Today about 9 AM a long time friend to us all took his last climb some knew him as some guy others as Bob and all by Rockwell.
Bob spent many of his years on Whitney doing Rescues and volunteering on the Whitney Trail.
I will post as we find out when gathering is planned.

Condolences to Sheila and the rest of Bob R's family and friends...

It was an honor to know Bob and an even greater honor to hike with him.

He was a gentle giant.

I remember the group hike we did many years ago up Thor that Bob guided. It was a memorable experience. But what was more moving was when we stop for a break and Bob, pulled a sandwich out his pack. Inside was a note from his wife, sheila. Bob smiled and put it in his pocket.

Paul

Very fortunate to have known such a remarkable man.

Bob's enthusiasm, energy, and generosity will remain on Mt Whitney forever.

Condolences to Bob's family and friends.

Jim

I don't know how many times I have used his photo album link (Bob R) to research a hike or just live vicariously thru his adventures.

RIP and condolences to his family and many friends.

I never met Bob but I sure felt like I knew him. His knowledge and wisdom really showed on this board thru his posts. He will be missed by a lot of people including me. My condolences to his family.

I met Bob on the Whitney summit in 2010. It was a “WPS Senior Climb”. Bob was handing out $2 Baskin Robins gift certificates, with the “BR” logo enhanced to say “Bob Rockwell”. I still have mine, and I will never spend it. We all miss you, Bob.

Bob wrote the following newsletter, "The China Laker" in the Spring of 2013.

Good reading.......

Fifty-Seven Years to Closure
By Bob Rockwell

May 24, 1952

".....My first ascent of Mt. Whitney was on May 24, 1952. Years later, I couldn‘t remember what possessed us to do it. There were five of us who started up that day: Burroughs High School buddies George Adam, Ben Woolever, Charlie Reed, Jim Hurtt, and me. At home in China Lake, it was summer-like, so we wore only T-shirts, Levis, and street shoes. We probably each took a light jacket, but no gloves or warm hats. Or canteens, or food except for a few Hershey‘s bars. Or packs, sunscreen, map, compass, flashlights. Or emergency bivouac gear. As I think back upon it now, I shudder......"

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5...Spring+2013.pdf

A true legend... and an inspiration to many. My heart goes out to his family and close friends... and to us all.

A very nice person as well as amazing outdoorsman. His contributions in so many areas impacted the lives of many.

Oh my, what a great loss. I never had the honor of meeting him in person, but we exchanged a series of emails about Corkscrew Peak many years ago. He was so helpful in responding to my questions.

Rest In Peace, Bob Rockwell. You will be missed.

He saw my register entry for Corkscrew and put a picture of it in his Flickr album. The caption is "Congrats, Richard".

Bob was one of the first person I met on Whitney from this message board and it seemed I would bump into him almost every time I was at the portal or on the mountain. He was the most reliable source for beta and would always give it to you straight (really straight! ;-).

You'll be missed, Some Guy.

Bob was an amazing guy.
Always ready and willing to sacrific and be sandwiched between two smelly, sweaty girls for their photo opportunity. I always looked for him when Mouse and I were out. Seems Mouse always brought out the mountain stars. His will be one we sorely miss.

A sad day... a legend of my day and I am so blessed to have shared even just one trail with him. May he climb every mountain...

Condolences to his family and friends. I had the pleasure of interacting with him when I took a mountaineering class at China Lake as well as sharing a mountain or two with him and others over the years. He always had stories and was willing to share the wisdom he had acquired through his many years of experience in the mountains. "some guy" indeed......

May Bob R.'s wisdom, love of the outdoors, love of Mt. Whitney, and love for his fellow human beings be an inspiration to all who hike/climb Mt. Whitney. Enjoyed the many years he contributed to this board.

My heart is sad. Our condolences to Sheila and the Rockwell family.

Journey well in heaven, Bob!

Very sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. Bob was probably my 1st virtual mentor to the Sierra as I poured over his Whitney MR beta and other details before my 1st time up the MR ~2004. Every time I bumped into him in the mountains, I told him how appreciative I was for all the Sierra knowledge he shared. He was a true ambassador to the Whitney area and the rest of the Sierra and will be sorely missed. RIP

Rick Graham

From the Ridgecrest paper:
https://www.ridgecrestca.com/news/20191101/dr-robert-rockwell-1935-2019

I'm sorry to hear of Bob R's passing. I, like everyone here, gleaned information and knowledge from what he shared. My condolences to Sheila and family. Next time I am on the MWMT I will have a toast at the source of the Finest Water on The Planet for Bob. RIP Some Guy.