simple joy of life. He found comfort in those moments.
Though his voice is now silent, his words, stories, and love will forever echo in the hearts of those who knew him.
