The death of an Icon: Bob Shamrock passes away at 68
I spent this week in Reno on business. Since I was going to be here anyway, I wanted to take the opportunity to visit the Lion’s Den, the training center that UFC and MMA legend Ken Shamrock has established here. Earlier this evening I headed over to the 5:30 grappling class, to be taught by Ken.
When I arrived I learned some truly sad news: Bob Shamrock, adopted father of both Ken and Frank Shamrock, passed away earlier this afternoon here in Reno.
I had heard a lot about Bob, and the significant factor that he had been in the boys lives, and in the early shaping of the UFC and MMA. But not until this evening, when I sat down to do some reading on Bob Shamrock, did I really understand the caliber of man that the world has lost today.
In a heart touching article published by the Knuckle Pit, we begin to see the picture of Bob Shamrock, who helped people from very early on in his life. After school each day Bob would go down and volunteer his time at a mission in Los Angeles, where he would serve meals to the homeless, and entertain them by playing the piano.
By the time Ken, a foster Child of 15 years old, showed up at bob and Dee Dee’s doorstep in 1979, the Shamrocks had already been taking in foster children for 9 years. First one, then four, and then as many as 18 at a time would be welcomed into the Shamrock home. Here they had access to a full gym, basketball courts, a swimming pool, and tennis courts.
The Shamrocks learned early on, that sports was a great way to really get kids interested in something. But if sports didn’t fit, they would send them to art classes at the community college, buy them guitar lessons, piano, or whatever it took. They were always giving. Always working to find outlets for these children.
Our hearts go out to the Shamrocks, and to the many people who must be grieving today… The many children, now adults, whose lives Bob touched. I know he is receiving one of the fatherly hugs tonight, than I’m sure he gave so many times.
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