Maxwelton Golf Club owner Bob Carlson passed away, leaving a tremendous legacy of kindness and generosity behind. (File photo by Nick Goralczyk)

SYRACUSE – Syracuse has lost another great one.

Bob Carlson was the epitome of the hometown boy who came back and did well, not only in the community but by and for it. He and his wife, Rena, have done more for Syracuse than all of us will ever realize.

Their golf course, Maxwelton Golf Club, was more than a business. It was where they made all who visited feel welcome and at home. It has hosted graduation parties, wedding receptions, birthdays and even funerals where the Carlsons were a part of making lasting memories and making sure it all went well.

They went above and beyond for multiple causes and people in Syracuse and the surrounding area. Almost everyone who knows them has a story to tell of their kindness and friendship.

Besides his family, Bob’s passion was golf and his love of the sport has influenced generations of area players, young and old. The Wawasee High School girls golf team and the West Noble High School boys golf team call the course home.

When Stephen and Kim Conrad’s lives were cut so tragically short, Bob joined in a special program to remember Stephen and his love of and skill at golf. Stephen had literally grown up at Maxwelton with most of his youth spent living directly across the street from the course and honing his game on it.

If an organization needed a fundraiser golf outing, Bob was the man with the plan. Multitudes of groups have held outings at Maxwelton over the years. One of Bob’s favorites was hosting the Warrior Open every other year.

When I was the president of the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce, the board decided to begin a golf outing. Bob jumped right on board and Maxwelton has been hosting it for more than 15 years.

Current Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andrea Keller noted, “He was always reminding me to take a deep breath, that our outing would go smoothly and I didn’t need to be nervous. He was there for me when I needed him in a pinch. Recently he pulled golf carts out of storage as shuttles for the chamber’s annual dinner because of flooding. He was such a sweet, gentle, humble man still completely over the moon for his bride and his community. He will be missed dearly.”

Added InkFreeNews.com Sports Editor Mike Deak, “Bob was always a professional, and was as much a part of the golf course as any of the nooks and crannies that made Maxwelton unique. He was very generous, seemed to always be hosting a local tournament or outing to help support a cause, and was as friendly as anyone in the clubhouse whether I came to work or play golf. Maxwelton is one of my favorite courses to play, and it’s a credit to Bob, his staff, and the people who care about it, that kept people coming back year after year.”

Interviewing Bob and Rena about their business a few years ago, he talked about the love and support they felt from their members, customers, employees and community. It certainly was a reflection of their willingness to give back and be a friend at every opportunity.

Bob will be long remembered.