STURGIS, S.D. – Mayor Mark Carstensen made the proclamation of “Bob Davis Day” on a cold day for March in downtown Sturgis Friday.
Standing in front of the business that Bob Davis owned were over a hundred community supporters who knew exactly why this day mattered.
Most knew this day would come – just not under the current circumstances.
Davis, well known in the Sturgis community, was recently diagnosed with cancer, and is currently in the Lippold Hospice Suite at Monument Hospital.
Friday’s get together was to show the community support for the entrepreneur, who has been instrumental in the revitalization of Main Street.
Bob, who had started a new tradition of capturing with his camera events around the area, received a tribute of supporters gathering for a very special photo in front of his business ‘Sturgis Photo and Gifts.’
Francie Reubel-Alberts may have said it best — “It’s so wonderful seeing all these people here giving honor to all the things Bob has done for this community and recognizing he’s made it better all the way around.”
Signs that said “Every Day is Bob Davis Day,” and “We Love You Bob” stood out in the crowd – much like the stories being shared about about Bob’s many talents over the years – photographer, entrepreneur, community supporter and radio announcer. It was he, Bob Davis, who may have bested Orson Welle’s ‘War of the Worlds’ by pulling off the ultimate practical joke on this very radio station in 1976, with an April’s Fool’s broadcast of Bear Butte erupting.
Bob was unable to attend Friday’s photo shoot, but thanks to technology, was able to see all the support the community brought out – and for long time friend Ruebel-Alberts, that means a lot.
“It was so wonderful to see all those signs. That’s going to make him feel very, very good.”
Whether it be a Homecoming Parade, The Festival of Lights, the Sturgis Motorcycle, Mustang and Camaro rallies, and even motocross races, Bob Davis has captured forever images from the events that define Sturgis. Those attending Friday’s photo shoot want Bob Davis to know that he too, helped define Sturgis – and it won’t be the same without him.
