We lost a great one
Robbi Castleberry, 1933 – 2013
My son overheard the conversation when Brian gave me the news that Robbi passed away.
“Did someone die?”
“Yes, we lost a great one.”
“What makes someone great?”
Someone who makes everyone around them better than they know they are. Someone whose presence makes you try harder and do more because you want them to think well of you. Robbi was one of those people.
The Forum and I were blessed by Robbi. Our first big idea when we started in 2008 was to take people down the entire length of the 111 mile Spokane River. There was only one problem, only three people had ever done it. Robbi made sure that didn’t stop us. She came to meetings, pointed us in the right direction and gave us that comforting feeling that “it would be alright. Fun, actually.” And as her and Vic paddled with us from Blue Creek to the Spokane Reservation that summer, I thought to myself “It sure would be nice to grow up to be like Robbi.”
That was the beginning of Meet Me at the River. Since then, over 700 people have joined us to discover one or more sections of the river. For many, it was their first time. 21 have done all 111 miles. Without people like Robbi, it never would have happened.
Next came the idea of developing the Spokane River Water Trail and improved river access. Everyone said, “Go see Robbi.” Robbi, you see, spent years with others from the canoe and kayak club designing improved access at Sullivan Park. The design for a stairway was complete and the materials purchased. Then came a call from a state agency that they wouldn’t provide a permit after all. It never got done. The mistrust and bad feelings that resulted stilted river access efforts for years to come.
“So, should we try?” I asked. “Of course,” said Robbi. And every step of the way, I’d look to her for help and affirmation we were headed in the right direction. After she reviewed the Spokane River Water Trail web site, she sent me an e-mail. “Wow Andy, so great to see the Water Trail Map. … I applaud you and give you many many thanks. Please keep up the good efforts. It is so appreciated!!!” From Robbi, it always meant the most because she wouldn’t say it if she didn’t mean it.
The last time I say Robbi was at the convention center. We were drifting in and out to give our public opinion about the best design for the convention center expansion. It was obvious which the best design was if you want the public to be part of the scene and think convention goers would love the local color and a chance to be on the water.
“What do you think will happen?” asked Robbi. “I don’t know,” I said, “the PFD continues to send mixed signals even though it was promised when the public voted to approve the bond.”
“What do we need to do?”
“Get them to understand the river is more than eye candy. It’s there for everyone and they should embrace being part of it.”
“That we can do,” said Robbi with her husband Vic standing next to her with the warm smile of a man who knows what we all know. If Robbi says let’s do it, then let’s do it.