There is something rather endearing about those who place words on paper, a computer blog, a website and/or on a postcard, for that matter, for others to peruse.

In my opinion, and that's all that really counts here, these humans oft feel like extended family members. Plus, they remain with us, even after they are physically no more, because they took the time to pen prose, produce poetry, fabricate fiction and, in essence, carry the reader to another place in his mind.

For clarity, I'm not making this statement just because I jot down words on a regular basis. I am, however, doing so to bring attention to a dear man who was a part of the Community News family for many years. The gent in question was one Mr. Robert Deitz, of Linesville fame.

Bob was our main, weekly, poet and placed his fantastic and thought provoking work in “The Poet's Niche,” located within the pages of this humble publication.

Well, he died several weeks ago and I would like to take the opportunity to give him a salute, of sorts.

For some, his gift of poetry was what defined him, as they didn't know this exceptional man on a personal level. For others, Bob was, indeed, more than a wordsmith.

Fortunately, I had the pleasure of interacting with Mr. D., and getting to know him on more than just a rhyming basis, so to speak.

Bob was the kind of person who would, very likely, offer the shirt off his back, to use a cliché, and was always quick to help and to encourage.

I was not able to make it to the services but, his wife, June, filled me in on some of the particulars worth mentioning in this column space.

He was a super whiz when it came to anything number/accounting related. We shared a lust for words but the numeral scenario put us in totally separate universes, as I'm quite content in believing that 1 + 1 = 57.

June imparted that several people at the service spoke up about the help that Bob had given them during their early lives. Some credited him with putting them on the correct path and emphasized that, without him, they wouldn't be where they had landed, today.

As for my personal experience with the “versifier,” I cannot emphasize enough how supportive he was of my writing. Just having him in my corner was really an honor as I respected the fact that he'd been in the word game for decades longer than I. So, to have someone of his stature compliment one's work is really beyond an appropriate description.

On many occasions, Bob would call me to offer praise, express words of wisdom and discuss future column ideas. Light and cheery phone banter was always enjoyable with Mr. D.

Back in the day, as the saying goes, we'd talk at “The Laughing Duck” during which times I was privileged to hear about his time spent serving the country.

I also listened with rapt attention as he told of his early life in the numbers game. (Gee, that sounded like he was a bookie or something—sorry about that.)

He was an ardent supporter of the Linesville Crime Watch and was also one of the “founding fathers” of that organization. Crime Watch meetings were my introduction into the world of reporting and Mr. Deitz kept things lively, on more than one occasion, as he wasn't shy about stating his actual views on a certain subject. That, in itself, is so very refreshing since many times meeting room floors are layered in eggshells, if you catch my drift.

I could be wrong here but based on our conversations, Bob didn't appear to be a big fan of political correctness gone wild, which is just one more tie that bound us as friends.

Bob, who was well beyond retirement years, would chip in more than most when it came to Crime Watch activities. He even helped to erect some of the signs—pretty good stuff for a man of his maturity. (That was a delicate way of saying old age and I know he'd get a kick out of it so, it shall remain in this piece.)

When my kid was a bit younger, he received a gift from Mr. Deitz in the form of a watch. The child still has it in his possession and refers to Bob as “the guy who gave me that watch that one time.”

Our poet was so kind as to pen a piece about your humble columnist and, I would like to share that with you at the end of this dedication. This is an example of the warm reception he offered the new chick in the newsroom.

My condolences to his whole clan and especially to his darling wife, June, who is a delightful character, to say the least. Mr. and Mrs. were an affectionate and well suited couple, (a dying breed), as was palpable anytime they were spotted together.

I best wind this up so, with that, I leave you with the following poem that was created as a “thumbs up” to Rants and Raves.

This has held a special place in my mind, as well as in my home, ever since it hit the pages of the Community News. Here is one last poem from our esteemed poet, Bob Deitz:

(He began with this little note on top: For a change of pace we present a poem about a real live local resident. We hope you will enjoy this poem and hope it will be received as the compliment it is intended to be.)

Rave and Rant

By Bob Deitz

There is a gal in town
Who really gets around
Her tendencies to rave and rant
and knowing not, the word can't.

She writes a column every week
And it's worth your time to take a peek
That's if you like up and downs
And assimilate on smiles and frowns.

You must expect dos and don'ts
And understand wills and won'ts
Have respect for the highs and lows
And cherish each day as it comes and goes.

You can either sigh or shout
From words straight forward or round about
Her column you can take or leave
And as you read either laugh or grieve.

So let her rave and let her rant
And through her column vent her chant.
If who she is you still don't know
One final clue, Go Lisa, go.

I shall cherish that poem for the rest of my days, however long or short they may be.

Thanks for the rhymes and for the good times—Now that is the extent of my poetic abilities. I best stick with ranting and raving, don't you think—Because my poetry really does stink. (Say, I'm getting the hang of this rhyming jazz!)

To say that he will be missed seems to be such an understatement. It is true, though, so I shall go with that flow. (I just made yet another rhyme!)

My thoughts, (and my son's), are with all who knew and adored our irreplaceable-rhythmic-verse-maven, Mr. Robert Edgar Deitz