It is an honor to have been asked to say a few words about my old friend Bob Fleming. Never have I met a man with such a strong sense of his convictions, such a strong spiritual and moral compass, and such a kind and gentle heart.

I first met Bob Fleming in 1966 in a shabby little pool hall on Milton Road, Cy's Pool Hall. Every year a new group of usually juniors or sophomores would wander into Cy's Pool Hall. Many only entered once, but Bob and his friends were to become welcomed as regulars. Bob always liked to let people know that he knew me way back when. We had a gentleman's agreement not to talk about those days.

Now bear with me, I'm going to be talking to Bob, and you can just listen in. Bob and I lost contact in the late 60's. We crossed paths again at SIUE early 70's. I probably chuckled out loud as I saw you walking toward the Peck Building. It was so good to begin getting reacquainted with you. I knew SIUE had a new advocate on its hands. You were a student at SIUE and LCCC for many years. But isn't it ironic that all the learned professors and administrators learned more from you, the student advocate, than you ever learned from them. Both campuses are much improved because of your presence. As is Alton, and the various other places you touched with your advocacy.

You'd be proud to see who stopped by last night and today. I had a chance to chat with some of your family, uncle Kenny Campbell, uncle George Campbell, and uncle Gary Fleming. It's obvious that you came by your outspokenness honestly, given the influence of uncles like that. We should all be so lucky to have such uncles.

I know Bob, if you were here you'd be wondering about an old pool hall buddy, with a coat and tie, talking to a distinguished group of your friends and family. I will answer your mischievous questions.

No, Bob, I did not buy this coat at Goodwill.
Yes, Bob, I did have to borrow the coat for this occasion.
No Bob, this is not a clip-on tie.
Yes, Bob, somebody had to tie it for me.

And for the question you would ask me at the end of many meetings- Yes Bob, I will take you home. It just seems awfully early to call it a day. And that makes me sad. Me and some of your best pals, including Ken Poe who came up from Texas, will make sure you get home safely. At times like this I have found solace in a poem written when a classmate in high school died long before his time. Maybe it's better left for the pastors to say, but it helps me to return to it.