Memorial for Bob Witham

Today I drove to Camden, S.C., to attend the memorial service for my friend Bob Witham. Bob died last December after a fall from his pony during training for Shadwell Farm. It was pouring rain, but still about 200 people turned out for Bob's memorial, which is a real tribute to a person.
I was very fortunate to meet Bob's younger brother Mike, who said he remembered his brother as being "bulletproof" and one the police were happy to see leave the U.K. and now he comes here to find we all regard Bob as something with a halo. Susan from Shadwell Farm was there too and said I was welcome to call her for a tour anytime. There were many new people to meet - Bob's neighbor Julie, his first Camden friend Annie, and Jackie, who used to ride with Bob for Mr. Whiteley.
And there were lots of people to get reaquainted with too: Debbie from Facebook, Sally Truss the sidesaddle rider, my old neighbor Lisa Moore, Cigar who rode for Mr. Whiteley too and many others.
The hardest part of the whole memorial service was the lap taken around the track by the riderless horse, who had Bob's saddle and boots. It was Bob's final ride, but I imagine he's riding the great ones in Spirit World, like his old friend Forego.
Bob, I sure will miss you. You are one of those people who made the world better just by being in it. It seems a little less bright now.