Something broke inside when I learned Bob Gogerty has left us. Thirty-five years of memories of a friend, mentor, source, boss (briefly), patriarch of the family you choose (as opposed to the one youre born with). I dont know where to start. C. 1981, when I was a novice City Hall reporter for the Weekly, and former deputy mayor Bob and ex-budget director Don Stark provided inside perspective from the tiny office of the new Gogerty & Stark ? Shutting down the bars of the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage on an oil company junket to Prudhoe Bay? Loading up Bobs car for the 45-minute drive to Weyerhaeuser when I was communications director at Gogerty & Stark? (We always figured we were mostly along for the ride because Bob was just more comfortable surrounded by his posse.)?? Watching Bob plot the election of governors, building of baseball and football stadiums, and so much else? Staring at the front page of a Seattle Times profile naming Bob the most powerful man in the state? I just know I never would have had the life I lived - demanding, exhilarating, frequently crazed, and always terrific - without Bob. Im pretty certain he and Stanford have already snagged a prime table in the best bar in paradise, where a double Jamesons, water back, is on its way. I hope they save me a seat.
Posted on: Sun, 24 Aug 2014 01:04:37 +0000