DO IT RIGHT

"The Duke" would tell you it's a close crop on this photo. 

His constructive criticism would deal more with photographic composition than the fact that part of "HIS" face was cut out. 

Bob Hamilton was a modest, private man but so proud and for so many reasons. 

This shot was snapped by a server at the Blue Moon Cafe a few years back when Cindy Wooden came to town.

Bob had to be busting his buttons during lunch on that summer day as two, among his many students with a PASSION for journalism,  shared experiences.  

Cindy, a former assistant editor of the Sandpoint High School Cedar Post, has served as Vatican correspondent for the Catholic News Service for more than 20 years.  She's traveled with the Popes on the Papal jets when they've visited countries round the world.

Bob, his lovely wife Ruth and his family have been on my mind and in my prayers for the past couple of weeks.  

Since his passing this past Friday, I've continued to search for the right words  to express what this educator, journalist, basketball coach, sports statistician, author,  Forest Service aerial fire observer and beloved family man meant to my life.

Bob knew.

I told him several times and even wrote about his influence in my last book.

I seriously doubt there would have been a last book or even a first book if it hadn't been for Bob's influence and guidance at a crucial time in my life.

Call it raw material or a rough cut---Bob saw something in this awkward 16-year-old looking for a niche in life.  He taught me, he guided me, he encouraged me AND  allowed me to shine.

  He did the same for hundreds of other students so many times in his teaching career at Sandpoint High School.  

On this morning, I'm betting there's are countless former Cedar Posters who could tell similar stories on Bob.  

He taught us the basics of journalism and to "DO IT RIGHT."  

I remember seeing those three bold-faced big words still posted on the Cedar Post light table when I began advising the newspaper after Bob's retirement.

That sign stayed there throughout my tenure, and Cedar Posters knew it was the cardinal rule for anyone serving on the paper---be they photographers, writers, graphics specialists, ad staffers, etc. 

The rules of good journalism are pretty basic and brief.  

The job of instilling the importance of these rules is challenging at times when working with high school students.  

Bob Hamilton had the fire in the belly and a special knack for making believers out of his students----that journalists provide important roles in our society and that we must work to high standards at all times, regardless of how insignificant the assignment may seem. 

Bob Hamilton also made believers out of his student journalists---believers in themselves.  

In my case, I walked into his class with a pretty low self esteem, having failed miserably at other interests requiring some God-given talent, i.e., music, drawing, sewing.

I happily discovered under Bob's tutelage and constant encouragement that God may have dished out a little portion of talent for using the written word.  

And, when he mentioned one of those traits necessary for good reporters called "a nose for news," I knew there was hope for this curious soul who always liked knowing what was going on in the world and especially knowing it first so I could tell somebody.

As a student of Bob Hamilton's, I enjoyed a significant spike in my self esteem, especially the day he pulled me aside in the hallway and asked if I'd like to serve as editor of the Cedar Post.

That's a day and a moment I'll never forget.

As Cedar Post adviser, I modeled my mentor's style in selecting Cedar Post editors because I knew just how good that moment felt.

Bob treated his staff like professionals, not snotty-nosed high school students.

He expected professionalism from us any time we represented the newspaper in our production, our travels around the community and with our peers. 

For the most part, we honored his wishes.

Occasionally, however, he did utter a quote I later found myself using while advising the paper:  when they're seniors, their heads turn to jello.

Well, most Cedar Posters probably went through their jello phase and lived to tell about it.

Nonetheless, a quick glimpse at their professional achievements after their respective stints with this phenomenal mentor/coach/teacher would quickly demonstrate why Bob was so loved, admired and respected as an educator.

Whether they became journalists, judges, lawyers,  business owners, military officers, photographers, etc., virtually any student of Bob's will speak of their journalism teacher with gratitude and reverence.

His legacy is vast and everlasting.  

I know that my son, William Love,  as adviser of the Cedar Post, feels the responsibility to instill the same principles of sniffing out stories and approaching them with fairness, accuracy, professionalism and solid reporting that Bob taught his students decades ago. 

A stellar educator, mentor, colleague and friend has left us. 

I'll miss you, Bob, but will keep your memory alive through my day-to-day writing and by always reminding myself to "DO IT RIGHT." 

~~~~RIP Bob Hamilton~~~~