Obituary of Robert L. Stanford

"Sundown, yellow moon, I replay the past I know every scene by heart, they all went by so fast" Bob Dylan Soundtraks of Robert Leslie Stanford's Life Track 1: THE EARLY YEARS On September 28th 1944 in Canton, Ohio Robert Leslie Stanford was born to Jennie and Sam Stanford. He joined his brother Lloyd and in coming years would welcome sister Gail. Robbie as his family affectionately knew him was said to be his mother's favorite due to his sweet nature. Although he grew up in a kosher household he looked forward to eating out so he could enjoy all of those non-Kosher foods. Track 2: College Days Bob took his time going to college. He started at the Miami University of Ohio and completed his freshman year. He wasn't focused on a career choice. His Dad suggested that he embark on an adventure. So at 18 he took off to work, study, and travel around Europe. After his travels, Bob returned to Ohio State to finish his Bachlor's degree. Track 3: EUROPE In 1963, he left America from NY on the SS America Steam Ship (Yes a BOAT!) Six long days! His first stop was Paris. Since he spoke no French, Bob had to figure out how to order food. He quickly learned the word 'jambon', so all he ate for days were ham sandwiches. Then in Germany he worked at Dunlop tires, where his father had found him a job. After saving up some money he traveled to Rome, his favorite stop. Because he loved Rome, he gave tours in a borrowed Karman Ghia… for FREE! He lived off of the generous tips he was given for these tours. The dining cuisine of choice was a 25 cent bowl of Pasta at a place called Mario's. Track 4: Pearl Alley Disc During his time at Ohio State Bob ran a record store called Pearl Alley Disc. After college he became a part owner of this record store. While he was here he met the people that would help him begin his career at CBS Records. Track 5: When Bob met Mollie In 1971 Bob met a little boy named Aaron. Little did he know, this encounter would lead him to the love of his life. At this time, Bob was friends with the woman who ran the daycare where Aaron spent his days. Bob and Mollie first met when Bob dropped by during a parent party. Over the next few months, Mollie and Bob grew from friends into much more. Bob's interests had Mollie adopting a wolfhound and buying her very own Motorcycle. Determined, she rode this 'Death Cycle' with white knuckles to win Bob's heart, but he was already taken with her. Sharon(Mollie's sister) shares that Mollie knew right away that Bob was "the one". Because his father had married at age 29, Bob decided at age 29 it was time to settle down and get married. He told Mollie later that a light bulb went off and he just knew she was "the one." In 1973 Mollie and Bob were married at their home in Columbus, Ohio. On their Honeymoon, Bob took her to Rome and fed her a bowl of pasta from none other than Mario's. Shortly there after, they were blessed with another son, Morgan Jay, on August 5th, 1974. Track 6: CBS Records While Bob was with CBS he did sales in Southern Ohio. CBS decided to promote Bob and offered him a sales job in either New York or California. Not knowing anyone in California, Bob chose New York where Mollie's sister Sharon lived with her two sons, Josh and John Henry. In 1977, Mollie and Bob drove from Ohio to New York each with a wolfhound and a son. Bob being the techie, they each had a CB radio in their cars. Bob "Record Man" and Mollie "Lollipop" had fun chatting and entertaining the truckers en route to their new home. Mollie and Bob settled in Centerport. Bob commuted to NYC until 1982 when he left CBS records and began on his next journey. Track 7: Soundtraks In 1985, Bob bought Soundtraks. Cliff came with Soundtraks and would later become one of Bob's closest friends. Bob and his love for music became a strong presence in Huntington Village. He shared this love with everyone he encountered. In its years as a business, Soundtraks became a home away from home for both Bob and his employees. It was a family, right down to Nipper the dog(Soundtraks' mascot). Bob, his family, and his staff celebrated Christmas each year in the store followed by a trip Ronnie and Sandy's jewelry store to end the night. They were a very tight-knit group. Bob was very much respected and loved by his employees, many of whom credit him for being a strong positive influence in their lives. Track 8: Bob's Daily Soundtraks Routine 11:00am each morning Bob would drop off his bag at Soundtraks and head straight to his favorite place - The Mediterranean Snack Bar, to meet his friend Foti for a cup of decaf and a morning chat. They would talk for almost an hour. Bob would head off to "work". Usually this meant talking to who ever he would run into on the sidewalk, enjoying the conversations until about 2:00 at which time he would head back to The Mediterranean for lunch. After lunch he would make his way into Soundtraks. At about 6:00 each night Mollie