Arthur "Bob Bob" Jensen- A Unique Person, underestimated and the mold of future generations

Bob Bob Jensen gets little press because few really got the opportunity to know him.  I was privileged.

Arthur "Bob Bob" Jensen was the mold that created the work ethic of Merle and his sense of family, hard work ethic and sense of humor.

He worked hard throughout his life.  A family farm in Minnesota, Nebraska and following his daughter's dream to California, he gave up his comfort zone to become a manager for a number of apartments in Santa Monica, California and a custodian for local grade schools.  Modest, humble, a gentleman under all circumstance and the best teacher of roles and life. 

I was fortunate to spend time with him while they visited the family over the years.  I was offered a unique experience by spending a summer with him in California to learn from the "Master." 

I  also enjoyed intermittent time during my collegiate years visiting with Nana in Santa Monica and being offered her insights into this unique man and her son.  This was the man that taught my dad values and humanity.

To this day, I thank the "forgotten" Bob Bob for his inspiration, direction and focus on the things that are meaningful in life.  Those values were carried on with his son, dad.

When we lost Bob Bob Jensen, dad and I were in Decatur, Ill, at Wabash Railroad (client) when word came.  It was a quiet ride to Springfield,  yet dad was sympathetic and sensitive to my relation to HIS dad and was consoling me, not v.v.

I am truly blessed to have known and experienced life with what I feel are top two of the most outstanding people who have impacted my life.

To this day, I miss both of them and view their images daily as a means of set
ting my view of the day.

COMPANY FOR DINNER!!!

Around the Jensen household, we would have "select" guests for dinner.  There was the rare occurrence if it was a business friend of dad's, but more likely a neighbor, relative or an unsuspecting family friend.

The MO was pretty much the same:
1.  Kids play outside - get them worn out and hungry
2. Parents visit on the patio while dinner cooks - maybe a couple of dad's mixed drinks
3. Dinner
4. The Coup D' Grace - TRIP AND VACATION SLIDES

Ah, what seemed to be a genial invitation to the Jensen's for dinner, normally turned out to be a complete travelogue of recent and past vacations, family outings and gatherings and just plain vanilla day-to- day family life.  First, the call to set up the projector and screen.  Second, the call to prepare the room chairs to meet the number of guests- kids on the floor.  Third, call the firing squad victims in to the Chamber of Horrors...

The slides could go on for hours.  Occasionally, this would be interrupted for a coffee and dessert break- which, surprisingly, was always well received.  At first thought,  our guests often thought that the end of the show had arrived.  Ha, alas, but no. This was an intermission break to let the projector cool and rearm the caisson with more slide trays.

Curious, looking back, how in my memory, it was only relatives who would repeat this process...though now I think reluctantly....Blood before Boredom.....