It was with great sadness I learned the news of Bob’s passing. Also, I was flooded with wonderful memories of my time with Bob. I first met Bob in 1988 shortly before he rejoined Swagelok. It took me a while to discover his genius. I really started paying attention when I learned that while he was running one of the largest Swagelok Sales & Service centers in the world, a large number of the hundreds of people he hired over the years, went on to own their own Swagelok business. At one point, that group represented over 10% of all the owners. He could pick winners!

I travelled the world with Bob and learned from him the value of storytelling to create powerful memories. I learned how humor 
could break down barriers. I learned how his thoughtfulness left positive impressions on people – including my kids. They will never forget his gifts or his name - “Texas Bob”, as they called him. I will never forget one of his Dad’s maxims he shared with me – “You can always judge the character of a man by the way he treats those who can’t defend themselves.” I have shared this saying a hundred times with others and observed that this is the way he conducted his life.

Bob’s positive approach to life was inspiring. No matter the difficulty of a situation, Bob was always the one I would turn to first, to help think it through to its best conclusion. He never disappointed and often surprised me with the wisdom of his ideas.

On our trips around the world, we spoke about almost everything. The one that he always spoke about was his family. He adored and spoke lovingly about all of them. I was fortunate to have met his dear wife Barbara. She was a gem and the best thing in the world for Bob. It makes my heart a little lighter thinking about the two of them back together again.

Bob has left a legacy few can match. I will miss you Bob and I will treasure our times together.

Bob, thanks a lot. I learnt a lot from you. And I enjoyed doing it !!! Rest in peace 

It was with great sadness and a tear in my eye that I learnt of Bobs passing. He will be sadly missed by all that had the pleasure to know, meet and spend time with him. Over my years at Swagelok he was not just my boss but became a great friend and mentor. He could hold court, telling stories and jokes for hours but his passion and values touched everyone he came into contact with. Bob has a special place in my heart and the world will be a poorer place for his passing. 
Deepest condolences, Barry Waller


Bob always aspired to be Vail's next ski instructor.  We arranged for the next best thing..
We made him the model for the ski school brochure.  A proud moment indeed :-)

Tanya, Stacy, Bret and Brad, 
Celia and I send our deepest condolences and want you all to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  Your Dad was my friend, confidant, coach and mentor.  I don't hesitate to share that my life would not be the same today,  had I not crossed paths with your Father in 1996.  I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing and then realized that he is no longer suffering and is now reunited with your Mother.  As he used to tell me when somebody passed, "he or she lived a full measure".  I think that sums it up very well for your Dad, as he definitely lived a full measure (and then some)!  Bottom line is that I absolutely loved him.  I've attached a photo of me and Bob at the 2006 Holiday Bowl.  He's smiling but wasn't happy as his beloved Aggies got stomped 45-10 by Cal.  In closing, we'll be thinking about you over these next few difficult days, but I smile when I think of all of my wonderful memories of Bob Aldridge!  With Deepest Sympathies, Mike Schleyhahn

I worked with Bob many years at Swagelok. He was a great friend and coworker. Always quick with a joke. So many great memories. From company softball games, parties, Astros baseball games, and OTC shrimp boils.  He was a wonderful man. My sincere condolences and prayers for the family. 

Bob and Bill enjoying one of our many relaxing days spent through the years on the water cruising the bay in Newport Beach, CA.  They could solve all the worlds problems!🌴⛵️ They’re together again.😇

There are no words that describe the deep sadness of the loss of my dear Uncle Bob. He was my rock, my savior, my lean on whenever I needed a shoulder or a listening ear. He changed my life forever and he knew how much I appreciated him and sweet Aunt Barbara. 
His sense of humor and timing was spot on every time! The day Kendal was born he walked in my hospital room joking, making me laugh and cry due to the belly pain of my c-section! UB always called me Carol Anne and I loved that. Kyle listened and learned a great deal about life from his Great Uncle Bob. He loved joking with him too! They were hilarious together and loved their family time. Bob and my dear Bill met when we got married. They soon became best friends! We shared weekly phone conversations and many wonderful family  occasions together. He was so proud of his entire family and we were so blessed to call him ours.❤️ One of the greatest men of all time. #GOAT

I have a storehouse of memories of my Uncle Bob.  We are related by marriage; Barbara, Bob’s beloved wife, is my mother’s sister.  They all met in high school in Southern California. 
If I had to pick my favorite memory it would have to be of their dog Hos when Bob & Barbara lived on Perthshire in Houston.  From anywhere in the house Bob would sing the catch phrase from an old Kentucky Fried Chicken ad, “get a bucket o’ chicken, finger linkin’ good!” and Hos would come tearing to his side to beg for whatever treat Bob was teasing him with.  Bob would inevitably demonstrate this performance for all unsuspecting visitors.  Always made me laugh outloud.
My second favorite memory would have to be the Thanksgiving trip we all took to Hawaii in 2000.  Bob generously hosted over 30 of us on a fantastical tour of the islands.    
Bob is an iconic figure in my life, a giant for me.  Hilariously funny, a compelling storyteller, an excellent provider, loyal American; beloved friend, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He leaves behind a tremendous legacy of family and love.
Whenever we were together, we always made each other laugh.  I will miss him everyday.   Safe travels home, dear UB.


Uncle Bobby was one of a kind. From our trip to Vail, eating rocky mountain oyster, going to the dog races or just hanging out with him was always special and entertaining. His intense humor and love for life and family were always on display. Pat and I want to extend our condolences to the Aldridge family. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Harvey and Pat Jass

Uncle Bob took me on my first hunting trip as a teenager.  He stuck me in a blind with a rifle and told me not to move.  Ten hours later he picked me up and seeing that I was not happy offered some milk duds from the front seat.  When he opened his hand a bunch of deer pellets dropped out and he just roared with laughter....every year I saw him that story kept getting better and better.  All our love to the family.

Mr. Aldridge was a giant of a man and a huge influence on my life. He was one of a handful of Westchester dads that helped shape me in to a man and taught me what it meant to be a man.  I love Mr. Aldridge and can see it now - all our dads lined up along the fence in heaven trying to out-joke each other..... his family and friends are all better people having said they were fortunate enough to know Big Bob and I look forward to one day hearing his laugh again in heaven.

My precious Dad.  He will live on in our hearts and memories forever.  We love you.  I know you and mom are so happy to be together.  

OBITUARY

Robert Charles Aldridge

August 2, 1933 – October 7, 2020

Brookside Funeral Home-Cypress Creek

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