IN MEMORY OF BUFFALO BOB SMITH Buffalo Bob Smith a familiar name to many "Baby Boomers." It was just a name to me until I met the man behind the name. When I heard the news that he had died I was in shock. I had only spoken to him a few days before. He never let on how ill he really was. For the past two years it has been my pleasure and honor to have known the man that many called Buffalo Bob Smith. Although it had only been a short time, I felt that I had known him all my life. That's the kind of person he was. I met Bob when my company decided to purchase the license to develop and print a line of T- shirts to commemorate Bob and Howdy's 50th anniversary. He worked with us from concept to print to sales and promotion. He even came to our shop to see how first hand how the shirts were printed. Bob was a great show man. Last summer I watched him entertain a group of people whose ages ranged from 4 to 74. The magic of his performance was unexplainable. Children who are used to the latest special effects and high tech t.v. sat almost hypnotized by Bob and Howdy, and Clara Belle. Bob and Howdy had a natural rapport with the audience. He very much wanted this generation of children to be a part of the "Peanut Gallery". It is sad that he passed away before he could see his dream through. I always thought there should be a place for Bob and Howdy somewhere on cable. Nickoldeon, the Family Channel, Foxx. Today's children should have the chance to enjoy the FUN of The Howdy Doody Show. I have tapes of the show, that my daughter, age 9, puts on and watches. She truly enjoys them. Bob will be missed as a husband, a father, a friend, and a show man. It is sad that his death comes in his and Howdy's 50th anniversary year. Like so many others I have my memories of Bob that I will treasure. I am thankful that my family and I had the chance to know him. I know that our lives are richer because Bob and Howdy became a part of them, even for a little while. From all of us at Con-Tees to you Bob our FRIEND you will be deeply missed. Until we meet in the Peanut Gallery in the sky---- SO - LONG BOB! |
