Bob Rockwell (Old Long Skiis) – 1953-2015
Bob Rockwell and his dog Lucky. Photos/Provided
“Old Long Skiis” is now making first tracks with his dog Clarity in a secret powder bowl high above Meiss Meadow.
Robert Porter Rockwell Jr. died Nov. 3, 2015. He was 61.
Bob Rockwell loved to tell stories.
Bob was born in San Jose to Mona and Robert P. Rockwell Sr. on Dec. 29, 1953. The family moved to South Lake Tahoe in the early 1960s and began a long history of running motels, shops, and other businesses.
Brought up with a great work ethic, his first job was cleaning up the beach at Ski Run Marina and taking out tourists in an aluminum boat over to Emerald Bay, acting as tour guide. He was only in grade school at the time. Folks loved his enthusiasm and hearing his knowledge of the lake.
He graduated from South Tahoe High School in 1972, where he earned his “block T” letter on the ski team. Working at the drive-in theater on Glenwood was a blast for Bob. Next he managed the A&W Drive-In for his folks, then later he became the tram operator at Heavenly Valley Ski Area. As an avid skier, this was one of his favorite occupations.
He worked for South Tahoe Refuse next, and was there for over 30 years, starting at the bottom and working his way up to supervisor of the collections crew. One person’s trash is another one’s treasure, and boy, the treasures he would bring home. He had so many hilarious stories of his days with STR.
His contagious laugh and great sense of humor made him an unforgettable person to know. Bob was a kind, caring, generous person who went out of his way to help others, be it snowblowing the neighbors’ driveways, kitty sitting, or sharing the veggies from his garden.
He loved skiing, boating, fishing, duck hunting, camping, and every aspect of living at Tahoe. Bob especially loved boat camping in his Bayliner cabin cruiser; rising early he would troll the tranquil waters of Emerald Bay listening to the ospreys call.
Bob leaves behind his loving father, Robert P. Rockwell Sr. of San Jose; brother Eric Rockwell of New York City; sisters Linda (Del) Sessions of San Jose, Michele (Larry) Mowrey of Sacramento; and loving partner of 25 years Christy A. Prouty of South Lake Tahoe.
Buddy the dog and Ashleigh the cat will miss him as well as everyone else who had the pleasure to know him. He was well known in our community will be dearly missed by many.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lake Tahoe Historical Society (P.O. Box 18501, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96151) or American Heart Association would have pleased Bob.
A celebration of life for Bob will be announced at a later date.
Ski in peace
R.I.P.
Tahoe has lost one of its true sons.
First turns of the season will be for you buddy
I always appreciated his comments on this site. Definitely seemed like a great guy.. RIP
Ditto the above. I didn’t know this kind soul but appreciated his comments here. He sure love Tahoe! RIP Old Long Skiis and take care of us from above.
Well here I didn’t know him, even though I’ve lived in this town many years. But thought I did. Yet anyway, this hits kinda hard.
(Just shows you can’t ‘read’ everyone on these posts! And also shows that while this is a small town. It’s not that small.)
Yet truly respected how Old Long Skiis/Bob was always positive, and tried to be constructive, with his posts here on LTN! RIP!!
R I P
The good ones always go too soon. Blessings
Like others who never met OLS, I felt like I knew him through his constructive and thoughtful comments on LTN. I feel like I just lost a great neighbor. He always signed off with a “Take Care…” message. Will really miss you OLS. Take care…
OLS, Take care bro…… I’ll miss your input here. Peace to the family
Rest in peace, Bob. Keep us posted on how your garden grows up there.
Nicest guy on this message board. Shocked and saddened, though I never knew him.
RIP OLS!
Gonna be missed for sure
OLS, your comments and history of SLT will be missed. Having never meet you in person thought of you as a friend and always looked forward to your comments and perspective especially on “Then and Now”. Many of us learned of the history of our town through your recollection and stories. Sweet gardens in the big beyond.
I, too, am saddened by this news of OLS. I read Lake Tahoe News every day on line. Always enjoyed his memories of the way Tahoe used to be. Peace to him and his family.
You will be missed
Gone too soon and will miss his posts here.
Bitter way to start the day.
Bob Rockwell had the most-positive disposition ever! Whenever he posted comments on Lake Tahoe News, he was always pleasant and constructive, such as this from only two weeks ago:
https://www.laketahoenews.net/2015/10/then-and-now-ski-run-blvd-hwy-50-changes
He helped me often. One of the good guys, Bob’s friendship and presence truly will be missed by all of us.
I will miss Bob and his always kind thoughts.
