Bob Ditter, longtime sales rep and co-owner of Towne Center Books, Pleasanton, Calif., died on July 5 as a result of a heart attack.
Towne Center Books noted that "Bob was a long-time book person. He loved sharing stories and meeting buyers, booksellers, authors, and publishers during his 40+ years as a publisher's rep. Those experiences fuel many conversations at our bookstore to this day.
"He and his wife, Judy [Wheeler], bought Towne Center Books in 1998. Many know that Saturday was Bob and Judy's 'date night' at the store. They enjoyed spending time together talking about books with anyone who ventured into the store. Bob enjoyed discussing books with friends, family and customers, sharing favorite passages and recommending new and old titles. While sharing a book, he may have slipped a sports comment, fishing story or even a grandchild anecdote into the conversation.
"He would meet you as you walked in the door with a 'have you heard about this [insert book]' and then he would start telling his stories. If you needed a history book (or even if you didn't), you left the store a little more knowledgeable (and more likely than not with a book) after talking with Bob."
The store is putting together a special display of Bob's picks, which should be completed by tomorrow, Saturday, July 12. All are welcome to visit, share a memory, or add a comment to the store's journal.