Today we say goodbye to Bob, a brother, a coworker, an uncle and to me my dearest, best and oldest friend. 

Bob was a friend to so many during his lifetime and I do not think he realized the impact he had on the people around him. I can honestly say that there have been only a few people who have walked into my life and changed it forever. Bob was that person for me. I look back over the 20 years I have known Bob and see the joy that he has brought to me and many others. 

When asked what we remember most about Bob, I think everyone would agree that it was his hilarious sense of humor and his caring heart. He was the kind of person who would do anything for you and would not think twice about giving up his free time and postponing his own projects. Those of us who know Bob knew he had an endless number of projects on any given day, many of which I still am trying to understand—like the hours he spent picking up sticks in his yard. But that was Bob. 

Bob always was full of fun and laughter. If there was a story to tell, a song to sing, or a joke to act out, Bob was the one who did it. He was the kind of person who would make everyone laugh so hard that they end up crying. He was so out there with his antics and joke telling that they often involved him doing skits or acting out the stories. I remember several times at restaurants where Bob, in order to tell his story in typical dramatic fashion, had to get up from the table to act it out, without regard to the looks of others as to what he was doing. 

Some of the stories he told, if you did not know him well, you would swear that they could not be true. But that was Bob.. ..He definitely was one of a kind. I have always thought that Bob was such a character and that he "walked to the beat of a different drummer" and that is what I have loved most about him. 

Bob was a person with a passion to do different things, wear the craziest Halloween costume or make a typical gathering into something memorable by wearing a crazy hat, shirt or having some other type of joke planned. 

He was an information junkie and had a fascination with human behavior. He would read the newspaper and magazines for hours just to keep up on the latest issues or scandals. Often would tell me that he could not go anywhere until he read the newspaper from beginning to end, including the ads. 

He loved people watching and those of us that have been with him know that he was not always subtle about it.  He would love to go to rallies or other protests just to see what they were about. I remember him showing up the Michael McGee Sr. house disguised as a reporter, with pen and pad in hand. Bob just wanted to see the reactions of the people and be there while it was happening. 

Bob also would follow the latest trials including the McGee, Bembenek and the Avery trials. I remember going to a fundraiser for Bembenek because he just wanted to see who would show up. We often would talk each evening about the latest testimony from these trials and want to be there when the verdicts were read. 

Another one of these rallies that we attended was the Benny Hinn crusade at the arena. For those of you who may not know him, Benny Hinn promotes himself as a Christian healer where he would do miraculous healings on stage. Bob was fascinated by this. When Hinn called all of the pastors down for a special prayer or blessing, Bob took that opportunity to get closer to the stage to see what was really going on. Not having a pre-approved badge identifying himself as a pastor, Bob put on his acting hat and pretended to have a bible and acted like a pastor by saying "Bless you brother" and walked right past security. Once on the floor close to stage, unknown to Bob, Benny Hinn did a blessing or prayer for the pastors, causing all of hundreds of pastors to fall to the ground. Bob turned around trying to comprehend what had just happened— realizing that he was the only one out of several hundred pastors still standing. 

Bob also loved the police scanner for that same reason. Often he would show up at crime scenes before the police and try to assist on the call. He loved to be right in the middle of things. 

Bob also loved the outdoors and art. Those of us who have been to Bob's house have seen first hand his lawn art. Each year, we would frequent many art festivals, where Bob would purchase the newest and greatest piece of art and his lawn and house is a tribute to his love of art.  He loved wild life so much that he would often stay up all night just to watch the wild life in his yard. He even would purchase the latest gadget that would alert him to the presence of wildlife in his yard. 

I can go on and on but these are the memories that I will cherish. While I will miss doing these crazy things with Bob, most of all, I will miss my friend.  We give thanks for the life of a man I am so proud to be able to call my friend. The unique, the funny and the extraordinary Bob whose humor, free spirit, big heart and selflessness has set an example for all of us today. 

Even though Bob never though of himself as an inspiration to us. Bob in his dying has taught us how to live. Having Bob as my friend has taught me to enjoy life, enjoy the company of those around me, enjoy a good friendship and above all else, be happy.I know that Bob would not want us to think mourn his death but rather remember that he still is with us. I think the following poem depicts how Bob would want to be remembered. 

Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.I am not there; I do not sleep.I am a thousand winds that blow.I am the diamond glints on snow.I am the sunlight on ripened grain.I am the gentle autumn's rain.When you awaken in the morning's hushI am the swift uplifting rushOf quiet birds in circled flight.I am the soft stars that shine at night.Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.I am not there. I did not die. 

I believe that Bob will continue to live in our hearts forever. In heaven, I am sure that Bob is still making people laugh.

