Bobby Cummines

Bobby Cummines wasn't just a man who turned his life around - he was the kind of person who made you believe that change was possible, that redemption was real, and that a person's past didn't have to define their future. Born in 1952, Bobby lived a life that could have filled several novels, but what made him truly remarkable was how he used his experiences to help others find their way. Those who knew Bobby well understood that beneath the tough exterior was a heart of gold. He had a wicked sense of humor that could light up any room, and his laugh was infectious - the kind that started deep in his belly and spread to everyone around him. Bobby loved telling stories from his past, not to glorify the mistakes he'd made, but to show others that it was never too late to choose a different path. He had this incredible way of making you feel like you could accomplish anything, simply because he believed in you. As chief executive of Unlock, The National Association of Reformed Offenders, Bobby found his true calling. He worked tirelessly from 1999 to 2012, helping countless people rebuild their lives after incarceration. But his impact went far beyond his professional work. Bobby was the friend who would show up at 2 AM when you needed someone to talk to, the mentor who never gave up on you even when you'd given up on yourself, and the family member who always made sure everyone felt loved and included. Bobby's greatest joy came from his family - his wife Sarah, his children Michael and Emma, and his four grandchildren who adored their "Papa Bobby." He was the kind of grandfather who would get down on the floor to play with the kids, tell them outrageous stories (some true, some embellished), and sneak them extra cookies when their parents weren't looking. In his free time, he loved gardening (though he claimed to have a "black thumb"), cooking massive Sunday dinners for the family, and watching old crime movies while critiquing the "unrealistic" portrayal of criminal life. The world lost a truly special person on March 9, 2026, but Bobby's legacy lives on in every life he touched. He taught us that it's never too late to become the person you want to be, that forgiveness - both giving and receiving - is one of life's greatest gifts, and that love can transform even the darkest of pasts into a bright future. Bobby once said, "I'm not proud of who I was, but I'm proud of who I became." We're proud to have known him, and we'll miss his wisdom, his laughter, and his unwavering belief in second chances.