California Gardening: A Great Loss, 1 by drdon

drdon wrote:
hiya guys,

Dave's Garden has lost a very dear and noteworthy member. Robert Dokka, our balvenie, passed today in the hospital. I cannot adequately share how much this great man has touched the lives of both Pam and I and I am sure that any individual that has had the distinct honor of making his acquaintance either here at DG or at one of the roundups at the ranch most certainly know what a truly amazing soul inhabited that man.

I spoke to Brian, Robert's son just a few minutes ago and the Dokka's, at Robert's request, are asking his friends to drop some food in a food bank bin or just hand out a coat to someone in need in lieu of flowers. Isn't that just like Robert? Barb, Robert's wife is surrounded by loved ones and is holding up as well as can be expected.

As we go about our days in the near future, it would be great if this thread became a way for all of us who knew balvenie in person or here at Dave's share a few memories of his great presence and influence on so many as well as the tireless generosity he was so famous for.

Robert and I often planned for a trip down to the Yucatan so that he could see the Mayan cities I often talked with him about. We never got to go. I've added a photo of a Mayan ruin in the jungles of Campeche, Mexico that Pam and I loved and Robert used to go bonkers over. I do hope he stops there on his way.

best to all,
don