Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2010 > December > 28 > Entry
Farewell, Robert “Bobby” McCurdy
Today we say farewell to Robert McCurdy.
Dec. 19, the co-founder of the Austin Film Critics Association — and one of half of “Cole and Bobby at the Movies” — died while training to become a U.S. Navy pilot in Corpus Christi. His death is being investigated.
The buddies had grown to love movies while attending Bowie High School — inspired by their singular teacher James Ellerbrock — and they later housed together at Tejas, the University of Texas leadership fraternity.
McCurdy and Dabney started blogging about film while in their teens and quickly made a name for themselves in critical circles and, eventually, on the national scene. One year, they tried to see every single movie released in Austin.
Visiting dignitaries, they dazzled my entertainment journalism class at St. Edward’s University with their rapid-fire, entrepreneurial approach to reporting and criticism — surely the future of the field.
From what I witnessed, McCurdy, 23, was all you’d want in a best friend — steady and scampy, funny and wise, loyal and forgiving. There was never any question that he’d succeed in his one true goal: Flying for the U.S. Navy.
At an affecting memorial earlier today, I learned much more about him: As historian, student leader, ace pilot, friend and family member. Dabney, Ellerbrock and Bobby’s father spoke, along with his Navy commander, a chaplain and a childhood friend. The ceremony at the overflowing funeral home on North Lamar Boulevard ended with full military funeral honors.
His loss must be devastating for his Austin family. I know it is for Cole.
Head high, my friend, head high. Bobby would want that.
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By Scott Mickey
December 30, 2010 4:19 PM | Link to this
A friend of a cousin of Robert. Such a tragedy, I will remember the family in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.