Big Brothers Big Sisters’ history goes back to 1904, with 1961 marking the year of foundation for the San Diego Chapter.  Since 1961, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County has reached out to our community’s youth, helping them find the support they need by providing a caring adult role model in their lives.  Since then thousands of children have walked through our doors, but one of the very first children to ask for a mentor was 8-year-old Rick. 

Within the first year of Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County’s history, Rick was introduced to his Big Brother Bob, and at the time nobody knew that a bond so strong would form, that it would continue to last for 47 years and counting.

Bob and Rick were the model match.  When asked about the initial years with Rick, Bob remembers the little moments as if they were yesterday.  Whether it was a day at the beach spent water skiing and fishing, or picking up taquitos in Old Town and watching the planes at the airport, it was the time spent together that was important.

“Often I would be doing a week-end chore at our rental apartment building and he would go with me on a Saturday,” said Bob.  “It didn’t take a lot of money or time to see a change in his behavior with his mom, siblings, teachers and schoolmates.  Being there consistently was most important.”

Through their afternoons on the bay, and simple car rides through the hills of La Jolla, Bob and Rick created a bond that was later recognized as “Big and Little of the Year” in the late sixties.  Their relationship continues today, and Bob has watched his Little Brother grow into a successful man, husband and father.

“Rick was able to observe my family life, and I believe that perhaps he developed his work ethics through these observations,” said Bob.  As Regional Superintendent of the Simi Valley/Ojai area, Rick has worked successfully with CalTrans since finishing high school.

Bob and Rick’s friendship has inspired even their family members, with Rick’s youngest daughter becoming a Big Sister in Northern California.  Rick and Bob continue to get together about three times a year, despite the physical distance between the two, to go fishing and celebrate the holidays.  The families most recently got together to participate in Bob’s 60^th wedding anniversary celebration.  Then just last November, the two came to San Diego to attend the 45^th Annual Gourmet Dinner to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters, where they were acknowledged in a speech by CEO & President, Paul Palmer.

"Bob is the most positive influence that this boy from the projects has ever known," said Little Brother Rick.  "He has opened doors for not only me, but for my family as well.  In lack of a male role model, Bob taught me how to be a man.  Bob has taken me places that I might have never seen and he has always been a source of wisdom, strength, and compassion.  I could go on and on about all the people who Bob and Gladys King have made a difference in their lives, in fact I just can't say enough. Bob and I are father and son, and we have been since the day he came into my life."

Stories such as Bob and Rick’s can make anyone smile.  It just goes to show that it really is the little moments that create big magic!  Both Bob and Rick are able to recognize the impact their introduction by Big Brothers Big Sisters and support from the agency has had on each others lives, this made even clearer by a trip back to the Boys Club in Linda Vista, in which Rick was involved as a child.  The director that had been in charge was still there, and remembered Rick – as one of only a few boys whose life had turned out for the better.  And it’s pretty clear to see why.

“He calls almost every week,” said Bob, “and every call closes with him saying ‘I love you’.  My life is so very enriched by having Rick, his wife, children and now grandchildren, as part of our family.”

Now that’s a story for the grandkids.