Heavy-Hearted Cal-Mum Bids Farewell to Bob ‘the Bear’ Pullyblank

CALEDONIA – The hearts of all true Raiders are heavy today. The lights at Hamilton Field have gone dark. The face of the Caledonia-Mumford football tradition and, more famously, the voice of that tradition, Bob ‘The Bear’ Pullyblank, left us yesterday.

If you were a little kid in Caledonia in the 70’s, chances are you walked up the street on a Friday night, seeing the lights of Hamilton Field, and hearing the Bear get warmed up to announce the game.

“GOOD EVENING, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, AND WELCOME TO HAMILTON FIELD!! ON YOUR FEET RAIDER FANS!!”

He did hang times on punts…for high school games. He announced the names of the OFFENSIVE LINEMEN after long touchdown drives. He made sure the officials were informed of the mistakes that cost the Raiders. And I think my friend Roxanne Hoag Pangrazio will confirm that the thermos in the booth was not always filled with hot cocoa.

He was a giant, literally and figuratively. He was Mr. Caledonia-Mumford and more. It didn’t matter what sporting event it was. Boys or girls. You were liable to hear that big bear voice from the stands, rooting the Raiders home. He ran the Fireman’s parade. He sold raffle tickets for…well…EVERYTHING.

The doctors may tell you that his heart gave out, but I reject that entirely. It didn’t give out. He gave it away. He gave it to his beautiful wife Betty Jane Terry Pullyblank. He gave it to his wonderful family, especially those grandkids. And he gave it to his beloved Caledonia-Mumford Red Raiders.

He has been an inspiration and a wonderful friend to me. There is no replacing him. Rest well, Bear. We will save you a spot in the booth.