Sad, sad news

[Kintamayama 47,143]

Bob Reimer (Kofuji) has passed away. We all know how huge a place he held in the Sumo fan community and what the size of his daily contributions were.

He will be missed in a gigantic way.

Edited January 26, 2012 by Kintamayama

[Kintamayama 47,143]

I received this from Jack Barnes (Akisunni) who was a close friend of Bob's and who told me the sad news:

[8:03:50 AM] Jack H Barnes: On behalf of the family and friends of Bob,

It is my sad responsibility to report that Kofuji has left the dohyo for the last time today. He was a true champion at heart and our lives have been blessed with his presence.

The Kofuji Hall Of Fame for Bench Sumo is officially open as today. It has a membership of one for now, in time a council of players will choose additional members.

Edited January 26, 2012 by Kintamayama

[Fay 1,677]

How sad.

Rest in peace Bob and all good wishes and strength to his family.

[Nekonishiki Banji 403]

We miss you, Bob. Rest in peace.

[Doitsuyama 1,259]

That is very sad to hear. Bob was a mainstay and stalwart of the sumo games for many years. We will miss him very much.

[Jakusotsu 6,374]

I'm still at a loss for words. Bob prepared us for this mournful moment in the best possible way, but still... (Shaking head...)

[Profomisakari 909]

It's not possible to find the right words.

Thank you Bob for all!

Goodbye forever!

Profomisakari

[Kotoviki 16]

I too am at a loss for words!

Yes, he prepared us for this worst possible moment but it is still a shock!!

Bob and I had yet to meet in person as his two planned trips to get together were postponed!

One of the biggest regrets in my life will be the empty spot that I had never had a chance to meet Bob in person and give him a big hug!

Rest in Peace Bob! You will always be with me in my heart! You were good friend!! I appreciate all the advice you gave me!! I miss you!

[yorikiried by fate 2,038]

I will try to keep my word and not forget him.

[sekihiryu 51]

When the time comes, a memorial gift to the International Cancer Advocacy Network would be most appropriate if you care to do so.

Bob's final wish.

Jyoubutsu, Bob Reimer.

[ilovesumo 12]

Rest in Peace Robert. You had been a wonderful person. I believe we all meet again in that wonderful place.

[Kintamayama 47,143]

Bob and I when he came to visit in 2008:

Edited January 26, 2012 by Kintamayama

[Sherlockiama 0]

I too am at a loss for words.

Rest in Peace Bob.

[Yubinhaad 11,954]

We knew this was coming, but still it's like a punch to the gut. Only the good die young.

Sincere condolences to Bob's family and friends.

See you, Kofuji - warm regards, as you always had for us.

[Zenjimoto 40]

...

[Fukurou 534]

RIP Bob

When the time comes, a memorial gift to the International Cancer Advocacy Network would be most appropriate if you care to do so.

Bob's final wish.

Jyoubutsu, Bob Reimer.

Making a memorial gift to the International Cancer Advocacy Network online was very easy to do, and took less than 5 minutes.

Edited January 26, 2012 by Fukurou

[Vikanohara 171]

From the thread we could read recently, we all knew this day was coming, but still it came way sooner than expected. (Chucking salt...)

And even while it was expected, it's still sad sad news. (Shaking head...)

I hope Bob has gone to a better place with infinite access to all his passions during his mortal life.

[me2 0]

Bob's passing is such sad news. My heart goes out to Bob's wife, Barb, who was so

wonderful throughout, and Bob's family.

In Bob's memory and honor, I want to let everyone know that ICAN is in initial

discussions with powers that be in the UAE to establish a Robert W. Reimer Biomarker

Research Facility. I believe that ICAN will establish a Robert W. Reimer Melanoma

program that will enable others with melanoma to obtain up to date research and treatment

options.

While many will speak here about Bob as a friend, I guess that I can now relate how

amazing he was in his battle against melanoma. Bob, together with his wife Barb, formed

the quintessential, proactive patient team. Bob and Barb worked closely with ICAN (the

International Cancer Advocacy Network, where for purposes of disclosure I serve as

pro-bono biomarkers council chairman).

Along with Marcia Horn, CEO and president of ICAN, Bob and Barb made sure that they left

no stone unturned. Bob continuously learned as much as possible about the molecular

biology of melanoma and his different treatment options. As a relentless team, we

searched worldwide for physicians and providers who could provide Bob with optimal,

personalized care. As a result, Bob helped ICAN to put together international treatment

networks that will help many others. Bob approached this with an intelligence and drive

that endeared him to everyone at ICAN, just as he was endeared to the sumo community.

Melanoma is a tough competitor, and Bob and Barb faced it bravely. Only recently,

certain drugs targeted against specific genes, have become available to melanoma patients

that have specific mutations in their tumors. Bob was fortunate to attain access to one

that extended his life over the New Year, long enough for him to enjoy visits from his

family and to read the many wishes that so many of you posted on the sumo forum. Bob, in

one of his last emails to me, wrote privately that this outpouring of love and best

wishes brought him to tears, and I'm sure provided him much comfort after he decided

himself that he had battled long enough.

I'd like to remember Bob as the warm, kind, thoughtful, knowledgeable person he was

throughout these difficult times, and with the smile, warmth, and laughter he and Barb

brought to Barbara Ann and me when we met here in New York.

The heavens have gained a new Master of Dragonflies, which will glow for eternity.

Scott Kahn

[Wamahada 62]

... (Shaking head...) ... (Chucking salt...)

[Jakusotsu 6,374]

Found this post of Bob's again here:

Since I'm not in a place that has access to sumo news and don't know Japanese, all I can do is follow the forum. I like this forum for its civility and low signal to noise ratio.

I have been taking the opportunity to visit fellow Bench Sumo participants and SumoForum members over the past months. In April, I had the opportunity of going to Frankfurt and had an excellent dinner and beers with Jakusotsu and Hana-ichi.

Last Monday, I met with new SFI deshi, Harinezumi, for wing night at a favourite watering hole in Waterloo, Ontario. Hopefully there are no pictures of his "encouragement" caning ...

And yesterday, Kaiopectate, the Killer Sock Monkey, made the long drive across the north end of Vermont in a futile attempt to recruit me to Massashigawa beya. It is clear from the photo below that Kaiopectate belongs in the Hairy Ichimon ...

[Fukurou 534]

RIP Bob

When the time comes, a memorial gift to the International Cancer Advocacy Network would be most appropriate if you care to do so.

Bob's final wish.

Jyoubutsu, Bob Reimer.

Making a memorial gift to the International Cancer Advocacy Network online was very easy to do, and took less than 5 minutes.

I received an email from Marcia Horn, CEO of ICAN, in response to my memorial donation for Bob Reimer. She's asked me to send the following message on her behalf:

*****************************************************************

The International Cancer Advocacy Network (ICAN), the cancer patient advocacy 501

[Jonosuke 28]

I always cherish the memory of the time so long ago when we shared some sushi and beer and lots of sumo talk.

[Takanokaze 0]

Thank you Bob for all!Goodbye forever! (Yusho winner...)

[Maguroyama 27]

All too expected, all too sad...

Bob was a fighter with a strength worthy a yokozuna. May he remain in brightest memory.

[Bugman 384]

I didn't know Kofuji but i followed his health thread, and i took note of his bravery and the great respect here for him, i'm very sad, he only posted here a little time ago.

My best wishes to Bob's family, i am sorry i did not get the opportunity to converse more with him on this forum.