Chris Smith: “Bob Franks' life was grand and glorious as Fran and his daughters know better than anyone, what Bob cared first and…”

“Bob Franks' life was grand and glorious as Fran and his daughters know better than anyone, what Bob cared first and foremost about despite all of the passions in his life was family. This summer as I had many discussion with Bob about lots of different topics he would always end each of those conversations we had whether it was in person or over the telephone, by asking me, in fact imploring me, 'You're spending time with Mary Pat, right?' have you gone to some of the kids baseball games? It was the way he ended each and everyone of those conversations, no matter whether we were talking about politics or business because it was something he knew full well: the demands of a public life, the demands of a private life, and the rewards of paying attention to both. Bob Franks' smile is the thing I will remember most, about him. When he saw you his face immediately lit up, and in turn he lit up the room. His enthusiasm was mentioned just before. And he was enthusiastic in everything I saw him do.”