Loss for whole region

The entire Daily Herald area lost a truly great man with the passing of Bob Frisk. He was an inspiration to all: athletes, coaches and fans. Bob's presence at a high school game provided "authenticity" and significance to the contest. All knew it was the "Game of the Week" when Bob was there.

Shortly after his retirement, Bob joined our 6 a.m. Fridaying Breakfast Club. This club consisted of some of the most highly respected and honored teachers and coaches in the area, yet it was Bob who most appropriately sat at the head of the table. The conversation ranged from high school athletics, some college football, to politics. (Rarely, if ever, did it cover professional sports. The "play for pay" was not part if his ethics.) Bob always enjoyed reminiscing about the great teams of the past, yet he also remained up to date with the current teams, players and coaches.

Bob's twice weekly columns usually emphasized the values that we all cherish. He wrote of teamwork, sportsmanship, hard work, valor, honesty and loyalty. As long retired English teachers and coaches from Rolling Meadows High School, David Kives and I would often cut out, laminate and post on the wall many of these inspirational articles. Bob will be missed by all.

Mark Thorne

Longtime coach at Forest View and Rolling Meadows High Schools