Thank you all for your kind words. There is sooo much more I could have written in the obituary. As best friend Tom Peterson said to me in an e-mail, “I see Bob’s smiling face in my head, the dear friend I love remains in those who love him”. The heartbreaking loss is beyond words. If anyone would like to read more stories Bob wrote, you can look up his blog, http://bobroxtahoe.blogspot.com/ (Porter’s Corner). Kenny? I am sure Bob will be with you, “making those first turns”. Bob loved Tahoe more than anyone I ever knew. God, I miss him…..Christy
Always kept it classy. Blessed Be.
True Tahoe Saint. Always took the high road. Godspeed Old Long Skiis, your comments will be missed.
I will miss him .40 year friend !!!
Reading his posts on LTN and experiencing his love of Tahoe I always assumed that I would eventually meet him and discover that I’d actually known him all along. Neither turned out to be true, to my great loss.
As the soft spoken conscience of Lake Tahoe News he will be sorely missed, especially by those of us who missed out on knowing him in real life.
Well said, Copper. He was the ‘Mayor’ of LTN to me. Thanks Kae for giving us the opportunity to share in OLS’s love of Tahoe and positive outlook. I miss him already.
He and his comments here will be missed for sure.. By far the best to read.!.. Thanks for your support.. Take care!
Let’s all post something constructive and positive in his memory. It won’t be the same without him.
Very sad to read of his sudden passing. He left a very positive mark on this forum.
Always civil in his interactions, and a South Shore icon to boot. You will be missed OLS.
Gone too soon. Yes, OLS will be missed.
Bob was a righteous dude. I always admired his patience and optimism-We shared Tahoe gardening tips and he was always welcome in my greenhouse-my condolences to Christy and his family RIP OLS
Bob spoke at the Lake Tahoe Historical Society a couple times, with his wonderful stories; such enthusiasm about the old Tahoe many of us never knew. He continued sharing those stories, brief comments in this “column” and, as everyone has said above, he had nary a negative streak in himl Too soon, too soon, OLS.
You will be sorely missed. Comforting thoughts to Christy and the family.
A very sad day, indeed. Peace out brother. Now just ski and garden to your hearts content.
Good Bye Old Friend, the memories will on live forever.
Rest In Peace and I will see you on the other side someday.
J
It was a sad day last week when I got this news, Bob and I were friends as well as co-workers. From our trip in the seventies to see Led Zeppelin, going to the race track, going by Bob’s house and seeing eyeballs in the walls, to just talking about Tahoe, I will always remember the times. Bob was a Tahoe boy and our town will miss him, RIP my friend.
Old Long Skiis will be missed by so many. May he rest in peace.
I only knew OLS threw his comments here on LTN. He seemed to be a very kind and compassionate guy, never making things personal in his comments. Maybe folks could carry on more like he did, be a little more positive about things and keep it about the articles without the nasty attacks on each other–just a thought.
RIP Old Long Ski’s–my first run this year will be in memory of you.
We’ll truly miss your voice of reason, OLS. Take it easy up there.
Going to REALLLLLLLY miss him.
Bob Fleischer (aka Snowbum)
RIP OLS, you were an asset to this community and the forum at LTN. Kind, gentle, positive :)
So very sad to read this news. I knew who Bob was from my high school days, very well liked by all. I always enjoyed reading his comments here, he will be missed but not forgotten. RIP Old long skis……Betsy
Bob was a great fun guy !! I have known him since the 70’s, lots of laughing crazy fun times. Please all remember him with a smile, It’s been a long strange trip my friend, hope to see you again sometime.
Take care OLS. Always wanting to help and offer. May you rest in peace.
Sad to hear the news of Bob passing. Many of us had the opportunity to know Bob growing up in South Lake Tahoe during grade school through high school. He was a great friend to many. Rest in peace Bob Rockwell, you will be missed.
Always a good guy on this site. Sorry for your loss Kristy. (that other letter doesn’t work on the keyboard) Quigg
Very sad to hear of Bob’s passing. Another Tahoe boy gone too soon. Knew him from high school and he was always such a positive voice. Rest well OLS.
Bob was a true professional at work and I loved his upbeat and caring comments on LTN. If all Tahoeans were as positive as Bob, this community could accomplish so much more. He will be missed.
Oh Christy. I am so sad to hear this. Hugs and love to you and all that knew Bob. He will be missed.
Kristy Don’t know where you are, but andrea phil and betty plus yours truly, would like to inbite you to the pre Thanksgiing party or the thanksgiving day feast. We really like you.
So very sad, peaceful healing. I always enjoyed his banter…I wished I got to know you in person.
The pack and I are so sorry and sad. Walking the pups in the neighborhood, we are going to miss you Bob! Christy – love you and Buddy, please don’t hesitate
I am so sorry & sad to hear of OLS’s passing. I rarely post, but I must do so now. He truly was the voice of reason & optimism. I don’t believe we ever met personally, but I consider him a friend (kindred spirit?) from reading his many posts, let’s all take a
break from negativity & go 24 hrs without a mean spirited & judgemental post. God speed OLS, I will miss you & your comments.
