Bob Snider was a good friend to me. When I was 14 going to Riedgview Junior High, these two guys showed up at my house, don't remember their names. One guy was about my age and the other was an older camel jockey with a car. They wanted me to take a ride with them, and showed me how to use a church key (a can opener with a tiny sharp end). As we were about to leave, my dad came out and said I couldn't go. I was very upset but went in. I really wanted to ride with this older guy in his convertible car.
The next morning walking to Ridgview Bob Snider came alongside and asked why I didn't show up the day before. He told me a guy named Rupert Mount from I think Redwood Junior High across town was there to fight me, for some reason I never found out. He said the two guys from the day before were sent to bring me back to Westwood Elementary School, there for Rupert to attack me. My two supposed friends would throw me the church key, tell me to defend myself against this older, bigger guy. Ruper would then pull out a switch blade and carve me up. Bob said it was a good thing I didn't come. I am thankful to my dad who passed in 1997 and to Bob Snider.
Two years later at lunch time, these two bullies, one named Dennis Sisson were intimidating this nice, smart kid, threatening him, maybe for lunch money or something. I came up and stood next to the kid. Dennis told me to leave. I said I wouldn't, so he said we would fight the next morning. Sure enough the next morning before school started Dennis approached me to go behind the metal shops and fight.
Bob Snider walked there with me. He said because Dennis bigger to not be intimidated, he believed in me. That gave me courage. We squared off and when Dennis took a haymaker swing, I pulled back, and his fist narrowly missed me. That left his face fully exposed. I landed a solid punch and connected. I then beat him pretty good. A teach stopped the fight, and we both were punished by Mr. Humpert, dean of boys, for afternoon detention. I became friends with Dennis and some other loser guys that always seemed to get into trouble. That one incident put me in bonehead classes for the rest of my junior and high school years.
When I was a junior at Napa High I was placed in an english class with all the smart kids. I loved it. After two days my english teacher from the previous year came to visit my present english teacher. When he saw me he told something to the teacher and she had me stay after class. She told me they thought it was best if I was put into a different (bonehead) class. When I think of my high school years the one teacher I think of that most influenced me was that lady teacher whose name I don't even remember. Those two days with the smart kids was a highlight in my school years. As it turns out, I just turned 81, (I was a year behind because of pheumonia as a kid). Anyway, I am just finishing a sci/fi novel, have a publisher, and believe it will be popular. That one backward turn in my life almost took away all my lifelong dreams. But not yet.
If anyone knows a person from Bob Snider's family, I'm sure they would love to hear how much I appreciate his very brief but important friendship to me.
What an amazing story. I'm so surprised about Dennis. I always thought he was just a quiet, serene kind of guy. Was I wrong! So glad you made it through those teen years alive.
Like I said we became friends. Dennis grew to be a better person. Junior high teen years were the worst on everyone. My grand kids attest they still are. Dennis' older brother was a great guy.
Here are a few notes to add to the 'life and history of Robert Snider.
Once upon a time in the halls of Ridgeview Junior Highschool, there was a brief confrontation, amounting to a few cross words exchanged between Robert Snider and myself (Bill Timmons). Then came the ultimate phrase, "Do you want to fight?" As I recall, this challenge came from Bob, as I, newly coined Eagle Scout, was not suppose to participate in such vulgar activities as a fist fight. Not wanting to be seen as a chicken, I, of course responded, "Sure!" Then came the fist waving and head bobbing. Bob suggested that I throw the first blow. "No, you throw the first blow!" I demanded. Well, Bob thrust his right fist toward my waiting nose. Before the launched fist reached its target, a rough red brick wall blocked Bob's impending fist. Oh my God! blood began to spirt in all directions. Poor Robert had removed an inch or two of skin along a the back side of hand. By this time a small group of guys entered the picture. I stood there not knowing what to do. My Eagle Scout instincts told me to tie a turniquit or something around poor Bob's hand. Before I could take action, several 'good samaritans (possibly Franklin Graham) grabbed Bob and moved him toward the nurse's office. A river of bright red blood followed the course of events down the hallway and passed the library. Within minutes of the great battle between mighty Bob Snider and Eagle Scout Bill Timmons word spread that Timmons had clobbered the mighty Bob in a fight. By the end of day, I was aclaimed as the 'baddest man in the whole damn town."
Here are a few notes to add to the 'life and history of Robert Snider.
