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Following a lengthy bout with cancer, AP/UPM member Bob Jeffords died on November 22. In addition to his busy film and television career that included credits on Blazing Saddles, Spenser for Hire and Murphy Brown, Bob served on the National Board many times. In September, he was elected to serve again as an Associate Board Member. He also was quite active on the AD/UPM/TC Council and was its past Chairman. In 1998, he was awarded the Guild's highest honor for an AD/UPM, the Frank Capra Achievement Award, that recognized both his distinguished career and his service to the Guild.
At a recent AD/UPM/TC Council meeting, Council Secretary-Treasurer Dan Fendel read a poetic tribute he composed.
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For Bob From Dan Fendel
A friend of mine died, but I'm reaching an age
When that's not so uncommon anymore,
But this friend was uncommon — so rare and unique,
His passing knocked me to the floor.
Though famous in life and in work for his "Rules"
About movies and TV and such,
The real "Jeffords Rule" was to love and to care
And to give all he encountered his touch.
In a political business he knew how to play,
Yet not BE about the politics.
In a creative business his creativity,
Was inborn, not an after-market fix.
In a logistical business he was without peer,
Running shows while "Show Runners" took credit.
In an accounting business he always overpaid,
Leaving all of us spiritually in his debit.
And in an often godless business he walked hand in hand,
With the Creator of everything that counts.
There's no doubt in my heart that he'll be a big part,
Of every celestial production God mounts.
So what about us, left here in the wake
Of his passing and loving and good?
From our brief and golden time with him what can we take?
What did we learn in Mr. Jeffords' Neighborhood?
We learned you really can disagree agreeably,
We learned you really can stand your ground.
We learned you really can smile at adversity,
That courage isn't just in fiction found.
I learned to pause, to reflect, and to cherish
Every moment and every good friend,
With beginnings far distant what matters is the middle,
Especially when, as he did, you get a "sneak preview" of the end.
I learned that the measure of courage and love,
Is in whispers and smiles not derring-do.
And that you cannot ever ever say ever enough,
"I love you." to those that you do.
For we're all here under a sentence of death,
We're just not sure when the price will be due,
To make each day worthwhile is our parole duty,
To give friendship and love full value,
Asking how we're doing at that is our daily task,
And it's something that Bob Jeffords never, ever had to do.
For though his gentle modesty would prohibit his saying so...
I know...WE know... he knew.
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