I met Bob back in 1965 when I fell in love with his sister Michele and we were married and honeymooned in Tahoe. Michele and I are still together. Bob was just a kid back then and he had a lot of energy. Bob was a real outdoors man who loved fishing and skiing and really loved Tahoe. As we grew older I would go fishing with Bob and Bob Sr. who would always skunk me, they caught the “lunkers” but Dad called me Lunker but my fishing skills weren’t up to the great outdoors-man.
One time in Tahoe Bob and I went fishing in a little boat and it seems Bob just attracted fish, his line was tangled and the lure was just dangling in the water while Bob was untangling it when a big ole trout swam up and snagged it. What a fisherman Bob was!
There are a lot of Rockwell home movies with the family and Bob and his brother Eric always had fun in the snow and in the summer playing in the pool having fun with Michele and thier sister Linda at one of the Motels Bob Sr. and Mona owned.
Bob was a great guy and we’ll miss him. We’re just sorry we didn’t see him more often these last few years, seems we didn’t make it up to Tahoe only for Christmas.
Thank God for the telephone as Michele would talk to her brother Bob and get the latest news from that Beautiful South Lake Tahoe.
For all you folks that knew Bob you saw his love for Tahoe and the great outdoors. He loved his dog, his garden and Christy.
We’ll miss you Brother Bob.
Larry Mowrey
You will be missed here on LTN OLS. I didn’t know you personally but seeing your picture and reading of your love for boat camping I know I’ve seen you across the water while boat camping myself with my wife in our Bayliner in and around Emerald Bay. Since you’ve waken up in the morning floating on Tahoe you already know what Heaven is. Rest in peace OLS.
Never met OLS, bit like everyone else, enjoyed his perspectives and while some created alternative views, he always kept it professional. (some can learn from OLS). Enjoy the powder up there while your memories will stay with us down here. Best wishes to your family and friends.
Oh, “Radioactivelarry”! Thank you for the great post. I hope you read it to “Big Daddy”. Yes, so many great memories. We loved to fish together, and he always caught more than I did. Will bring picture of Bob and the biggest fish he ever caught, to the memorial/celebration of life. Still in the planning stage, I hope to have it in April, at Valhalla?, where all can attend, especially the STR friends. Bob touched so many lives….I miss and love him sooooo much!!! Thanks to all who have posted, I have to find some kleenix..Christy
Gonna miss you OLS. Like a lot of folks on here, I never met you, but I really thought the world of you –
I talked to Bob about once a week. We first met when he called me about a burned out grow house around the corner from him. He was always happy to share his perspective and his gardening tips, and I was blessed to see his garden and receive some of the produce. He was one of the truly good hearted people in our little town, always went out of his way to help people and spread good will. He really did his best every day to make the world a better place. He often talked about and loved Christy, his Dad, his dog, his garden, and his town. He will be missed.
His post were the first I looked at , Read everyone of them,He will be missed ,Rip.Loved his outcome on Life.
I’m so very sad to loose Bob. The man was so unique in so many ways. We spent many nights and weekends at the race track in Carson City with his Pop in tow. We attended the annual Gold Cup race of champions with Christy, What a riot & good times we had. I have video to prove it! Bob and I would go to Skunk Harbor boat camping,chum crawdads all day and boil them in beer. On one occasion we were standing on the beach and Bob noticed every boat on the beach was a Bayliner. He proudly refereed to Skunk Harbor that point forward as Bayliner Bay, what a sense of humor he had. We ice fished on Caples lake and weeded the beach on light house shores (and got paid for it). I also proudly display my rubber eyeball each and every Christmas and think of him. That eyeball has so much more meaning now..
We love and miss you already! Rest peacefully old Friend!!
Very sad to hear the news of Bob’s passing. I haven’t seen him in quite some time but we used to hang out in the “old days”. He lived in the house on Knox street for as long as I can recall. He always had the best tan in summer and raccoon eyes all winter. Does anyone remember the pictures of him naked in the root beer vat at A&W? I’m sure the health department has forgotten but I have not…….classic Bob….. I would like to know when the celebration of life will be. Sending hugs and condolences to his family.
I very much enjoyed “his take” on these pages and they will be missed. RIP OLS.
Bob (OLS) Rockwell, my oldest and closest friend for the last 47 years, my heart was truly crushed when I got that fateful call from your lovely Christy.
I am sooo thankful that I had so many opportunities to spend quality time with you just this past summer. Every time we chatted it was like we had never put down the phone from the previous conversation we had.