Once upon a time in the halls of Ridgeview Junior Highschool, there was a brief confrontation, amounting to a few cross words exchanged between Robert Snider and myself (Bill Timmons). Then came the ultimate phrase, "Do you want to fight?" As I recall, this challenge came from Bob, as I, newly coined Eagle Scout, was not suppose to participate in such vulgar activities as a fist fight. Not wanting to be seen as a chicken, I, of course responded, "Sure!" Then came the fist waving and head bobbing. Bob suggested that I throw the first blow. "No, you throw the first blow!" I demanded. Well, Bob thrust his right fist toward my waiting nose. Before the launched fist reached its target, a rough red brick wall blocked Bob's impending fist. Oh my God! blood began to spirt in all directions. Poor Robert had removed an inch or two of skin along a the back side of hand. By this time a small group of guys entered the picture. I stood there not knowing what to do. My Eagle Scout instincts told me to tie a turniquit or something around poor Bob's hand. Before I could take action, several 'good samaritans (possibly Franklin Graham) grabbed Bob and moved him toward the nurse's office. A river of bright red blood followed the course of events down the hallway and passed the library. Within minutes of the great battle between mighty Bob Snider and Eagle Scout Bill Timmons word spread that Timmons had clobbered the mighty Bob in a fight. By the end of day, I was aclaimed as the 'baddest man in the whole damn town." I never touched the guy. Poor Bob.
Bill Timmons
By the way, my long awaited movie, BECKER'S FARM is fully funded and currently in pre-production. Should be finished in 2025.
I ran around with Bob S. we live just a block apart. I thought a lot of Bob I was so sore of his early passing. Bob had cancer and the doctor told him if he would have his surgery now he felt he could extend his life, but Bob would miss his daughter's graduation if did his surgery. Bob being the man he was waited for the graduation and it cost him his life. I will always remember Bob Mel Northern
Mel, thank you for that. I wish I would have kept in touch with him as life went on. He was very special to me at a critical time in my life. If you know any way to contact his family, they need to know how special he was to us. Let me know if you have any idea.
Paul Chiniquy
Bob Snider was a good friend to me. When I was 14 going to Riedgview Junior High, these two guys showed up at my house, don't remember their names. One guy was about my age and the other was an older camel jockey with a car. They wanted me to take a ride with them, and showed me how to use a church key (a can opener with a tiny sharp end). As we were about to leave, my dad came out and said I couldn't go. I was very upset but went in. I really wanted to ride with this older guy in his convertible car.
The next morning walking to Ridgview Bob Snider came alongside and asked why I didn't show up the day before. He told me a guy named Rupert Mount from I think Redwood Junior High across town was there to fight me, for some reason I never found out. He said the two guys from the day before were sent to bring me back to Westwood Elementary School, there for Rupert to attack me. My two supposed friends would throw me the church key, tell me to defend myself against this older, bigger guy. Ruper would then pull out a switch blade and carve me up. Bob said it was a good thing I didn't come. I am thankful to my dad who passed in 1997 and to Bob Snider.
Two years later at lunch time, these two bullies, one named Dennis Sisson were intimidating this nice, smart kid, threatening him, maybe for lunch money or something. I came up and stood next to the kid. Dennis told me to leave. I said I wouldn't, so he said we would fight the next morning. Sure enough the next morning before school started Dennis approached me to go behind the metal shops and fight.
Bob Snider walked there with me. He said because Dennis bigger to not be intimidated, he believed in me. That gave me courage. We squared off and when Dennis took a haymaker swing, I pulled back, and his fist narrowly missed me. That left his face fully exposed. I landed a solid punch and connected. I then beat him pretty good. A teach stopped the fight, and we both were punished by Mr. Humpert, dean of boys, for afternoon detention. I became friends with Dennis and some other loser guys that always seemed to get into trouble. That one incident put me in bonehead classes for the rest of my junior and high school years.
When I was a junior at Napa High I was placed in an english class with all the smart kids. I loved it. After two days my english teacher from the previous year came to visit my present english teacher. When he saw me he told something to the teacher and she had me stay after class. She told me they thought it was best if I was put into a different (bonehead) class. When I think of my high school years the one teacher I think of that most influenced me was that lady teacher whose name I don't even remember. Those two days with the smart kids was a highlight in my school years. As it turns out, I just turned 81, (I was a year behind because of pheumonia as a kid). Anyway, I am just finishing a sci/fi novel, have a publisher, and believe it will be popular. That one backward turn in my life almost took away all my lifelong dreams. But not yet.