Bob Leonard and his Polish Legacy 

Although Bob wasn’t Polish by birth, he played a huge role in Milwaukee’s Polish community over the past 30 years.  His name is permanently engraved on the walls of the Polish Center of Wisconsin as both a founding board member and a financial supporter. But his Polish heart was forged in the Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble.

Back in the mid 70’s Bob was a bouncer at several well known Milwaukee Discos, where he and I both discovered the joys of dancing. 

As the Disco scene lost its luster, Bob and I discovered a new, challenging and fulfilling outlet for timeless dancing in the Syrena Polish Folk Dance Ensemble, in 1979. With Bob’s great personality and natural organizational talents, he quickly assumed leadership roles in Syrena as, Publicity director, fundraising director, ticket and reservation manager, and Vice President.  He once told me that he didn’t feel comfortable to run for the office of president of Syrena because he wasn’t Polish enough.  But he fiercely defended the Polish ness of the Dance Group in his many dealing with the press or service vendors.  He understood the value of a building and maintaining a positive image for Syrena and the Polish community. 

Through Syrena and the Polish community, Bob formed hundreds of close relationships some on a very personal level.  We all new and loved Bob for many reasons.  He had a larger-than-life personality, a robust laugh and loud booming talking voice.  And Bob loved to talk.  He would keep us on the phone for hours at a time sharing his stories, ideas and opinions.  Our director Ada Dziewanowska, shortly after loosing her twin sister said of Bob - it is almost like talking to my sister again.  If you wanted juicy news about the group to get out, - forget e-mail - just call Bob.  We sought him out to share our personal problems and issues with him.  And in return, Bob shared other people’s problems and issues with us.   And we loved him for it and he loved us for sharing our inner feelings. 

 His dance floor antics were the spice that energized us all.  Bob enjoyed acting as well as dancing.  His memorable roles included that of the scar crow in Zosia and the Cherry Tree, the frolicking Lajkonik, Maciek in Umarl Maciek Umarl.  He also played the noble role of Pan Twardowski, who bought fame and youth by tricking the devil.  But his most beloved role was that of King Herod in Syrena’s famous Christmas play “Herody”. 

In the words of Ada Dziewanowska, the loss of Bob is a tragedy for the Syrena.   

What’s that Bob?  “Tragedy?  What Tragedy? 

Yes Bob, it is tragic for you played such a pivotal role in our group even while suffering through your final illness.  We have not yet discovered the depth and breadth of the void you have left us with. 

Bob, you loved the game of competition and success it brought for Syrena.  Whether it was a great performance, a flattering newspaper article about the group, or another sold out Syrena event. Bob, you relished these group victories and the group camaraderie it fostered.  

I found a scriptural reading that I feel aptly summarizes Bob’s journey through life and his attitude toward Syrena.   

What’s that Bob?   And just what do these scriptures have to say?  

Well, in a Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy, speaking of his own death, 

“The time of my departure is at hand. I have competed well; I have finished the race;          

I have kept the faith. From now on the” golden” crown of righteousness awaits me, 

Yes Bob, and maybe even a purple robe. Oh death, you merciful woman, you may have taken Bob’s physical presence from us, but his spirit remains deep in our minds and hearts and in the comforting hands of God. As one life-long friend to another . . .and for the final time . . . .God bless you Bob.   

Neil Dziadulewicz                 September 10, 2008 

 Linda Franks Memories about Bob

Remembering Bob L

My first fond memory of Bob goes back to about 1997.  Email was pretty new to us then (at least to me and Bob).  I was president of Syrena (I could say, Neil handed over the reins to me).  Bob and Neil became my self-appointed advisors.  The three of us always had emails going back and forth about Syrena business.  When I had run-ins with other Syrena personalities, I didn’t really seek consolation, but Bob gave it, along with his support and appreciation, in his own wonderful way.  These were special times.

My second memory goes back to 1984 when I joined Syrena and I first met Bob.  The 80’s were really Bob’s era in Syrena.  We always had more than a few laughs at rehearsals with Bob clowning around and a few others joining in the fun.  We could always drive home from rehearsals still chuckling over the events of the night.  Bob brought that same spirit to our performances, making them not only beautiful, but also entertaining.  Syrena quickly developed a reputation for the spirit and enthusiasm of our performances.  I think Bob had a lot to do with sending us off in that direction.

My third memory is of Bob, the incurable flirt.  In those early years especially, Bob flirted with most, if not all, of the women in Syrena, and I was a regular.  It was great fun.

It would be easy to keep going on, as Bob was remarkable in many ways.  But, I will just finish by saying that Bob did everything with a passion and he touched many people along the way.

With sadness,

Linda