There are many things that I will miss about you, but most of all, I think it will be your devotion to your family, friends and your lake!
I truly have many wonderful/insane memories that I will cherish for the rest of my days.
Until we meet again in the next world, peace to you!
Love you brother!!
DVZ
Oh, Doug! What a wonderful post…Thank you! “28 in Tahoe”? Thank you for your invite for Turkey Day. I do not know what I am going to be doing then.. Jeff and John Tillman? Loved your posts. Thank you. And thank you to all of Bob’s friends who posted here. He LOVED to comment on this news site as you all know. I can never take his place- he was one of kind, a true Tahoe Guy through and through. I too, will cherish the memories, Doug! Love and peace to all of you, Christy
Wow, How sad is that …… I met Bob in these forums a few years back. He and I commiserated numerous times over Tahoe politics and issues. I met him at one of the Meyers meetings for the first time and we hit it off with our same take on things.
He left me a message to call him a few weeks back and I was waiting for the right time to call him back because I knew it would be at least an hour or two on the phone shooting the stuff with him…….
I really enjoyed his polite respectful attitude and his incredible stories. Really gonna be missed by all of us my friend …….
So very sad to hear about Bob’s passing. He was one of a kind! To know Bob was to love Bob. Bob, enjoy your powder days, your trolling days on the water and smile down on all of us who will miss you. Think I’ll be heading to Emerald Bay for a toast to Bob. Condolences to Bob’s family and friends.
I was a 24 year old waiter at the “Top of the Tram” the summer of 1974 where Bob was the chief tram operator at Heavenly. When the waiters and the rest of the summer crew uploaded the tram at 3:00 Bob would play “Lou Reed Rock n roll Animal” as loud as those Sansui speakers could push the songs out while dancing in the control station. I then knew I made the right decision to relocate from Tulsa to South Lake Tahoe
Bob wasn’t much older than my teenage self when we worked together at Heavenly in the ’70’s. Carl, I remember that great rock n roll he blasted for pure pleasure! Tram Chief Bob would order meals for the crew working at the tram base from the restaurant above. He never failed to bring me a veggie dish with a grin and snarky greeting! Seeing his happy, handsome face around town through the years since, he always remembered me as that “hippie vegetarian gal” from the fun years at Heavenly with Hugh Kilibrew. I always thought fondly of his kindness and upbeat take on life back then and again here on LTN. I know he shared much happiness and wisdom with his family, friends and “folks”. Christy and family, may your sorrow now melt into a gentle glow knowing Bob is Always with you. So young to go, yet such an old soul.Take Care OLS
The last time I chatted with Bob was when he spoke at a historical society function at Camp Richardson a few months ago. His thoughtful words in this blog were always respectful and brought thought to the articles that were written. Back during an earlier time our parents had a business across the street from his family business back in the days when Tahoe was still a small home town for a lot of us. Bob and his thoughtful words as well as the history he shared will be missed RIP!
Just saw the notice (I no longer live in Tahoe). I never knew Bob but loved reading his posts on this site. He will surely be missed.
Wishing you fresh powder and sunny days.
Mama Bear
I knew Bob through my father at the garbage company he was one of my father’s favorites there are too many great stories to tell about Bob such as playing croquet at 4 a.m. you will be greatly missed old friend you have joined my father running the garbage company in heaven
The commentary from OLS was always refreshing and seemed to bring positive energy to the many topics at hand in Lake Tahoe. It is safe to say he made a difference in the lives and times of the people of Lake Tahoe. As a skier at HV since 1962 I’m sure our paths crossed somewhere over the last 50 years and more than likely will cross again.
Never met him in person, but his posts at this publication about Tahoe history were full of nostalgia and knowledge without ever seeming overbearing. He was a walking history book. His opinions on most matters were expressed with well thought out phrases. I will miss reading his posts, and extend my condolences to his family, loved ones and his pets.
Oh, Thank you all for your posts about Bob- (OLD LONG SKIIS) He really was one of a kind and I am eternally grateful that we had our wonderful 25 years together. I miss him soooo much. Again, thank you Tahoe Community for your kind words…I am sure Bob is reading the comments, still. And fishing and skiing the powder, and laughing with all of his friends who are on the other side with him. What a great town we live in, with such caring loving people! I love you all. Carry on with kindness to everyone, and don’t forget to tip your garbage man this holiday season…Christy
Christy-
I am so very sad to hear about Bob’s passing. Although we hadnt seen each other in many years, you both were such big, wonderful parts of my childhood. I couldnt have asked for a better godfather! I know this holiday season will be hard, but always know his love for you was visible for the whole world to see and he will be with you, wrapping his big arms around you every day!
I hope he found my dad up there and they are riding the twisties like old times.
Much love, Arianne (Pichon)