would call and ask Bob "When do you think you will be home?" and Bob would reply, "About 1-1 ½ hours, I have so much work to do." Bob knew everyone in Huntington and became a friend to so many, enjoying all of the people he got to know. Some even called him 'the mayor'. In June of 2011, after 26 successful years, Bob closed the doors to Soundtraks for the last time. Track 9: Cayman Bob After several vacations to the beautiful Cayman Islands, Bob and Mollie decided it was time to purchase a house there. They found a great house and placed an offer. The offer they placed was low and as they flew home they thought, "Whew, we dodged a bullet". Once they landed they got the news there offer was accepted. Mollie and Bob decided to call this new home Purple Haze, not only for the Jimi Hendrix song, but also for the beautiful sunsets that could be seen from their house. Over the next 19 years, they would develop many new friendships and create special memories together. Track 10: Bobs Loves Bob had a life full of things that he loved and enjoyed. His wife Mollie was his everything. He loved to surprise her, especially on her birthdays and their anniversaries. He was always coming up with clever. One year he took her to a fancy restaurant known for their caviar and replaced the caviar with a beautiful string of pearls. On another occasion he put a diamond ring in a salad. Just this past July 28th, Bob and Mollie celebrated their 39th anniversary. Bob surprised Mollie by having a beautiful garden of colorful flowers planted while she was away. Bob sons, Aaron and Morgan, were his pride and joy. He loved to talk about Aaron's job at Sony Pictures, and the three amazing children(Hannah, Ariella,Sam) he was raising with his wife Cissy. He loved to watch Morgan play lacrosse and was so proud of the man Morgan grew into. He enjoyed stopping by Morgan's house and spending time with him, his wife Hildi and his granddaughter, Greenlee . Bob loved cars and Motorcycles. His Mustang, his 280Z, the Jeeps, and his convertible Mercedes. His favorite car was the Austin Healy. He had one when he was younger and in recent years dreamed of getting another one. His first Motorcycle was a Kawasaki, and a few years ago he purchased a Triumph. Bob loved to travel, and experienced more of this world than most. Bobs love of music shaped his career and many of the journeys in his life. Bob recently completed a play list, leaving his legacy of music behind. A play list that had 5322 songs. Bob just bought an IPHONE and was thrilled because it had the capability to hold ALL of his songs! Track 11: Life's Changes In 2006 Bob was diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer. Although the cancer was cured, his quality of life changed. He was, however, able to enjoy, share and celebrate six more years with his family. Bonus Track - Track 12: Life after Cancer Treatment for Bob's Cancer gave him an extension on life. It allowed him to be here to experience marriage of his son Morgan, birth of his Granddaughter Greenlee, and getting to watch his other Grandchildren grow and achieve great things. Most recently watching Sam win the MLB Pitch, hit, and run competition in Kansas City. Seeing his Granddaughters Hannah and Ariella with all of their academic and social achievements. Bob was able to watch Greenlee grow from a baby into a toddler, watching her first steps and beginning to learn all new things. He was able to enjoy some traveling. A trip to the Caymans, London, A Catamaran Festiva tour, a Yankee game with his sons and Grandson. Also he had many friends' come and visit. He was also able to make a trip to big bear for his 65th birthday and Aaron's 40th birthday. He was looking forward to watching his Grandson Sammy participate in The Cooperstown Tournament that included a family vacation in a cabin rented for everyone to stay in. In his last few weeks of life Bob was able to enjoy lunch dates with friends, conversations with his Granddaughters who were here visiting form California, about school and teaching Hannah how to drive. Sitting around the dinner table with 3 of his four Grandchildren, his wife, his son, and his daughter in law smiling and laughing. He was also able to spend his wedding anniversary with his wife. The last week was a perfect end. Track 13: Life after Bob In the days since his passing Bob is already terribly missed. From the posts on his Facebook wall to the stories shared by an old friend, the messages and feelings are all the same. Robert Leslie Stanford was a kind, loving man. He was extremely frugal but would give you the shirt off his back. He was a mentor and a support system. He was a sounding board and a confidant. He was a cheerleader and a best friend. Those who had the chance to talk with him laugh with him enjoy life with him; will be forever touched by him. When you hear the music play think of him. "Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them." -Bob Dylan