HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - Hundreds of friends and family members gathered at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood to celebrate the life of the man responsible for creating 7News’ distinctive approach to news reporting.
Loved ones came together Saturday night to remember a man loved and admired as a father, grandfather, friend and mentor: Robert W. Leider, or “Bob” to his friends and colleagues.
“One thing about my dad is that he led with love,” said his daughter, Kelly Dalsemer. “As a parent, he always would tell us, ‘Love to your children. Do everything you do with love.'”
“He has inspired and touched so many lives, and he has always made everyone feel good and brought the best out of people,” said his grandson, Andy Ball. “We’re all lucky to have known this great man, and his legacy will live forever. We love you, Poppy Bob. Rest in peace.”
“Bob was too young, too good and too vital to leave us,” said his friend, Nancy Daly, “but his legacy of kindness, cheerfulness, generosity and genuine concern for others will remain with all of us.”
“I’m going to miss Bob a great deal. I know everybody at the station will,” said WSVN Owner Ed Ansin, “but the memory of Bob will exist with all of us forever, and he’ll continue to challenge all of us to do our best.”
As Executive Vice President and General Manager at WSVN for years, Bob was the station’s biggest cheerleader. Words of encouragement flowed freely from him. He wanted all employees to thrive and feel appreciated.
These were traits that endeared Bob to everyone, but he didn’t reserve his hard work and dedication to just Channel 7. His impact was felt across South Florida.
“Bob loved Channel 7, loved working in the community,” said Ansin. “He was largely responsible for the Winterfest Boat Parade up in Fort Lauderdale.”
Bob served as a chairman of the board for Habitat for Humanity of Broward County. He got so much joy out of helping deserving families own their first homes.
“We at Channel 7 are very proud to be associated with Habitat, and we have for many years,” said Bob during a story about Habitat.
Now, one of his visions has become a reality. Seventy-seven homes are being built on a land in Pompano Beach. Seven families received the keys to their new homes on Thursday.
Bob could be found many weekends helping build Habitat homes, and as this Pompano Beach neighborhood continues to grow, right down Leider Avenue, part of him will always be there.
In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family is asking donations be made to Habitat for Humanity of Broward County.
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