A Tribute to Bobby Koechlin: A Brother, A Friend, A Legacy

In many ways, my brother Bobby Koechlin represents all of us. I think most of us have wondered, at some point, what might happen when we pass. Maybe, just maybe, Bob is trying to help us answer that question.

Bob was a fun-loving guy with a larger-than-life personality—Prom King in 1985, Keg Chairman at Delta Tau Delta in college, and the second oldest of five siblings. His childhood was shaped by our dad’s career, which moved us across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Florida. He eventually found his home at the University of Florida, where he earned his degree. After college, his natural charm and energy led him to a successful career in sales. His time working with Bacardi earned him the nickname “Bacardi Bob” among his friends and co-workers—just one of many nicknames he collected over the years.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Bob found his passion in cycling. In fact, he passed away doing what he loved most. But perhaps the most powerful piece of his story lies in what happened that fateful day. Bob was wearing an iPod during his final bike ride, and the song that was playing as he rode may hold a message for all of us. I’ll leave it to you to decide.

The song was Come Sail Away by Styx, a classic from 1977. As I listened to it, I began to see life from a new perspective—a perspective I believe Bob wanted to share. This book is my attempt to pass that message along to you.