Hoist One for Bob!

Robert Urich was a man's man: college football star, TV tough guy, and--late in life--champion of people living with cancer.  He was Dan Tanna, Spenser (for Hire), and the last captain of The Love Boat.

He was also my friend.

On April 16, 2002, he died of cancer in the prime of life (age 55).  Every year since then, I have raised a glass in his honor on the anniversary of his death:

2003 (a Wednesday night): In my parents' kitchen, with my family
2004 (a Friday night): With pals at the regular Friday-night gathering at Moondance in Shenzhen
2005 (a Saturday night): With some of the same pals, and some new ones, in another bar in Shenzhen

Now, in 2006, the date is a Sunday night.  (It's also Easter.)  This isn't the best night of the week for a night on the town.

So I have decided that, henceforth, the nearest Saturday to April 16 will be "Hoist One for Bob" night.

And with that idea, we're going global.

Shenzheners (and those nearby): We will meet on Jusco's International Bar Street at 8 p.m. Saturday the 15th; the toast will happen around 9:00.  Who knows when we'll leave.  Since we'll probably have an outside table, we should be easy to find; call 136 5231 9985 if you can't find us.  Feel free to invite other friends as well.

Those abroad (Japan, U.S., etc.): If you are in a suitable environment, I encourage you to raise a glass with good pals and say, simply, "To Bob!" at 9 p.m. Saturday the 15th  (local time).  If you want to get together (say, Stuart and Simeon in Tokyo) with others, that would be great. (Stu: a lot of pressure on you.  As a bar owner AND the only guy on the list who actually met the great man, you really SHOULD do something!)  And if any of you DO have a group, a picture or two would be appreciated.

This letter was addressed and sent to men only (except for a cc to Heather and another to my girl Lila).  Why is that?  Well, Bob and I had an occasional tradition of "helping the sun go down," I with my tequila and he with his Scotch as we watched the sun sink behind the Wasatch range through the Urich's picture window in Park City, Utah. Bob's wife Heather was often a delightful addition to the festivities, but as we relaxed in big old leather chairs rescued from a gentlemen's club, and Bob often smoked a cigar, it was definitely a "guy thing."  So ladies are welcome.  (They have, in fact, been present at every previous Hoist.)  But for me, a big part of the point is to celebrate male friendship.  Not in a Brokeback way, just as guys havin' a glass.  The men on this list are those with whom, in the past year or long before, I have shared good friendship and fellowship.  And I encourage you to do the same.

So I hope you will join me--in person in Shenzhen, and in spirit around the world.  Drink whatever you want (we did!), and the toastmaster can say whatever he wants leading up to the prime moment, but the key is the final two words:

"To Bob!"

Highest regards,