Big O

This week’s column is dedicated to the memory of Bob Orton Sr., who passed away this weekend. Bob was a father figure in the dressing rooms. When he traveled with us, he always looked out for everybody and kept us laughing most of the time with his wit and humor. He helped us with mastering holds and counter holds in the ring. His knowledge of the business was very vast and correctly taught to him by one of the great masters, Karl Gotch.

He was the father of Cowboy Bob Orton Jr., Barry O and Rhonda. He was husband to Rita and grandfather to Randy, current star with the WWE.

He would have been 77 on Friday, July 21, but God needed a heavy hitter in Heaven for a main event and called Bob to that big ring in the sky. I am sure that he is now with many of his friends, like Buddy Rogers, Frank Aultman, Orville Brown, Red Berry, Baron Leone and Gorgeous George.

Bob and long time friend Diane Devine at the Plaza casino during the CAC

At the writing of this column, I am unaware of the funeral arrangements for Bob, other than a possible memorial service for him on Wednesday.

There is a marvelous article on the life of Bob Orton Sr. at http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/07/17/1689075.html. It talks about many phases of his life, both professional and private.

In closing this week, I offer my condolences to the entire Orton Family and pray that God will help them deal with their loss. I will be in contact with them shortly.

I will miss your weekly phone calls to me, and I will always treasure the trip we took to Mt. Charleston on June 7. You always treated me like one of your own kids.

Rest in Peace, "Big O."

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers
2004 CAC Honoree