Endless Summer - Kirby Lottman

Notes from People Who Love You

Bob Holmes - unlike any other!!

Where do I start – I guess at the beginning. In 1972 I was in 8th grade at American Martyrs. That spring for some unknown reason, all the girls in my class decided to give me up for Lent – no interaction, playmates, lunchmates etc., total outcast. So, I decided to hang out with my friend Jennifer Brown who had left Martyrs for public school a couple years prior as she too was treated as an outcast. We were both 14.

One sunny day we decided to go to the beach and we rode our bikes to the Manhattan Beach pier. In looking over the railing into the sand we saw a group of young men who were hanging out after body surfing and were playing some volleyball. Actually, we heard them loud and clear before we actually got to the railing and saw them. Bob and Louis Mason were on the court yelling and insulting the other team. Of course, I considered myself an expert volleyball player (ultimately went off to play NCAA for UC Santa Barbara). However, what I saw on the court with these guys resembled no volleyball match I had ever seen – every rule was broken. I tried to point this out and set them straight. Bob explained that they were playing “Scientific Volleyball” – all perfectly legitimate with a lot of psychological maneuvering and sloppy play that kept opponent off guard. Rules? What rules! Bob Had his own unique style of play unlike any other!

That was my introduction to Gillis Beach Body Surfing and Bob specifically. The guys took us under their wings and made sure we did not do anything too stupid with the “surfer dudes” we had as boyfriends along the way. This was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with Bob that has grown over the years and been a joy. I always try to visit Bob when I am in MB and he is a rich source of info on what all the GBBA folks are up to. He has been a joyful thread woven through all the years of my life since that first day. Along the way there were Baja trips (first exposure to strip clubs) and too many rum and cokes at a Willie Nelson concert in Santa Barbara (only day I missed volleyball practice).

Cathy Tonne

Happy 80th Bob!

I have had the pleasure of knowing you for 55 of those 80 years, throughout most of my life. I have so many different memories of you:

In the 70’s and 80’s as we spent time at the south side of MB pier, both out in the water and on the sand was a wild time. You came up with my official nickname of “Even Teeth” that still sticks to this day. And even though they are no longer with us, I am sure the other pier rats - Rick Booth, Kevin Roberts, Troy Whitehead and Brian McStotts would all agree.

Later in the 90’s and 2000’s I cherished our interactions in City Government and FD related issues and helping you out with your Mom during her time in El Segundo whenever I could.

Then in the 2010’s and 2020’s getting together reliving our pasts at the Gillis Beach parties you so graciously put together. You are a wonderful man and I will always cherish our relationship

Eric Moore

Happy 80th Birthday Bob! There have been many chapters over the years, grateful to be here to contribute to another. I see an old white Corvair, my thumb is out, let’s go to Gillis!

They appeared one by one, like stags at dawn in a high mountain meadow,

Each attired in the armour and ways of their own kind.

Gathering they grew, a windy wave(tubular) rising and rushing to the shore.

Their song and laughter rang as thunder through the skies,

And rocked the Age. - Happy Birthday my Brother!

Dean Oakes

Bob Holmes, Terror of Two Oceans, Congrats on hitting 80 decades around the sun. Thanks for all the memories at the beach and the Gillis Beach reunions. Wishing you a happy birthday and many more to come!

All the best,

Tom & Kathy Campbell

Happy 80th from all the Cunningham family!!

Happy Birthday, Bob. You scoundrel!!!

Bob Undlin

Dearest Terror,

57 years since we met at Trudy's party, and you're still my favorite reprobate.

Hugs,

BUCK

aka Younger than Springtime am I. "

Regards,

Lori Cortez

Bob, you are noteable for your obvious brainpower,

your kindness, and your good cheer. I am pleased and fortunate to call you a good friend.

Enjoy your 80th birthday and many more as well!

Neil Frank

Hi Bob. Happy 80th Birthday from Kelley Edwards in Hermosa Beach!

Have a great day from your old friend!

Dear Bob,

It's hard to believe we've known each other for 51 years. I first met you when I was 19, and from the very beginning I knew you were someone special.

Over the years, even when life took us in different directions and we didn't stay in touch as often, you've always remained one of those friends I've carried in my heart. Your intelligence, quick wit, loyalty, and genuine kindness have always set you apart.

You've lived a remarkable life—as a veteran, a successful businessman, and, most importantly, as someone who has never forgotten what truly matters. Family, your love for the beach and the ocean, your treasured friendships, and your dedication to giving back to your community say so much about the person you are.

You are someone I've admired for as long as I've known you, and I'm grateful our paths crossed all those years ago.

Happy 80th Birthday, Bob. May this milestone year bring you as much joy, friendship, and love as you've given to so many others.

With affection and admiration,

Mary (Mare-Bare)

Happy Birthday Bob, we’ve been friends for 50+ yrs., being a Gillis member has always been a highlight in my life, thanks to you for being in my corner all these yrs. Have a great birthday!! Much respect,

Walt

Bob is getting old from another old friend and GBBA alumni. Joined in 64.

Tim Donaghy

Happy Birthday Bob!!! Thank you for being the leader of the Gillis Bodysurfing Club for so many years and for welcoming me as one of the first women!!! Thanks for all of your service to the local community, you have a servants heart-congratulations on turning 80!!! Prayers for good health, peace, and joy for many years to come!!!

Sending blessings, love and prayers from Washington,

Sharon Law

Happy 80’th birthday! It’s been about 55 years since those wonderful days on the beach when I was a member of the Pier Rats and you Kerry, Louie were the local regulars. I’ll be back in the spring and I would like a reunion of Cruvat. (Maybe just a gathering, not a performance). You have been one of the few people I have cherished having as a friend. And if she were still here, Cheryl Crownover would wish you a happy birthday too.

Let loose and have fun,

Laurie Bednarski Kelleher

This is the story about how Bob Holmes gave me my Gillis nickname. Back in 1974 my girlfriend at that time Sherry and I were invited by Bob and the GBBA to go to the air races in Pomona. After Bob told Sherry a crude story about me, which was probably true she replied by saying “oh dumpling”. I knew at that time I was done for. I slowly turned and saw the look of absolute delight on Bob’s face when he repeated “dumpling”? That has been my nickname ever since. Thank you Bob!

For over 50 years, you’ve consistently been the crabgrass in my lawn of life. Hopefully you’ll continue to be that crabgrass!! Wishing you a happy 80th!!

Esteban

Hey Floater, Happy, Happy Birthday!!

We were asked to remember incidents in the last 80 years where you had an impact or humorous moment in our lives. To me every time I walk by the Manhattan Beach pier I visualize our times hanging out there in the 60's. Seeing you in your beach chair holding court while watching the action on the south side of the pier with your trademark Nievia nose cream always gives me a smile. Body surfing with Rogers, Baby Huey, Callicoat, Donaghy, Little Mike, Louie Mason, Skodie Terri and all the others whose faces I see, but names I can't, all being watched over by our favorite legendary Lifeguard [you'll remember his name, I don't].

Other memories: hearing Jimmy Hendrix for the 1st time at your apartment over by Safeway; Doing the alligator late at night in the street on Valley Drive during a crazy party; My surprise at your decision to run for mayor of Manhattan--and then winning!--all great moments.

And finally, your human side calling about your concern for my wife Pat when she had a medical emergency.

May you have another 20 years+ that you so rightly deserve.

Paul Francis

Congratulations Bob on your major milestone. 80 is quite an acomplishment.

Its been great getting to know you. Many thanks for running the club snd keeping us going

Jerry Lopopolo

Tom & Kathy Campbell