BOB WILLIAMS -THE NICEST MAN IN THE WORLD

Robert Williams (Bob) passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025. He was a very special person. I have heard it repeatedly: “Bob is the nicest man in the world” or “I have never met a man like Bob; he is the nicest man I know.”

I met Bob almost 14 years ago when I moved to Fresno to run the business my grandfather started in the 1930s, the Jack C. Arbuckle Company. Bob was a retired accountant and would review our books monthly. When I started, he had his work cut out for him. My background was not in business but in mental health. Bob attempted to teach me about financial reports, putting together a budget, and forecasting future expenses. I was a slow learner, and Bob was extremely patient and kind. He did not give up on me.

The business was losing money every month, and my brother and I decided to close it. Since my brother lives in the Boston area, he couldn’t help much with the closing process. Bob accompanied me to every meeting with the lawyer, the accountant, and a potential buyer. He was present when I informed my employees about the store's closure. He listened when I needed to talk; he was there when I cried and provided excellent advice.

I am very grateful for the role he played in keeping the store financially on track. I could not have accomplished it without him.

However, he was much more than just an employee; he became a father figure to me.

Rotary Club of Fresno is where our friendship grew.

My accountant encouraged me to join Rotary and sponsored my membership. Unfortunately, he had to deal with tax returns and was unable to attend most Rotary meetings. He asked Bob to take me to the meetings. Bob came to Arbuckle’s every Monday and drove me to the Rotary meeting. We sat together every Monday that he could attend. Once the store closed, we continued to go to Rotary meetings together. As Bob aged, he drove less, and I took him to Rotary for as long as I could.

When I first started Rotary, Bob encouraged me to meet some of the prominent individuals in the business world. I felt unsure and stood slightly behind him, struggling to interact after that initial conversation. However, I have blossomed in Rotary, engaging with everyone and developing friendships with several members.

Through Rotary, we developed a lifelong friendship. He continued supporting me in all the community organizations I belonged to. He introduced me to people who have become cherished friends. He was excited for me when I was accepted into Leadership Fresno, acting as my cheerleader. He would take me to lunch at San Joaquin Gardens’ Bistro, and occasionally, he took me and our friend, Vi, to dinner at Pismo’s.

Bob passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025. I felt blessed that Vi and I had dinner with Bob the Saturday prior.

I never heard Bob say anything negative; he encouraged many people, loved Jesus, and seized every opportunity to brighten someone’s day.

If his family reads this, I want you to know how proud he is of all of you. I have heard many stories about his children and grandchildren. He loved you very much.

Bob will surely be missed.