If anyone knows a person from Bob Snider's family, I'm sure they would love to hear how much I appreciate his very brief but important friendship to me.
Paul Chiniquy
Lonna Edwards (Necker)
What an amazing story. I'm so surprised about Dennis. I always thought he was just a quiet, serene kind of guy. Was I wrong! So glad you made it through those teen years alive.
.
Paul Chiniquy
Like I said we became friends. Dennis grew to be a better person. Junior high teen years were the worst on everyone. My grand kids attest they still are. Dennis' older brother was a great guy.
Thomas 'Tom' Walker
RIP Bob, used to hunt Deer with him and Bill Black,( RIP Bill ) in Pope Valley remember he had that white Corver Monza lots of good times, Tommy,
William "Bill' Timmons
Here are a few notes to add to the 'life and history of Robert Snider.
Once upon a time in the halls of Ridgeview Junior Highschool, there was a brief confrontation, amounting to a few cross words exchanged between Robert Snider and myself (Bill Timmons). Then came the ultimate phrase, "Do you want to fight?" As I recall, this challenge came from Bob, as I, newly coined Eagle Scout, was not suppose to participate in such vulgar activities as a fist fight. Not wanting to be seen as a chicken, I, of course responded, "Sure!" Then came the fist waving and head bobbing. Bob suggested that I throw the first blow. "No, you throw the first blow!" I demanded. Well, Bob thrust his right fist toward my waiting nose. Before the launched fist reached its target, a rough red brick wall blocked Bob's impending fist. Oh my God! blood began to spirt in all directions. Poor Robert had removed an inch or two of skin along a the back side of hand. By this time a small group of guys entered the picture. I stood there not knowing what to do. My Eagle Scout instincts told me to tie a turniquit or something around poor Bob's hand. Before I could take action, several 'good samaritans (possibly Franklin Graham) grabbed Bob and moved him toward the nurse's office. A river of bright red blood followed the course of events down the hallway and passed the library. Within minutes of the great battle between mighty Bob Snider and Eagle Scout Bill Timmons word spread that Timmons had clobbered the mighty Bob in a fight. By the end of day, I was aclaimed as the 'baddest man in the whole damn town."
I never touched the guy. Poor Bob.
Bill Timmons
By the way, my long awaited movie, BECKER'S FARM
William "Bill' Timmons
Here are a few notes to add to the 'life and history of Robert Snider.
Once upon a time in the halls of Ridgeview Junior Highschool, there was a brief confrontation, amounting to a few cross words exchanged between Robert Snider and myself (Bill Timmons). Then came the ultimate phrase, "Do you want to fight?" As I recall, this challenge came from Bob, as I, newly coined Eagle Scout, was not suppose to participate in such vulgar activities as a fist fight. Not wanting to be seen as a chicken, I, of course responded, "Sure!" Then came the fist waving and head bobbing. Bob suggested that I throw the first blow. "No, you throw the first blow!" I demanded. Well, Bob thrust his right fist toward my waiting nose. Before the launched fist reached its target, a rough red brick wall blocked Bob's impending fist. Oh my God! blood began to spirt in all directions. Poor Robert had removed an inch or two of skin along a the back side of hand. By this time a small group of guys entered the picture. I stood there not knowing what to do. My Eagle Scout instincts told me to tie a turniquit or something around poor Bob's hand. Before I could take action, several 'good samaritans (possibly Franklin Graham) grabbed Bob and moved him toward the nurse's office. A river of bright red blood followed the course of events down the hallway and passed the library. Within minutes of the great battle between mighty Bob Snider and Eagle Scout Bill Timmons word spread that Timmons had clobbered the mighty Bob in a fight. By the end of day, I was aclaimed as the 'baddest man in the whole damn town." I never touched the guy. Poor Bob.
Bill Timmons
By the way, my long awaited movie, BECKER'S FARM is fully funded and currently in pre-production. Should be finished in 2025.
Melvin Mel Northern
I ran around with Bob S. we live just a block apart. I thought a lot of Bob I was so sore of his early passing. Bob had cancer and the doctor told him if he would have his surgery now he felt he could extend his life, but Bob would miss his daughter's graduation if did his surgery. Bob being the man he was waited for the graduation and it cost him his life. I will always remember BobMel Northern
Paul Chiniquy
Mel, thank you for that. I wish I would have kept in touch with him as life went on. He was very special to me at a critical time in my life. If you know any way to contact his family, they need to know how special he was to us. Let me know if you have any idea.
Paul